The Chinook Breed Conservation Program (CBCP) has recently had its fourth qualifying F1 litter born with the most recent New Founder approval. The approved New Founders are a Tamaskan Dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog, a Labrador Retriever, and Seppala Siberian Sled Dog.
This is an exciting time as we watch the Chinook dog continue its journey towards a sustainable gene pool! Based on the number of puppies born under the program in three years since its inception, and the overall low production rate of purebred Chinook puppies, the Committee has reviewed the population as the CBCP requires and has new Guidance for Breeders. Second generation litters can be planned and bred within the program as outlined in the guidelines. At this time, the Program remains open for New Founder/first generation applications. The Committee is closely monitoring the state of the breed, however, and a strong preference for *female* New Founders will be applied to applications. Approval for New Founder applications for males may be deferred for a time as we see outcomes from the remaining F1 litters and await second generation puppies -- and hopefully see a rebound in the purebred population numbers.
Breeders considering F1 outcross litters and New Founder applications are strongly recommended to consult with the committee BEFORE doing significant work testing/planning a litter. Visit the CBCP page for more details.
If you have any questions, please contact COA Health & Genetics Committee Chair Karen Hinchy.