They mushed and worked, hauling early-20th century explorers to the tip of the world, asking only a belly rub in return. Loyal and faithful, the Chinook, part husky, part barn dog, has been a singularly New England dog since the early 20th century when adventurer Arthur Walden started breeding the work animals as sled dogs.

While the breed may not be a worldwide household name, it is finally getting its props right here at home: a bill to name New England's prized pooch the New Hampshire state dog is a signature away from becoming official. An exhibit now on display at the New Hampshire Historical Society tells the story of the beloved dog.

"What I find most interesting about the Chinook is that it is uniquely New Hampshire," said Wesley Balla, director of collections and exhibitions for the historical society. "Most states have state birds and trees and all that. But we have this dog. It's a New Hampshire story."

After catching the adventure bug on a trip to Alaska, dog breeder and racer Arthur Walden came back to Tamworth wanting a dog like he'd seen in the last frontier.

"It's not clear how long he took in breeding," Balla said. "But what he ended up with was a cross between a husky and a mastiff. And he got this mix of a loyal, bright, puff ball."

The original Chinook, named after another of Walden's dogs, was born in Wonalancet in 1917.

Chinook, "the wise-faced mongrel," grew to 100 pounds and captured the world's attention, inspiring books, newspaper articles and even a movie, according to information on display with the exhibit.

"Chinooks are honest and true," said Jessica Maurer, founder of Chinooks New England, an organization devoted to promoting the Chinook dog in the Northeast. "They are devoted family pets who are valued for their friendly and calm dispositions.

"They have a strong work ethic, a keen intellect and excellent drive and versatility. They make exceptional hiking or running companions and are well-suited for just about any dog sport."

Chinook and his pups went on to be the first sled dog team - New England Sled Dog Club - in New England, which is still in existence today, Maurer said. They were also the first team to scale Mount Washington and reach the summit.

But by 1928, Chinook was ready for the big time. Arthur and his pack caught the attention of U.S. Navy Commander Richard E. Byrd, who was setting out be the first to chart the Antarctic and fly over the South Pole. Chinook led the way.

"I tend to look at (the Chinooks importance) as to how it relates to the Byrd expedition and its contributions to science," Balla said. "This was a time period where people wanted to be adventurers and explorers. They were conquering mountains and going to the artic, and the Chinook was a big part of what allowed them to do that."

After returning from Antarctica in 1930, Chinook and Walden were not only famous adventurers but hometown heroes. But Walden always wanted credit to be placed where credit was due. When the people of Tamworth wanted to rename a road that connects Wonalancet with Tamworth "Walden's Road" he asked instead that they name it the "Chinook Trail," honoring his loyal and faithful companion.

Walden went on to train others in the sport of sled racing and the art of sled-making. One of his students, Ed Moody, was part of Byrd's second trip to Antarctica. One of Moody's handmade sleds is on display at the historical society's museum. The sled, along with a canvas harness and some photographs, are just a few practical trinkets to survive nearly a century of storage.

"It's amazing what survives and what doesn't," Balla said. "I think survival of these things is due to the fact that it was practical to keep them. They were meant to last."