General Information

Dog NameChinook
Other NamesNone
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeSled-Dog
GroupWorking Group
Breed ForWorking as a sled dog
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited States of America (USA)

Physical And Size

SizeLarge
Min Life Span12
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male24
Max Ideal Weight for male29
Min Ideal Weight for female22
Max Ideal Weight for male29

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentSmart, Devoted, Gentle
Prey DriveNo
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Dog FriendlyMedium
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyMedium
Senior Citizens FriendlyMedium
Service DogMedium
Search and Rescue DogMedium
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginUnited States
Nicknames and Other NamesNone
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred (sled-dog)
GroupWorking Group
Bred ForWorking as a sled-dog
SizeLarge-sized
Recognized ByAKC, UKC
Life Span12-15 years
Ideal WeightMale: 55-90 pounds
Female: 50-65 pounds
Ideal HeightMale: 24-26 inches
Female: 22-24 inches
Fur TypeThick double coat, straight
Common ColorsGray Red, Fawn, Silver Fawn, Palomino,
Red Gold
MarkingsWhite markings, Buff markings,
Black Mask
AvailabilityModerately available
AchievementsState dog of New Hampshire
Suitable for ApartmentsModerately suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToMastiff

The Chinook dog breed is a rare breed of American sled dogs that originated in the early 20th Century in New Hampshire. These dogs have stouthearted dignity, with a kindly twinkle in their dark, almond eyes.

The Chinooks are calm, socializing dogs with a special feel for children. Here is everything you need to know about the breed.

Origin & History of the Chinooks

The Chinook began its journey of evolution in New Hampshire when an explorer as well as author named Arthur T. Walden set out to create a breed of sled dog with tremendous amount of power, agility and speed.

Arthur bred a mastiff-type dog with a northern husky. As a result, three tawny colored puppies were born which were then called Rikki, Tikki and Tavi were born.

Chinooks are very sociable dogs. Image Source: Bashaba Chinooks

Rikki had all the qualities that Author/Explorer had wanted, and he was given the name “Chinook” after a treasured lead dog he had left behind in Alaska.

Chinook was an intelligent, large, and an excellent lead dog for Walden and his team of sled dogs. Chinook was later bred to German and Belgian shepherd working dogs, which resulted in the breed known today as Chinook.

Are they Child-friendly?

Yes, they are good when it comes to being child-friendly. They are friendly and non-aggressive breed that has a very shy nature.

Chinook is very child-friendly dog with children. Image Source: Chinook Dog Centre

Behavior, Temperament & Personality

The Chinook is a very shy breed of dogs that are very gentle with other canines and children. They behave very kindly and affectionate with anyone they love to please.

The Chinook breed has a gentle and even temperament which makes it easier to rear compared to other sled dog breeds. These calm and patient dogs get very playful along with children and other dogs.

Cute little Chinook puppies sledding.

Being an outstanding athlete, the Chinook is a very intelligent, hardy and loyal breed. They are suited to be in pack’ environment. Their intelligence makes it easier for the owner/trainer to train them.

Trainability of the Chinook

The intelligence of the Chinook breed comes to be very useful while training him. He is smart, versatile and highly trainable breed. However, they are strong-willed and can become a bit stubborn.

Almost every Chinook dog requires correction in order to avoid its dominant position in the family. He requires an owner with firm but gentle hands to prevent aggression and stubbornness.

A Chinook dog being trained. Image Source: YouTube

Good training sessions will give him the opportunity to spend some of its energy and its brainpower for learning new things.

Despite being very clever dogs, Chinooks are likely to resist authority on their own favor. Not only it takes five or six weeks, but also the training should be continued each and every day of the dog’s life.

Facts about the Chinooks

Here are some of the facts about the Chinook dog breed that you might want to know:

  • The Chinook dog is the state dog of New Hampshire.
  • A Chinook is dropped ear is preferred and valued.
  • It is a very gentle breed which is rarely violent.
  • It is an intelligent and loyal breed.
  • It originated in the early 20th century.
  • They are very friendly with children and other dogs.

Some Common Health Issues of the Chinook Dog Breed

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesCataracts, Hip Dysplasia, Skin Irritation,
Seizures, Bloat, Obesity
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Parainfluenza,
Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis,
Kennel Cough, Canine Coronavirus
SheddingModerate Shedding
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAverage Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 23%
Fat: 8%
Fish Oil
Glucosamine
Antioxidants

Having an average life of 13-15 years, the Chinook dog suffers through various health issues. According to petMD, here are some of the commonly seen health issues in the Chinook breed:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a serious hereditary disease seen in dogs which is caused due to the malformation of the hip joint.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a very chronic disorder that causes unprovoked, recurrent seizures in the dog’s brain.

Atopy

Atopy is an inflammatory, chronic skin disease that is associated with allergies. It is the second most common allergic skin disease in dogs.

Color

The Chinook dogs are found in six different colors. They are as follows:

  • Fawn
  • White
  • Tawny
  • Buff
  • Grey & Tan
  • Black & Tan

Pupies

Make your to have your house and accessories very well puppy-proofed if you are planning to own one. Electric cables and wires should be properly managed and kept out of reach of the puppy.

Cute Little Chinook puppies. Image Source: 101Dogbreeds

Despite being intelligent, the puppies take a lot of time to catch up with the training you give them. So, be gentle and do it with positive reinforcements.

Cost of the Chinook puppies

If you are willing to buy a Chinook puppy, you’ll have to pay $800 to $1000 approximately depending on the purity of the breed.

Which dogs are they similar to?

Here are some dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinook dog breed:

Visit Doglime for more Dog breeds Information and their behavior.

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