Chinook Dog
iStock.com/Kathleen Riley

Chinook Dog Breed

Other names:
Chinook Dog
Chinook Puppy

Pronunciation: [ shi•nook ]

The Chinook is one of the few truly American dog breed. They are sledding dogs that were developed not in Alaska but New Hampshire in the early 20th century just as The Great War was coming to an end. Nearly a century later, in 2009, the Chinook became the official state dog when a gaggle of seventh graders from the Bedford, NH-based Ross A. Lurgio Middle School conceived the idea and successfully petitioned the state legislature, a body which formally announced the dog's title in the New Hampshire Statutes, Title 1, Chapter 3, Section 3:25.

Chinook Breed Details

The Chinook, above all else, is a sledding and drafting (i.e., cart-pulling) dog and technically a "freighting" breed. These dogs prefer very cold climates, and they can be extremely stubborn dogs who are not suited to people with anything less than a lot of experience with their class. For people who have a firm hand, a lot of patience, and pursue a rigorous daily regimen of work, play, and exercise, however, there is a fair chance of compatibility with this breed. They work wonderfully with other dogs, but they might not be good with kids.

There are many Chinook dog facts you should carefully consider if you are looking to adopt one of these dogs:

Pros
Very frisky!
Loves people
Can be laid-back
Great at problem-solving
Non-plussed around strangers
Not particularly dog-aggressive
Perfect for winter environments
Can be trained to do a lot of heavy work
Cons
Sheds heavily
Can be overly shy
Not good guard dogs
Tend to mature very slowly
Love to dig, and dig, and dig
Rare and with long waiting lists
Can quickly get separation anxiety
Huge prey drive regarding small furries
May demand being inside most the time
Can be overly verbal although not barkers
Type
Purebred
Lifespan
12 - 15 yrs.
Height
22 - 26 in.
Weight
55 - 90 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Chinook Breed Description

These strong, agile, and seemingly indefatigable dogs are a force with which to be reckoned when together as a team, and even alone they are considerable. While the 101 on these sled dogs is all about that power, there is much more info about these dogs that should be known before adopting one.

The Chinook is one of the smartest dogs around, and it is not unusual that they are called the "Einstein" of the mondo cane (dog's world). They even have a look that clearly yet smartly implies they have a brain that, like their physical prowess, is significant.

These dogs may seem to do what they want on a whim, but that may only seem so to we humans. Chinooks have a long-range plan that may not seem obvious by their quirks, habits and subtle body language. Once you have figured it out, you are either left without your lunch or watching her bound off after a rabbit or squirrel on the other side of that fence you felt would work well enough!

If you need something pulled or otherwise moved, these are the dogs to do it. Likewise, strength training for these dogs is easy: a piece of plywood, a rope with a harness, and a pile of big bricks! She'll be happy to tear across the yard with ever-heavy loads!

Chinook Temperament

The Chinook is an aptly named breed who will, like that wind, breeze through life, actives — and fences! Like the breeze, however, he can be as friendly as he is fiercely independent and aloof and may seem to be so on a whim. He really must be socialized early and constantly and in many situations (your cat, other dogs, neighborhood kids, etc.).

Because of their need for socialization as well as that they are not overly territorial, they don't make good watch dogs. They prefer to stay close to their humans even if they are not good as guard dogs too, and they do have a possibility of being shy. They may seem like outdoor dogs, but they prefer to be indoor. These dogs have characteristics that are sure to make them frustrating to people who don't have much patience but are lovely dogs for people who, like the wind, don't mind going whichever way it blows!

Chinook Health

These are very healthy breeds who won't be catching the flu anytime soon no matter how cold it gets, but they are dogs, and all dogs have some illnesses they can contract one way or another. They love to power through their work, however, so you should always be on hand if they are working (or playing) very hard so as to avoid work-related injuries. You can also help them to avoid a lot of potential health problems by ensuring they have all their vert certifications and paperwork.

Here is a list of many of the few possible ailments these dogs might encounter:

  • Bloat
  • Seizures
  • Cataracts
  • Skin issues
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Other gastrointestinal concerns

The Chinook has an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.

Chinook Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Chinooks.

Bloat
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Seizures
Skin irritation

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:September 20, 2018
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