Chinook Information

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The Chinook is a sled dog with a compact, well-muscled frame. Their bodies are proportionate and balanced, and they have a deep chest. The breed’s stop is moderately pronounced and the skin is tight and wrinkleless around the head. They have a furrow that runs from the stop to the occiput, and their muzzles are strong. They have large, broad nostrils and powerful teeth that meet in a scissors bite. Their eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized, and are usually dark brown in color. They have webbed toes and fur-covered feet, and their paws are thickly padded. Tails of this breed are never docked. The Chinook has a double coat that consists of a dense, soft undercoat and a coarse, close-fitting outer coat. The thick hair around the neck forms a ruff that blends into the apron. The coat color of this breed is tawny.

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Character

The Chinook is a devoted, hard-working sled dog that takes his job very seriously. They are calm, willing, and possess a friendly, even temperament. They aren’t aggressive towards other dogs, but they may be reserved around strangers. They become used to their lifestyle and surroundings, and they will likely feel uncomfortable if they are removed from either. They are graceful, alert, and dignified. The majority of this breed is tolerant of children, regardless of whether the dog has been around them in the past. They are a hopelessly loyal breed, and they need to feel as though they are an important part of the family. They are happy to follow their owners from place to place. The Chinook needs obedience training from an early age. They are easy to train and require an owner that can give firm commands in association with positive reinforcement. They are highly intelligent and know what’s expected of them.


If properly trained and socialized Chinooks are will be friendly with strangers and guest.

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Size

21 – 27 inches
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Weight

55 – 70 pounds
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General Health

The Chinook has a propensity to be excessively shy. Eye abnormalities, hormonal skin problems, seizures, spondylosis, and mono/bilateral cryptorchidism are some of the health concerns that are prevalent within the overall breed. Like many other large dog breeds, the Chinook is prone to hip dysplasia. These health concerns only occur in a small portion of the Chinook population, and the majority of Chinooks are very healthy. This breed typically lives for 10 to 15 years.

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History

The Chinook is a northern breed whose foundation was developed from a single ancestor. The father of the first Chinook was born in New Hampshire on Arthur Walden’s farm in the year 1917. This dog’s mother was a northern Husky, and his father was a large, mixed breed. To the surprise of breeders and people everywhere, this dog did not resemble either one of his parents. He was an excellent sled dog and accompanied Admiral Byrd on his South Pole expedition in 1927. The Chinook’s offspring were bred with the intention of combining the strength of the large freight dog with the speed of the smaller racing sled dog breeds. This breed was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the rarest dog breed in 1966, and it is still very rare. They are bred by a small number of people who are dedicated to their existence. Today the Chinook is heavily utilized as a companion dog. The Chinook was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in March of 1991. Several organizations are in the process of expanding the popularity, recognition, and development of this breed.

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Maintenance

The double coat of the Chinook requires very little maintenance or attention. They are very heavy shedders.

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Ideal Environment

The Chinook is content to live in a small household or apartment if he is sufficiently exercised. They are not a hyper breed, but they enjoy going for a long walk a few times per week. These dogs don’t really bark, so they can be left alone for extended periods of time after they reach their full maturity. The Chinook is not an outside pet, and it needs to feel as though it is part of the family. They shouldn’t be kept in a backyard, and they need to receive plenty of human contact and affection.

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Dog Training!

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