Chinook Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

30-40 kg

Height

147-160 cm

Lifespan

13-15 years

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About the Chinook

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Chinook was the name of the original dog bred on Arthur Treadwell Walden’s farm in New Hampshire in 1917. It’s an exceptionally versatile dog breed that made its name on an expedition to Antarctica; but while it’s strong for sled dog racing, it’s also a great family pet – it’s good with kids and has a friendly personality with a calm temperament.

What is the history & origin of the Chinook?

This American breed started life in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on the farm of Arthur Treadwell Walden. Arthur Walden was an adventurer and dog breeder and participant in the first Byrd expedition to Antarctica, where he brought along the first dog named Chinook.

Chinook was born from a mixed parentage; on the dam side was a Greenland Husky, and on the sire side was a large Mastiff. This parentage combines endurance and load-bearing strength with speed which led to the Chinook breaking many records, including Guinness World Records.

What is a Chinook Breed?

A Chinook is bred from a Greenland Husky and a St Bernard’s mastiff-type dog, they were first bred on Arthur Treadwell Walden’s farm, and the most well-known puppy in the litter was Chinook. Chinook was a handsome floppy-eared dog that fathered a litter of pups himself.

Chinooks are strong, friendly dogs with very good intelligence, they have a lot of physical strength and energy that needs satisfying through long walks and hikes, but they are also very playful and family-friendly. The Chinook dog breed is a rare breed officially recognised in 1991.

Who is a Chinook Best For?

The Chinook dog breed is an excellent all-rounder, perfect for dog sports and ideal sled dogs; Chinooks are also friendly, playful animals that get on well with children if they are brought up together and socialised. But a Chinook is also a great choice for single people who enjoy walks.

Chinooks are the perfect family dogs because they are gentle, friendly, intelligent, and very adaptable. A Chinook loves its pack and enjoys going on walks with them; it also loves to settle down in the house surrounded by its people. So if there’s someone in a lot, Chinooks are great!

Chinook Grooming & Shedding

Like other dogs, Chinooks shed their heavy coat twice a year, but apart from that, they shed only very minimal amounts of fur daily. Still, an adult dog will need to be groomed regularly, and the United Kennel Club recommends giving them a brush at least once a day.

Along with regular brushing to keep the fur shiny and flat, owners will need to have to trim the nails of the Chinook once a week; these nails grow quickly and need to be kept under control. As with other dogs, the Chinook’s teeth will also have to be brushed to prevent dental diseases.

Do Chinooks bark a lot?

The Chinook is a large sled dog with strength, endurance, and intelligence, but it’s not a barking dog. Unlike a Chi Chi, for instance, Chinook dog breeds are quiet dogs that don’t tend to react strongly to noises outside or new people, but that doesn’t mean they are always quiet.

Instead of barking, you might find your Chinook dog whines and woo-woos a lot to express its emotions and opinions. A Chinook might be disgruntled if it needs more affection or wants to go outside but isn’t allowed; you might find they bark at new people but only for a short time.

What is the average weight & height of a Chinook dog?

These dogs vary in size and weight because they are a rare breed that was only recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1991. That said, you can expect the average Chinook to grow to between 58 and 63 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 40 kilos – this makes them a little larger than other pets, but they are still great for the family home due to their friendly nature.

Are Chinooks easy to train?

Thanks to their high-level intelligence, Chinooks are very easy to train; all you need to do is create consistent routines and use positive reinforcement techniques to help them grasp the message. Whether it’s potty training or tricks, a Chinook will get the idea quickly, making life easier. If you have any issues with your pup, withdrawing affection is a powerful motivator.

How do Chinooks behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Chinook dogs are calm and friendly; they are non-aggressive and don’t bark very often – even when they are around strangers; that said, some of these dogs might become shyer with people they don’t know. These dogs also benefit a lot from early socialisation – which is important, especially if you have small children – enlist them in a puppy class or get the help of a trainer.

Does the Chinook have any common health issues?

Chinooks are strong, healthy dogs that don’t suffer from many genetic diseases; this makes them long-living dogs and another excellent choice for families. That said, they are not without their health problems and diseases, meaning it’s important to always buy from a good breeder.

Health issues you might encounter in your Chinook include Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Seizures, issues with dog hair and coats along with gastrointestinal issues. These health issues can be expensive and distressing, so check the breeder first and ask to see a medical background first.

What is the lifespan of a Chinook?

Similar to other dog types, Chinooks can live between 13 and 15 years from a young puppy; this is a fairly average life expectancy for a dog, according to the national breed club.

Although some dogs can live up to 20 years, keeping a dog in your family for 15 years while your children grow up gives them an unforgettable companion from their childhood that they’ll always remember.

How much does a Chinook need to be fed?

Like people, dogs differ in their feeding habits and how many calories they need each day. On average, larger, more active dogs require more calories, but that’s not always the case! When it comes to Chinooks, it’s best to monitor their eating habits and sensibly adapt them.

Feed your Chinook twice a day, and avoid leaving kibble out all the time. It’s best to control their feeding times as a form of weight/energy control and a form of training. Always use high-quality dog food for nordic dogs to support their digestion. Buy this dog food at any pet store.

How much can you expect to pay for a Chinook in Australia?

Surprisingly, Chinooks are not in high demand in Australia, which is why you can buy one of these larger dogs for less. Expect to pay somewhere between $1000 and $2500 for a Chinook dog from a quality breeder. The other way you can bring a friendly Chinook into your life is to adopt one from an animal shelter; just remember to assess its temperament before you buy it.

Chinook FAQs

Do Chinook dogs suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes! These dogs are highly affectionate and need lots of attention; they are happiest when they are in a family unit – like a dog pack – and become stressed when there is no one around. If you want to train your pup for some reason, you can withdraw affection, and they will quickly respond, but you shouldn’t need to do this if they are trained and have some early socialization.

Are Chinook’s hypoallergenic dogs?

These dogs are not hypoallergenic! In fact, they shed quite a lot of hair daily and have thick double coats that shed twice a year. This isn’t great if you have allergies to fur and hair or sensitivities to dust and skin flakes. However, if your allergies are minimal, you might be okay after a time of adjusting to the Chinook; regular grooming also helps to keep the dust down.

Can Chinook dogs swim?

Chinooks are probably more suited to fields and open ground; that said, some of them do like to plunge into the river or get their feet wet. According to the Chinook owners association, all chinooks are different; some like to swim while others avoid water entirely. Either way, these dogs can swim well, so you don’t need to worry about them if they take a plunge on a walk.

How do I know if my dog is a Chinook?

If you own a Chinook, it might look like a St Bernards or a German Shepherd, so how can you tell if your dog comes from the original farm dog? First, take a look at the stature of the dog; it should be medium to large; a Chinook will also have a broad wedge-shaped head in proportion to the body. Look at the ears; a Chinook’s ears are V-shaped and black-coloured on the inside.