Chinook

also known as Shinook

Pros History


The Chinook is a medium-sized, spitz-type breed of dog that has a rich and interesting history. The breed was developed in the United States in the early 20th century by a New England musher and explorer named Arthur Treadwell Walden. Walden was inspired by the strength and endurance of the Chinook people's sled dogs, and he set out to create a new breed that would embody these characteristics.

Walden began his breeding program in 1917, using a variety of breeds, including the Mastiff, Belgian Sheepdog, and Greenland Dog. He carefully selected and bred these breeds together to create a new breed that would have the desired characteristics of a strong and endurance sled dog. After many years of breeding and selection, the Chinook was officially recognized as a distinct breed in the 1940s.

The Chinook was used primarily as a sled dog in the New England area, where their strength, endurance, and loyalty made them well-suited for the harsh conditions of the region. The breed was also used for hunting and as a companion dog. However, due to a lack of breeding and the decrease of sledding as a means of transportation, the breed was close to extinction in the 1940s.

In the 1970s, Dr. Leah G. Rogers, granddaughter of Arthur Treadwell Walden, established a breeding program to bring the Chinook back from the brink of extinction. She worked tirelessly to preserve the breed's unique characteristics and improve its overall health. Her efforts paid off, and the Chinook was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1991, which helped to increase its popularity in the United States and other Western countries.

Breed Information


Type

Is Chinook a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Chinooks originally used for?

Sled Pulling

Lifespan

How Long Do Chinooks Live? What is average life expectancy for a Chinook? How long can Chinooks live?

12-15 years

The average Chinook lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Chinook Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Chinook?

What is the average height of a Chinook? How big is a Purebred Chinook height? Chinook dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 23-27 inches (58.4 - 68.6 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 22.5 inches (57.2 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
Female 21-25 inches (53.3 - 63.5 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Chinook? How much should Chinooks weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-90 pounds (25 - 41 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 72.5 pounds (33 kg)
Female 55-90 pounds (25 - 41 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 72.5 pounds (33 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Chinooks get fat easily?

The Chinook is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Chinooks Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Chinook is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Chinook personality? What are Chinook dogs best known for?

Alert
Dignified
Responsive
Calm
Friendly

Shedding Level

Are Chinooks heavy shedders? How Much Does a Chinook Shed?

Chinook dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Chinook. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Chinook dog?

Chinooks are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Chinook is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Chinooks come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are Chinooks descended from?

Husky, North Pole Sled Team Dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Chinook breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
United Kennel Club
American Rare Breed Association

Date of Birth

When were Chinooks first bred? How old is the Chinook breed?

1900s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Chinook?

Working (AKC:2010)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Chinook Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Chinook eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Chinook nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Chinook coat be naturally?

Fawn
White
Black
Gray

Coat Length

How long is a Chinooks coat?

The coat of a Chinook falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Chinook Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Chinook?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Chinook have in a litter? How many puppies can a Chinook have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Chinook can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Chinooks are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Chinook Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Chinooks have a lot of health problems?

The Chinook is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Chinook?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Chinooks?

Excessive Shyness
Eye Abnormalities
Hip Dysplasia
Hormonal Skin Problems
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Seizures And Spondylosis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Chinook breed?

Hip
Blood Test
Eyes
Skin Scraping
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Chinook Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Chinooks have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Chinooks may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Chinooks need socialization? How social are Chinooks?

Chinook have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Chinooks get?

The Chinook needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Chinook have? Do Chinooks sleep a lot?

The Chinook breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Chinook drool a lot?

The Chinook is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Chinooks tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Chinooks exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Chinook dogs are not known for their protective nature and may not be the best choice as guard dogs. They do not have a strong drive to defend their territory and may not be inclined to provide protection.

Mouthiness

Are Chinooks mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Chinook running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Chinook dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Chinook? How much energy does a Chinook have?

Medium

Chinooks are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Chinook walk each week? How many miles should a Chinook walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Chinook, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Chinook should exercise a day? How much activity does a Chinook need?

60 minutes

In general most Chinooks usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Chinook?

The Chinook is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Chinook?

Weekly

Chinook should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Chinooks?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Chinook eat?

3 cups

For an average 55-90 pound (25 - 41 kg) Chinook feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Chinook Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Chinook is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Chinook Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Chinook is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Chinook Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Chinook?

The Chinook have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Chinooks lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Chinook dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Chinook dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Chinook do well in apartments? Are Chinooks good indoor dogs?

Chinooks are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Chinooks good with kids? Are Chinooks good around children?

A Chinooks typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Chinooks good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Chinooks good with cats? How friendly Chinooks are toward cats?

Chinooks are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Chinook dogs get along with other dogs? Are Chinooks OK with other dogs?

Chinooks are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Chinook dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Chinooks friendly with strangers?

Chinooks are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Chinooks like to play? Are Chinooks playful?

The Chinook is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Chinook is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Chinook easily trained?

Chinook dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Friendly
    Known for being friendly, outgoing, and good with children and other pets.
  • Intelligent
    Highly trainable, it excels in obedience and agility training.
  • Good with cold weather
    Well-suited for cold weather and can handle living in cold climates.
  • Good with families
    It is great with families and makes an excellent family pet.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be cautious when considering a Chinook, as they may cause allergic reactions.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Chinook.
  • High energy
    It requires a lot of exercise and can become destructive if it does not get enough.
  • Exercise
    It needs a lot of exercise and needs to be kept active.