Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
25–41 kg
Height
56–66 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Tawny · Gold · Fawn · Palomino
Chinook
About This Breed
The Chinook is New Hampshire's state dog, a rare sled dog breed developed by explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden. Combining the power of a freight dog with the speed of lighter sled dogs, they are gentle and eager to please.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Chinook
Origin
| Origin | United States |
| Group | Working |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 25–41 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Height | 56–66 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Tawny · Gold · Fawn · Palomino |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Friendly · Patient · Intelligent · Devoted |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
In the early 1900s, explorer and sled dog-driver Arthur Walden created the Chinook (pronounced Sha-Nook) in New Hampshire by breeding a Siberian Husky with a “Mastiff-type dog,” according to the Chinook Club of America (CCA). Chinook dogs have a dense double coat that lies close to the body to keep them well insulated, so these dogs do well in cold climates. They are also known for their muscular body, webbed paws, and saber tails—all traits that helped the breed excel as sled dogs. Chinooks stand 22–26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 50–90 pounds.
Care Guide
Chinooks are sweet-tempered dogs that are hardworking and devoted to their loved ones. They are extremely athletic and need to be given jobs to do—such as sled-pulling—to burn off energy and keep them mentally stimulated. They require a moderate amount of grooming due to the shedding of their coat. Weekly brushing works well for most of the year, but in spring and fall when they shed more, this breed requires brushing twice a week.