Chinook

For the development of this dog breed is responsible one man- Arthur Treadwell Walden – a sled dog driver. He bred husky bred with a farm dog and at that time he didn't realize that he created this extraordinary line of sled dogs. These dogs possessed great sledding abilities as well as friendly nature. He named this dog breed Chinook by the name of his lead dog of his sled team.

Chinooks have always been a rare breed and in 1965 Guinness book of world Records listed these dogs as the rarest in the world. In 1981 several breed enthusiasts decided that they want to save the bred from extinction. They succeeded in their attempt, but although these dogs are not extinct they are still rare.

Chinook was officially introduced in the AKC Working Group in 2013.

Grooming

Chinook dogs are very easy to take care of. These dogs shed moderately during the year and weekly brushing will be enough to remove dead hair and to keep their coat healthy. Twice the year they will shed massively (during shedding season) when daily brushing is required.

Chinook coat colors:

• Tawny coloration – from pale honey to deep reddish-gold
• Dilute tawny

General Care

Besides brushing you will have to trim their nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, brush their teeth to prevent gum diseases, and check their ears for any sign of infection (redness, bad odor, wax build-up).

Excercise

Chinooks have a high amount of energy that they need to spend to be satisfied. They are very devoted to their family and especially their owner, so these dogs will enjoy participating in everything you do – long walks, hiking, bike rides, swimming, etc. Since they were bred for sledding purposes it is no surprise that they do excellent in sledding competitions.

FUN FACT: Chinooks love to participate in canine sports such as rally, tracking, agility, and obedience.

Chinook personality

Chinooks are eager to please their owner which makes training them easy. They are generally good dogs, but they will still need proper training and socialization so secure that your dog experiences many different life situations so he would know how to react to them. These dogs don't respond well to harsh training methods. Instead, use a lot of treats and praises and you will get the best results.

These dogs tend to welcome everybody they know by jumping on them, and this can be avoided with early training.

FUN FACT: Chinooks are friendly dogs and they can't be a good guard dog.

Chinooks and kids

These dogs are an excellent choice for families with kids. They will be their playing partner and the kids will also enjoy it because they will be able to play with them for hours. You will have to supervise them while playing, so any unwanted behavior wouldn't emerge.

Chinooks and other animals

Chinooks are pack animals and they get along with other canines and animals, especially if they are raised together. However, some dogs can act aggressively toward other dogs of the same sex.

Health

Chinooks are healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. They are however prone to some problems that every (future) owner should be aware of. To be completely sure that you will get the best possible dog regarding health you should buy it only from a responsible dog breeder.

Chinooks are prone to:

• Hip dysplasia
• Allergies
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Cryptorchidism

Chinook breeders

Chinooks are still rare dogs outside of the US and especially in Europe and Asia. When searching for your next dog, take your time to find good and responsible dog breeders and always ask them to show you the health certification of their breeding dogs.

Chinooks are rare dogs and you must be prepared to wait for your puppy. In most cases, you will be put on the waiting list.

If you are thinking about getting a Chinook for your family you will not make a mistake. These are excellent family dogs that will love to participate in everything you do and will accompany you everywhere you go. They will be excellent playing partners for your kids and you can be sure that all family members will love him.

World Dog Finder team