Chinook
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 66 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 41 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- New Hampshire, United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, athletic American sled dog with a distinctive tawny double coat, known for combining strength, stamina and a calm, gentle temperament. This versatile working breed was developed for draft work and hauling.
History and origins
Developed in the early 20th century by polar explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden, who crossed mastiff-type dogs with Huskies and Belgian Shepherds. Named after its founding male, “Chinook,” it was bred to be a powerful sled dog with great stamina.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Breed-specific epileptiform seizures (“Chinook seizures”)
- Cryptorchidism
- Atopic dermatitis
- Cataracts
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Chinook FAQ
How big does the Chinook get?
The Chinook stands 53 to 66 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 41 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Chinook shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Chinook live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Chinook need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Chinook good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Chinook live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and breed-specific epileptiform seizures.
