Chinook

Developed in the early 1900s in New Hampshire by explorer Arthur T. Walden, the Chinook originated from a legendary male named “Chinook,” a farm-dog/working mix used for sledding and expedition work (including Admiral Byrd’s Antarctic efforts). Breeders fixed a tan, drop-eared, cooperative sled dog built for power, endurance, and biddability. Once near extinction, the breed was revived by dedicated fanciers and is now recognized in major registries (AKC Working Group in the U.S.), though still uncommon in Canada.

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A medium-large, well-balanced northern-type with a weatherproof coat and friendly expression.

• Weight: Males ~60–90 lb (27–41 kg); females ~50–80 lb (23–36 kg)
• Height: Males 24–26 in (61–66 cm); females 22–24 in (56–61 cm)
• Coat Type: Double coat—harsh, straight outer coat with dense, soft undercoat
• Coat Colours: Tawny (honey to reddish-gold); often darker shading on muzzle/ears/eye-liner; small white on chest/toes permissible
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Drop ears (typical), dark eye rims and lips, broad head with moderate stop, deep chest, thick sabre tail, strong snow-shoe feet, easy ground-covering trot

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Low trimming; serious de-shedding during seasonal blows.

• Brushing: 1–2×/week normally; daily during spring/fall shed (undercoat rake + slicker)
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; rinse after salty/slushy roads and dry to the skin
• De-shedding Focus: Neck/ruff, breeches, tail base, behind ears
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 2–4 weeks
• Coat Note: Do not shave the double coat—it regulates temperature and protects skin
• Shedding: Moderate year-round; heavy seasonally

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An endurance athlete that thrives on daily, structured work.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90 minutes (split sessions)
• Great Activities: Skijoring, canicross, bikejoring (safe set-ups), sledding/carting, hiking, backpacking, nose work, obedience/rally
• Puppies/Adolescents: Protect growing joints—avoid repetitive jumping/forced running; emphasize manners and engagement

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Soft-natured, smart, and team-minded—keep it positive and purposeful.

• Approach: Reward-based training; short, varied sessions; clear cues and routines
• Focus Areas: Recall around wildlife, loose-leash walking, polite greetings, impulse control at doors/gear ups, calm place/settle
• Socialization: Early, cheerful exposure to people/dogs/environments; reward neutrality (they can be friendly but sensitive)
• Cooperative Care: Desensitize to brushing/blow-dryer, paw handling, and harness/bootie wear

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Fuel endurance while maintaining a lean, athletic outline.

• Food Type: Quality all-life-stage/active-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet; performance formulas for hard-working adults
• Daily Quantity: ~2.5–4.5 cups/day total (varies by dog/food/workload), split into two meals
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; consider joint support (green-lipped mussel/glucosamine) for sport dogs; fresh water always
• Bloat Note: Deep-chested—avoid heavy exercise 60–90 min before/after meals; slow feeders may help

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Plan ahead—this is a rare breed with limited litters.

• Breeders: Work with preservation breeders who provide orthopedic/eye/thyroid results, early harness exposure, and lifetime take-back; expect waitlists
• Adoption: Chinook-specific rescues and northern-breed groups occasionally rehome adults; ask about activity level and health records
• Canadian Resources: Not widely CKC-recognized; many Canadians partner with reputable U.S. breeders/rescue networks. Join provincial sled-sport clubs (skijor/canicross/bikejor) in ON/BC/QC/AB for training and community; review import requirements

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Generally hearty; choose health-tested lines and keep fit.

• Orthopedic: Hip and elbow dysplasia (screen)
• Neurologic: Seizure/epilepsy reported in some lines—discuss family history
• Eyes: Cataracts/PRA reported—annual CAER exams recommended
• Endocrine/Immune: Hypothyroidism occurs in some dogs
• Ears/Skin: Otitis after wet work; hot spots if undercoat stays damp—dry thoroughly
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), CAER eyes, thyroid panel; disclose seizure history and longevity data

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Are Chinooks good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you provide 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, training, and enrichment.

Do Chinooks shed a lot?
Moderate normally; heavy seasonally. Daily brushing during coat blow helps.

Are Chinooks hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Chinook need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily plus brain work (nose games, obedience, pulling sports).

Are Chinooks good with kids and other pets?
Typically excellent family dogs with early socialization; supervise with small pets due to chase instincts.

Chinook vs Siberian Husky—what’s different?
Chinooks are usually more biddable/calm, tan in colour with drop ears, and bred for steady power over sprint speed.

Can Chinooks be off-leash?
Use caution—practice long-line recalls and choose safe, enclosed areas, especially around wildlife.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips/elbows, CAER eyes, and thyroid as a baseline; discuss seizure/epilepsy history.

Do Chinooks bark a lot?
Moderate—often more of a conversational “woo.” Teach a clear “quiet” cue and provide outlets.

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