What Does the Chinook Dog Look Like?
The Chinook is a large breed of dog, standing at 21-27 inches tall and weighing anywhere from 55 to 70 pounds. They have a double coat of fur that can be either short or long, and it’s usually fawn, tan, tawny or golden with a black mask. Their eyes are brown, either dark or light.
They have a sturdy build and are incredibly strong for their size. When you first look at one, you might think they look like a mix between a German Shepherd and a Husky – except for their half-floppy ears. But the Chinook dog is its own unique breed with a long, storied history.
What’s the Chinook Dog Breed’s Temperament Like?
Chinooks are gentle, loving dogs who adore their family members. They’re also very smart, which means they require experienced and consistent training from an early age. These dogs are great with kids and other dogs, but they may be too much for a first-time pet parent to handle.
Can a Chinook Dog Live in an Apartment?
Chinook dogs can adapt to apartment living, but they would prefer homes with big yards, so they can run around. And they don’t tolerate being alone very well, so if you leave the apartment for most of the day and there isn’t anyone else to play with them, they may get anxious and destructive.
How Active Are They?
Chinooks need a moderate amount of exercise – about an hour a day. They love being active and spending time outdoors, whether it’s going for a hike or playing fetch in the yard.
When it comes to dog sports, the Chinook is a true jack-of-all-trades. They excel at agility, obedience, tracking, and even sledding. So if you’re looking for a companion to join you on all your outdoor adventures, the Chinook is the perfect breed for you!
Will They Get Along with Everyone?
These dogs are one of the friendliest breeds around. They love people and other dogs, and they’re quick to make new friends. However, because of their size, you’ll want to introduce them to kids and other animals gradually.
They’re even friendly with strangers, so if you’re looking for a watchdog, look elsewhere. But if you want a dog who will cuddle with you on the couch and greet everyone on your daily walks, the Chinook is definitely the right choice.
Are They Loud?
The Chinook dog breed is relatively quiet, especially compared to other breeds like the Cocker Spaniel or the Beagle. They may bark when they’re excited or playing, but they’re not known for being yappy dogs.
The Health Concerns and Lifespan of a Chinook Dog
Although they’re generally healthy and can live 12-15 years in great condition, the Chinook dog may be prone to a few health problems. If you’re considering this breed, here’s what you’ll need to look out for.
- Hip dysplasia. It’s a condition where the hip joints don’t develop properly, causing pain and lameness.
- Eye problems. These include cataracts (clouding of the lens) and progressive retinal atrophy.
- Seizures. Chinooks’ susceptibility to different kinds of seizures is currently being researched at the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine.
The best way to prevent these health problems is to buy your Chinook dog from a reputable breeder who can show you health clearances for the parents. Keep in mind that hip dysplasia develops twice as commonly in overweight puppies, so if you keep your pup at a healthy weight, the risk will be lowered.
How to Groom and Care for a Chinook Dog?
Chinooks don’t require a lot of grooming, but they do need to be brushed about once a week. This will help reduce shedding and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy. These dogs are moderate shedders, so you can expect some hair around the house – especially during the spring and fall.
Like all dogs, they need to have their nails trimmed regularly, and their teeth brushed at least three times a week. Also, check their ears regularly for any dirt, wax, or debris.
Exercise is an important part of keeping your Chinook healthy, so make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to run around and play. A daily walk or hike is a great way to get some bonding time in while also getting some exercise.
Breeders and Pricing of Chinook Puppies
If you’re interested in adopting a Chinook, the best place to start is with a reputable breeder. The Chinook Club of America (CCA) maintains a list of breeders on their website, so that’s a great resource to find one near you. Keep in mind that you may need to wait between 6 months and 2 years until a litter is available.
Prices for Chinook puppies can range from $1000-$3000, with most well-bred dogs falling on the more expensive side of the spectrum. You may also be able to find Chinooks up for adoption through the CCA’s website. The adoption fee is typically $300-$500.
A Brief History of the Chinook Dog Breed
The Chinook dog breed was developed in New Hampshire in the early 1900s by Arthur Treadwell Walden of Wonalancet. He had a male dog named Chinook, who was the offspring of a female Greenland Dog and a male Mastiff/St. Bernard mix.
Chinook and his progeny were bred with Belgian Sheepdogs, German Shepherds and Canadian Eskimo Dogs among others until the desired type was set. Walden passed the control of his breeding stock to Julia Lombard, and she passed it to Perry Greene in the late 1940s.
For many years, Greene was the only breeder of Chinook dogs. Following his death, their population dwindled rapidly – only 11 breedable Chinooks survived until 1981. They were divided among several breeders, who saved the breed from extinction. It was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991, and there are currently 800 Chinooks registered.
Is the Chinook Dog Breed Right for You?
Now that you know a bit more about the Chinook dog breed, it’s time to decide if they’re the right fit for you and your family. These dogs make great companions and are especially well-suited for active families who love spending time outdoors.
They need plenty of exercise, so if you live in an apartment or don’t have a big yard, this might not be the right dog for you. They’re also very smart, so if you’re looking for a challenge when it comes to training, the Chinook might be perfect for you.
Keep in mind that they require experienced owners who are consistent with their training, so if you’re a first-time dog owner, you might want to consider another breed.
Fun Facts about Chinooks
Looking to learn even more about these rare pups? Here are a few more facts to satiate your curiosity.
- Some owners still use their Chinooks as working dogs for recreational dog sledding, and others use them for dog-packing, search and rescue, and skijoring.
- Only 100 Chinook puppies are born worldwide every year.
- There’s a backcross breeding program going on where Chinooks are bred with individuals of their ancestor breeds. Resulting fourth-generation puppies can be registered as purebred Chinooks.
Looking to Get One of the Rarest Dogs in the World?
The Chinook dog breed is truly one of a kind, and if you’re looking for a rare pup to add to your family, they might be the perfect fit. With their gentle demeanor, loyalty to their family, and love of the outdoors, these dogs are sure to bring plenty of joy to your home.
Image source: https://www.peakpx.com/76423/orange-chinook-dog (CC 0)
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