Chinook

The Chinook is a rugged dog from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. These dogs are strong workers, but under their brawny exterior they are even-tempered and loyal. This breed’s solidly-built body lies beneath a truly beautiful coat and nice symmetry. You can expect a tough yet kind companion in this breed. Read on to learn more about the Chinook.

Description of the Chinook

With males standing over two feet tall, these dogs appear imposing but are really just friendly giants. Their beautiful masked muzzle highlights their almond eyes, which are always twinkling brightly. The Chinook has either pointed or floppy ears, but both are handsome!

Humans originally bred the dignified Chinook as a sled dog, and they still use him for this function today. But he evolved into an excellent multipurpose dog, good at hauling and working long days. This seemingly endless endurance and strength are famed qualities of the breed. But his devoted and gentle nature at home is what makes him a real keeper.

The Chinook has a beautiful tawny coat ranging from light gold to burnished red. Their fur is thick, and these dogs have a soft undercoat. The coarse outer coat helps protect them from the rugged winters so often experienced in New England.

Life Expectancy and Size

Despite having certain health conditions this dog is prone to, the Chinook lives an average of 12 – 15 years, which is not bad for a larger breed. To help your puppy live his healthiest life always work with a reputable breeder who screens his or her stock for potential genetic issues.

These dogs a hard workers, with big muscles rolled into a well-compact, but still rangy, body. Males stand 24 – 26 inches tall and weigh 55 – 90 pounds, and females stand 22 – 24 inches tall and weigh 50 – 65 pounds.

Protective Ability

While these dogs may look like potential guarding material, they tend to be big softies and will greet strangers at the door with wet kisses. But the Chinook can be quite vigilant, and you may find yourself with an alert watchdog instead.

Training

Outgoing and intelligent, the Chinook is quick to learn and a star student when it comes to training. They are very people-oriented so do well with close interactions with their humans. Be creative and keep things interesting for your pup and they will be even more excited to learn.

Treats are a great tool to use when training this breed. While they already are quite eager to learn, it never hurts to go the extra mile and give them some serious motivation. This will make training more efficient.

These sweet dogs do best with positive methods in general. Treats, praise, and games are all great ways to train your dog. Be sure to use patient and consistent language so they don’t have any opportunities to learn unwanted habits.

Canine sports are also a great way to train your dog and give him some much-needed exercise. They excel at many different types given their strength, agility, and smarts.

Energy Level

While incredibly strong, the Chinook is more in the middle when it comes to energy level. Their strengths lie in their ability to work long days at an even pace. You can expect an active companion, but not one that is usually bouncing off the walls.

But don’t let this dog’s even temperament fool you. On the outside they appear quite mellow, but they do need plenty of daily exercise to stay fit and happy. Be sure you can provide your dog with lots of opportunities to move every day, and make sure he has enough time playing with you.

What Living with a Chinook is Like

This is an all-around kind breed.

The Chinook is a true all-purpose breed when it comes to working. But these dogs are also great at home. They do well with children and other dogs they were raised with. They are quite patient and tolerant, which is a great personality for those with rambunctious families.

But the Chinook can also find comfort in a quiet life so long as he receives enough exercise. These dogs are affectionate at home and can be happy to lay on the couch with you, after you have taken him for a long walk of course!

Care of the Chinook

The Chinook can do well in any home where he has plenty of exercise and affection. These dogs are quite sensitive and love to be near their families. Make sure to include your pup, or he may become miserable and destructive.

Environmental Needs

This breed’s build for the cold weather ensures they are at their best when romping through the snow. But the Chinook can also adapt surprisingly well to summer temperatures. Just be sure to keep time outside limited when it is really hot.

Exercise Needs

He may appear calm and unflappable on the outside, but the Chinook has a very playful and energetic side that requires plenty of daily exercise to keep it in check. Multiple long walks, canine sports, sledding or hauling, and backyard playtime are all great things to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Shedding and Grooming

A weekly brushing is enough to keep the coat of the Chinook clean and healthy for most of the year. But during shedding season daily brushing is best to remove the loose clumps of fur that will otherwise float around your house.

This breed sheds moderately.

Regularly trim your dog’s nails and keep his ears clean so he doesn’t experience discomfort or infections, respectively.

Ideal Home Environment

The Chinook is a family loving breed that does best in a home where he will receive both exercise and attention. While this dog is great with kids and a perfect choice for active families, he will also do well with outdoors people looking for a loyal and rugged companion. These friendly pups are no guard dog, but can be vocal watchdogs.

Your Chinook may suffer from health issues that can be costly or time consuming to deal with so always be prepared.

Health Concerns

This breed is prone to certain health conditions that include hip dysplasia, cryptorchidism, gastrointestinal disorders, and ear infections. Working with a reputable breeder can help mitigate these.

Behavior Problems

The Chinook can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone or ignored. Be sure make sure he gets lots of daily interaction and provide him plenty of socialization as a pup and train him to be alone so he becomes confident.