The Chinook dog breed was born in New Hampshire's White Mountains and became famous on the first Antarctic expedition led by Admiral Byrd in 1928. In today's world, they're all-around dogs that enjoy hiking, agility, and other dog activities, as well as pulling a sled or other vehicle and spending time with children.
As a general rule, Chinooks are delicate, polite, and charming. When it comes to caring for their family, they're excellent with both children and other dogs. These canines, on the other hand, necessitate the assistance of a trained professional, so novice pet parents should proceed with caution.
These dogs can live in apartments, but they prefer houses with secure yards where they may run around. Because Chinooks are diggers, you'll want to make sure your yard's fence is sturdy and able to withstand escape attempts comparable to those of Harry Houdini. Find out all there is to know about Chinooks the dog breed in the list below!
Highlights
- They are rarely timid or aggressive, and have a calm, even temperament.
- Chinooks should be housed with their owners, preferably in a home with a securely fenced yard for them to explore.
- Chinooks have been known to excavate.
- There are a few things you can do to keep your Chinook in shape. They enjoy trekking, jogging, and pulling, whether it's a sled, a waggon, or a person on skis or skates behind them.
- There are many ways in which Chinooks can make use of their intelligence and quick learning, but the most common method is to be inconsistent in what you ask of them.
- They are not barkers, but Chinooks have a tendency to "woo-woo" when they want to convey their thoughts.
- When it comes to Chinooks, their coats are thick and they shed a lot twice a year.
- To keep their coats clean, Chinooks require daily brushing; however, baths are rarely required.
- Unless they've been raised among youngsters, Chinooks can be a bit reserved about children.
- To avoid buying a Chinook from a puppy broker or a pet store, you should avoid doing so. A puppy's parents' health cannot be guaranteed by reputable breeders, who do not sell to intermediaries or retailers. As a matter of course, reputable breeders do health checks on their breeding dogs to guarantee that they don't pass on genetic disorders.
- Check the puppy's parents for hereditary problems that are relevant to the breed before purchasing. If you find health concerns with one of your dogs, talk to the breeder about it. Don't take a breeder at her word when she says her dogs have never had any. Ask for recommendations so that you may speak with other Chinook puppy purchasers to find out if they are satisfied. To avoid a lot of heartache in the future, do your homework.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
55 to 70 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
History
Arthur Walden of New Hampshire, a former Yukon musher, was the driving force behind the design of the Chinook. Admiral Peary's Greenland Huskies, Polaris, and a huge, tawny farm dog were bred together in 1917 to create three puppies (Rikki, Tikki, and Tavi). Dogs named Chinook, thanks to Walden's renaming of one of his dogs, were valued lead dogs. Sled dog racing was introduced to New England thanks to Walden and Chinook.
Chinook is a working dog breed descended from Belgian and German Shepherds, as well as additional breeds like Canadian Eskimo Dogs. Chinooks were given to his children in his honour.A dozen more Chinook dogs, including the original Chinook, were on Admiral Byrd's Antarctic voyage in 1929 when they were all close to 12 years old. They were referred to as the expedition's backbone by Byrd. Chinook was tragically killed while on vacation. In commemoration of Chinook, the Chinook Trail in New Hampshire was named.
After Walden's death, his kennel was passed on to another breeder, who did not carry on the line. Chinooks today are descended from three dogs that were brought to Antarctica far before the first Antarctic expedition. In the end, these dogs were handed on to a different breeder, who sold only males or spayed females so that no one else could breed them. In 1965, when he passed away, another breeder carried on in his stead.
Only 125 of these dogs existed when the Guinness Book of World Records published its entry on the breed in 1965. Only 11 breeding Chinooks existed in the wild by 1981. Dogs from other Chinook foundation strains were bred to save the breed by a number of breeders, who also worked to promote awareness of the Chinook.
There was a 1991 UKC recognition of this breed. The Chinook was named New Hampshire's official dog in 2009 and has retained that title ever since. In 2013, the breed was accepted into the AKC Working Group.
Personality and Temperament
It is no surprise that Chinooks are tough, smart, and loyal. In a "pack" environment, these dogs thrive, and they may not be suited for a home where they are left alone for lengthy periods of time. Chinooks may benefit from the presence of another dog in the household, but they should be introduced to other dogs gradually. Because of their intelligence and non-aggressiveness, they make excellent service dogs for the disabled.
As a warning, the Chinook will bark at anyone who approaches it. Although this breed does well as a watchdog, its original purpose was not to guard or protect.
Chinooks are docile, friendly, and obedient, making them ideal companions. Off-lead, they're more dependable than most sledding dogs. Children, other dogs, and other animals have no problem with them, and neither do they. Some male dogs, on the other hand, can be aggressive against other male dogs. Most people are wary of strangers, and shy people aren't uncommon. They tend to keep to themselves. However, despite their quiet demeanour, they are known for their tendency to squeal or whine when excited.
Care
A substantial amount of exercise is required, but not as much as is required by many other working breeds. When it comes to obedience training, this breed is one of the most adaptable. Prospective owners of Chinooks should be prepared for regular brushings so that stray hair does not accumulate around the house.
Health
Chinook specific issues are extremely rare. Hip dysplasia is the most common of the following conditions.
Cryptorchidism
One in 10 Chinooks may have a problem with the testicles' usual progression from the abdomen to the scrotum. Puppies can be examined by a veterinarian, but breeders should be aware of this before they put them up for sale. Despite the fact that dogs with a single damaged testicle may still be fertile, they should not be bred because this hereditary problem will be passed on to the following generation of dogs.
Epilepsy
Young adult dogs with a neurological disease that causes seizures or other involuntary effects.
Atopic Dermatitis
An allergic skin illness that tends to flare up during certain times of the year. The itchiness of pollen and insect irritants may be exacerbated during the spring and summer. This time of year, many Chinooks are plagued by hot spots, a form of acute localised dermatitis, which is common.
Cataracts
Some Chinooks have been found to have cataracts at an early age. A buildup of these opacifying deposits on the eye's lens can impair vision.
Hip Dysplasia
Lameness is a common ailment in young dogs. One or both hip joints may develop improperly due to this hereditary disorder, which is typically passed down via families. To ensure that breeding dogs are devoid of radiographic symptoms of this illness, they should be x-rayed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Chronic vomiting and/or diarrhoea are the most common symptoms, along with weight loss and an insatiable desire. Sufferers include some young people, often without a known cause. Lifelong medicine and a strict diet may be necessary as part of the treatment process.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Nutrition
Feed your Chinook a diet of commercial or home-prepared dog food twice a day under the guidance of your veterinarian. If your dog does a lot of exercise, it may need to eat more regularly in order to maintain its health.
You should consult with your veterinarian to identify the best diet and portion plan for your unique dog based on its age, weight, and activity level before deciding on a feeding strategy. A supply of freshwater should be provided at all times (particularly for very active Chinooks).
Grooming
To keep them comfortable in cold weather, Chinooks have double coats and shed profusely twice a year. De-shedding baths can help keep stray hair under control during these times. During the rest of the year, brushing your teeth only a few times per week is fine.
Bathe your Chinook as needed, such as after a long walk or a game of fetch in the rain. It is not necessary to trim the coat of this breed, but owners should perform regular maintenance tasks like brushing the dog's teeth and trimming its nails and cleaning its ears to ensure the health of their dog.
Exercise
A Chinook owner does not have to make regular, strenuous exercise a major priority. Walking and playing with these dogs for one hour a day is all they need. Chinooks are terrific companions for hiking, running, biking, or swimming, and they're also happy to play in the backyard. This doesn't mean that they'll be happy if you leave them outside all the time. Dogs of the Chinook breed are robust creatures who prefer to stay close to their owners at all times. As much as possible, your dog will be by your side.
Training
It is easy to train the Chinook because of its willpower and intelligence. When puppies are six to eight weeks old, they can begin basic obedience training, but this breed also excels at advanced training as it matures. When it comes to training and excellent behaviour, these intelligent and dedicated pets are usually a piece of cake.
When training, it's essential to adopt approaches that don't include any form of punishment. Yelling at this kind of animal is likely to make them frightened. You'll strengthen your link with your Chinook and boost his innate desire to please you by teaching him to accept your directions by rewarding him when he does what you want.
Children and Other Pets
If the two are raised together, a Chinook can become a child's best friend. In order to allow your Chinook to adjust to the youngster at his own pace, if he hasn't been exposed to children before, introduce the two carefully and calmly.
To be on the safe side, make sure children know how to properly approach and engage with animals before allowing them to pet or play with them.
Your youngster should be taught never to approach a dog while it is sleeping or eating, or to try to steal the dog's food. A dog should never be left alone with a child, no matter how friendly the dog may be.
Since the Chinook was developed to pull sleds, he is an excellent team player and gets along with other animals, including cats. However, early exposure to other species, such as cats, is still vital for the Chinook. Unneutered males, in particular, can be violent toward other males if they haven't been neutered.
Puppies
Due to their high level of activity, Chinook puppies require four to six feedings a day to keep up their energy. These children are able to run around, explore, and play with family members because of this feeding schedule's vitality. Chinook puppies, like adult Chinooks, require daily activity. For the time being, it's preferable to confine them to a fenced yard for their daily exercise until they learn basic obedience instructions like "stay" and "come.
Dogs Similar to Chinooks
There are only a few Chinooks left in the world. Chinooks used to be bred in such small numbers that they were practically extinct. Many of the group's males had been sterilised, preventing them from procreating. Chinooks were nearly gone by the early 1980s! Since then, though, their population has only slightly increased. Because of this, they have been designated as the official state dog of New Hampshire.
This unusual canine breed is comparable to a few others. The Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, and the Eskimo are three examples.
Siberian Husky
Both Siberian Huskies and Chinooks are classified as working dogs. They are noted for their devotion and intelligence as sled-pullers.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is described as affectionate and faithful. Is this anything you've heard before? Like Chinooks, this breed is used for sled dog work.
Eskimo
Known for its perseverance and intelligence, the Eskimo dog is another sled dog breed. They're kind, although they're not as calm as Chinooks.