Chinook
Working Group

Height at Shoulders
Females 22-24 in, Males 24-26 in
Weight
Females 50-65 lbs, Males 55-90 lbs
Life Expectancy
12-15 yrs
History
The Chinook originated in 1917 thanks to an adventurer, Arthur Treadwell Walden of Wonalancet, New Hampshire. In 1896, Walden joined the herds of prospectors heading to Yukon for the Klondike Gold Rush. During the 6 years he spent there, he gained experience as a sled driver and became familiar with sled dogs. Upon his return to New Hampshire, he decided he wanted to breed his own sled dogs. It is believed that he crossed mastiff-type dogs with Belgian Sheepdogs, German Shepherd Dogs, and Canadian Eskimo Dogs. The resulting puppies were effective sled dogs as well as gentle companions. Walden named the breed "Chinook" after his lead dog who died on Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr.'s 1929 Antarctic expedition. After Walden's death in 1947, the breed almost went extinct, but was eventually brought back by breed enthusiasts. Today, they remain one of the rarest breeds of dog.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Chinooks share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
Intelligence
★★★★★
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★★☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★★★
Exercise Needs
★★★☆☆
Energy Level
★★★☆☆
Sensitivity
★★★★★
Noise Level
★★★☆☆
Prey Drive
★★☆☆☆
Shedding
★★★★★
Common Traits
Too friendly to be watchdogs or guard dogs
Most are big-time diggers
Smart, quick learners, but will take advantage of any gaps in training or consistency
Can be reserved with strangers and independent (especially females)
Some are silent but most are very vocal, not necessarily by barking but by making a variety of awoo's, whines, etc.
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