Chinook Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Chinook is a rare, tawny sled dog developed in New Hampshire in the early twentieth century. It was bred for endurance and strength, and it is known for a gentle, friendly temperament and a dense tawny double coat.

Origins and appearance

Arthur Walden bred the first Chinooks in the 1910s, using his lead dog Chinook as foundation stock. The breed dwindled during the twentieth century, and numbers have remained small. Chinooks are medium-large and athletic, with a broad head, drop or semi-erect ears, dark eyes with a gentle expression and a double coat in shades of tawny with dark markings around the eyes and ears.

Temperament

They are gentle, friendly and calm. They bond closely with family and are usually good with children and other pets. They are intelligent and eager to please. They dislike being left alone and may be shy with strangers if poorly socialized.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily exercise, with walks, hiking and pulling sports. They have great endurance. They need secure fencing and mental work.

Training

They are intelligent and willing. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. They can be sensitive. Teach a reliable recall and loose leash walking. See how to teach a dog to walk on a loose leash.

Coat and grooming

The double coat sheds seasonally and needs brushing several times a week. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not shave the coat. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Epilepsy. See seizures and epilepsy in dogs
• Cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles do not descend
• Skin allergies. See dog skin allergies
• Eye conditions, with exams

Living with a Chinook

They suit active families with a secure yard and cool conditions. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to hot climates or long hours alone.

A typical day

A Chinook wants a morning walk or hike, play, a rest, family time and an evening outing. Many are calm indoors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and affectionate. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, grooming tools and vet care. Puppies are rare, so expect a wait. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well but overheat in hot weather. Provide shade and water. They travel well with a sturdy crate.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, shaving the coat, leaving the dog alone and skipping socialization.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip scores, epilepsy history and the parents' temperaments. The breed is rare, so be patient and work with the breed club.

A rare survivor

At one point in the late twentieth century, the Chinook population fell so low that it was listed among the rarest breeds. Today a small number of breeders work to keep the gene pool healthy, and owners often join a community that values the breed.

The state dog

The Chinook is the official state dog of New Hampshire. The breed's calm, devoted character has been described as a blend of working endurance and family gentleness.

Daily care checklist

• A walk, hike or pulling session.
• Brushing, more in shedding seasons.
• Training and socialization practice.
• A check of fences and gates.
• Company and a cool place to rest.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Chinook suits active, social owners who want a gentle, rare sled dog and can wait for a puppy. It may not suit hot climates or those out all day. For a better-known sled breed, see the Siberian Husky.

The takeaway

Chinooks are gentle, rare and enduring, and they need exercise, company and cool conditions.