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Chinook

The Chinook was created in New Hampshire in the early twentieth century by Arthur Walden, from a single dog named Chinook that was a cross of a Greenland husky-type and a mastiff.

It was bred as a sled dog with more pulling power and a gentler disposition than the northern breeds, and it is the state dog of New Hampshire.

It stands 53 to 69 centimetres, weighs 25 to 41 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a tawny double coat. It came close to extinction — in 1965 it was listed as the rarest dog breed in the world — and remains uncommon. It is notably gentle and people-oriented for a working sled breed.

Origin
New Hampshire, United States, early 20th century
Size
53–69 cm; 25–41 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Tawny double coat; heavy seasonal moult
Temperament
Gentle, calm and people-oriented for a sled breed
Health
Chinook seizures, hip dysplasia, cryptorchidism; a small gene pool

2 chinook photos, newest first

Chinook feed
  • Fig, a chinook

    Fig

    Fig was promoted to mayor opening a very small fountain; unfortunately, a domino line stops one piece before the finish.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Fig, a chinook

    Fig

    Fig has opinions about the weather.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a chinook

Ask about chinook seizures — a breed-specific seizure-like disorder in which the dog stays conscious, cannot stand, and recovers fully afterwards. It is not epilepsy, most dogs outgrow it, and it is not life-limiting, but it frightens owners who have not been told.

The gene pool is very small after the near-extinction. Ask what a breeder does about diversity as well as about hip scores.

They are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh handling — unusual among sled breeds and worth knowing.

They need real exercise and enjoy pulling work: carting, skijoring, bikejoring.

The double coat moults heavily twice a year. Brush weekly, daily through the moult.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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