Chinook

Country of origin: USA
Registries: AKC FSS, UKC
Occupation: Sled dog
Size: 21 to 27 in tall; 50 to
75 lbs
Longevity: 10 to 12 years
Exercise: Moderate
Training: Moderate
Grooming: Moderate

The Chinook is a rare breed of sled dog, developed in the New England region of the United States in the early 20th century. The Chinook is the official state dog of the state of New Hampshire.

Standing 21 to 27 inches (53 to 69 cm) in height at the withers and weighing 55 to 90 pounds (25 to 41 kg), the Chinook is balanced and muscular. The United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standard[1] states that “The ideal coloration runs from light honey color to reddish-gold. Black markings on the inside corners of the eyes are preferred. Dark tawny to black markings on the ears and muzzle are preferred. Guard hairs on the tail may be black. No white markings are allowed. Buff markings on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest, breeches, toes and underside are acceptable.” The UKC standard faults any color other than tawny and disqualifies albinism. Other proposed standards state that the medium-length double coat is “tawny” in color, with darker shadings on muzzle and ears; white dogs are not allowed, nor are other colors. Eyes are brown to amber in color. Ear carriage is variable, but dropped is preferred and the head more strongly rectangular than other sleddog breeds. The tail is a well-furred saber and not the usual brush or plume of Arctic breeds. Overall, the Chinook seems to owe more to molosser than to spitz ancestry.

Breed name synonyms: /

HISTORY

The Chinook is one of only a few dog breeds, created in America. They were developed in the early 1900s thanks to the efforts of a single man – Arthur Treadwell. With a goal of creating a sled dog with tremendous power, endurance and speed, he crossed a Mastiff type of dog with a Siberian Husky. Arthur named the new breed Chinook, which in Inuit means ,,warm winter winds,,.
In 1965, with only 125 dogs alive, the Chinook entered the Guinness World of Records for being the No. 1 rarest breed in the world. He earned this record three times.
Today the Chinook seems to have returned from the brink of extinction. In June 2009, the Chinook was designated as the official State Dog of New Hampshire.

PERSONALITY

Belonging to the working group of dogs, Chinooks are highly energetic and active. They need something to do at all times. If their excessive energy is not properly channeled, they can turn to destructive behavior in order to fulfill their schedule.
At a first glance, Chinooks are calm, dignified and reserved, but once they get to know you they show their loving side. Although their size can scare off potential burglars, they are mellow and non-aggressive breed. They are friendly even with strangers, so they do not make good watch dogs. Chinooks are very loyal and eager to please. They crave human contact and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone.

TRAITS

Chinooks are strong, muscular breed with rectangular heads, small almond-shaped dark eyes and hairy tails. Obvious gender differences should be present. Males look strong and masculine while females have a distinctly softer, feminine appearance. Both genders have graceful and intelligent expressions. Chinooks have webbed feet.
Chinooks have rough textured outer coat, and softer dense inner coat. Their coat ranges from pale or reddish gold to a rich honey color. Black markings on the ears and muzzles are preferred.
Since Chinooks are a rare breed, they can vary greatly in size. The typical Chinook stands 23-25’’ (58-64cm) tall and weights approximately 60-80Ib (27-36kg).

HANDLING

Chinooks are smart and highly trainable, but because of their strong-will and a bit pushy character, they will try to test your limits. They need firm, but gentle training hand in order to avoid personality and hierarchy controversies. In favor of their own desires, Chinooks are very likely to resist authority. They will listen to their owners, only if they see them as pack leaders. During the training sessions, the Chinook’s brain power should be used for constructive purposes and their excessive energy spent.
In order to ensure proper emotional development, Chinook puppies must be properly socialized. When it comes to this breed, the term proper socialization also means early socialization, because naturally Chinooks are shy. If well raised they get along with other animals, including livestock, other dogs, cats and small pets.

HEALTH

Chinooks are a fairly healthy breed. However they can suffer from several major conditions such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy and skin allergies. Both hip dysplasia and epilepsy are serious problems. It has been estimated that 20 percents of the Chinook population are suffering from hip dysplasia, while 8 percent are affected with seizures. Skin allergies cause rashes, which can lead to bacterial infections.
Other health conditions may include cryptorchidism, vitreous degeneration (eye condition which can predispose the eye to retinal detachment and blindness) and paroxysmal dyskinesia (presented with episodes of abnormal involuntary muscle movements).

The average life expectancy of the Chinook is 12 to 14 years.

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