Chinook - Top 10 Interesting Facts

The Chinook is a working breed of dog that was developed by an American traveler and dog lover known as Arthur Treadwell Walden.

There are top 10 interesting facts about Chinook.

1) History

The official state dog of New Hampshire, the Chinook was developed in the early 1900s by Arthur Treadwell Walden in the small town of Wonalancet, at the foot of that state’s White Mountains. Walden was a Polar explorer, writer, and sled dog driver who desired to develop a breed that would mix the speed of sled breeds together with the strength of freighting breeds. The resulting tawny-colored dogs were quick and powerful, along with excellent stamina. Additionally they had a gentle and friendly personality.



2) Name
One of the first puppies in Walden’s foundation litter was named “Chinook,” after a sled dog Walden worked with in the Yukon when freighting gold mining supplies. Chinook guided Walden’s sled dog crew, and this group is credited with presenting the sport of sled dog racing to New England. All Chinooks are descendants of that very first dog known as Chinook, and the breed was titled in his honor.



3) Rarity
More than 40 years ago, the Guinness Book of World Records listed the Chinook as the world’s rarest breed of dog. And by 1981, there were only 28 Chinooks remaining, and lots of were older dogs or had been neutered. In order to save the breed, three dog breeders separated between them the 11 dogs still well suited for breeding. Through their hard work, and the establishment of a careful breeding system, the number of Chinooks has been gradually increasing. When the breed was fully acknowledged as a part of the American Kennel Club's Working Group in 2013, there were 813 dogs registered.


4) Personality
They could be expressive by means of whining and “wooing”. This breed is usually recommended to be kept inside and one of the explanations why is they are known to be diggers. The Chinook is really a gentle dog and is hardly ever violent.
As a result of Chinook’s intelligence, this fido is a fast-learner. Nevertheless, you have to be consistent in training your pet. Otherwise, there is a good possibility this doggie will take advantage of you.


5) Appearance

Chinooks come with an aquiline muzzle, dark almond eyes, and also have a double-coat. The male has a masculine body built and the female has this unique feminine appearance. Its coat is dense but is less dense if it’s from a warmer climate. The Chinook’s coat differs from light honey to reddish-gold. This doggie is a shedder and definitely will shed heavily twice each year and in a small amount every day.

Male Chinooks could be as tall as 23 to 27 inches and weigh about 70 pounds. Female Chinooks, on the other hand, measure 21 to 25 inches tall and weigh around 55 pounds.



6) Color

The only colour allowed for this breed is tawny, that varies from pale honey to a deep reddish-gold. The heavy, double coat consists of a short, dense, and downy undercoat for insulation and a straight, rough outer coat. This plush coat is not hard to take care of and only demands occasional brushing, but expect a twice-yearly seasonal shed, more frequently for Chinooks which are spayed or neutered.



7) Ears

Although unconventional for the majority of dog breeds, any kind of ear is allowable in the Chinook breed standard, which includes drop ears (also called pendant ears) that hang down, prick ears that stand up just like a wolf’s, or propeller ears which have a fold in them even when held at attention. Nevertheless, the drop type is preferred.



8) Health

All breeds possess health issues to take into consideration but it is not necessarily 100% positive they will have it. Depending on their genetics and what they have inherited from their parents they could or could not get a certain illness. Some of the health problems a Chinook may have include cataracts, hip dysplasia, gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and skin issues. You can be prepared by understanding where your dog’s line descends from or by looking at their parent’s health background.



9) Around other People
Chinooks might be shy around men and women if they weren't socialized from a young age. They have a tendency to behave dignified and reserved when around people they are unfamiliar with. Both the male and female might be independent thinkers, but mainly the female. Due to the friendliness of this doggie, it may not be a suitable watch dog.

While Chinooks were initially bred as a sled dog, these days, this doggie is known as as a loving family friend. It is possible to tag him together in your running or trekking exercises as well due to the fact that this dog is fairly athletic.



10) Excercise

Chinooks are generally active dogs who like the outdoors. They require regular opportunities to run and play, to vent out their energy and do exciting things. In any other case they are going to become bored - and dogs typically express boredom by causing noises and damaging chewing.