Chinook Dog Pet

It’s very difficult to obtain a Chinook Dog pet, as this breed is very rare. There are only around 800 purebred dogs of this breed in the world today. About 100 puppies are born annually and breeders don’t have to advertise them, as they have long waiting lists of breed fanciers who wish to obtain a Chinook Dog. Purebred Chinook Dogs may cost around $1,000.

The original purpose of the Chinook Dog pet was pulling the sled. The founder of the breed, Arthur T. Walden, a famous explorer, crossbred several Northern and Mastiff type breeds to create a new breed. The Chinook Dog has proved to be more effective as a sled dog than the dogs of the native Northern tribes. This breed was used in the expedition to Antarctica in 1927. In appearance, the Chinook Dog is closer to the Mastiff than to Spitz type Northern breeds. Dogs of this breed average 25 inches at the withers and 60-80 pounds in weight. The only accepted coat color in this breed is tawny.

Today, a Chinook Dog pet is kept mostly as a family companion. Only a few owners still use these dogs for their original purposes. Chinook Dogs adapt well to living indoors, but they are very special dogs that need much exercise. Chinook Dogs make good pets for active families. They enjoy jogging, sledding, camping, hiking, boating, and other activities together with the owners. These dogs prefer playing with children and can be trusted with them. Chinook Dogs do well with other dogs, but smaller pets are at risk.

As the gene pool of the breed is very varied, Chinook Dogs are very healthy and hardy. They don’t suffer from special genetic conditions, but like all large dogs, they are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. The lifespan of the breed is over 12 years. Puppies are very slow to mature. It may take 3 or 4 years for a puppy to fully develop. Unlike most other Northern breeds, the Chinook can do well in a warm climate, even if vigorously exercised. When it’s warm, the coat of a Chinook Dog pet becomes very thin.