Chinook Dogs

Chinook Dogs originated in the USA in the beginning of the 20th century. The breed was developed by Arthur Treadwell Walden, a dog driver, who crossbred a husky with a Mastiff-like mongrel male named Chinook. Several breeds were mixed in the new breed: German Shepherd dogs, Canadian Eskimo dogs, Belgian Sheepdogs, and several others. For decades, this breed remained very rare. The population of the breed depended much on the efforts of devoted breeders. In 1981, for instance, there were only eleven Chinook Dogs in the world. Breeders of California and Maine managed to preserve the breed.

The UKC was the first kennel club that registered the new breed. Since 1991, Chinook Dogs can participate in competitions for purebreds. The AKC and most other registries don’t recognize this breed. This breed remains very rare and unknown to the public. There are only about 800 registered Chinook Dogs worldwide; about 100 puppies are born annually. Many Chinook Dogs are bred to the stock of other breeds. Backcrosses of such crosses are registered as purebred Chinook Dogs.

The original purpose of the new breed was sledding. Today, most Chinook Dogs are kept as family companions. These dogs are good at rescue work, dog-packing, obedience, and agility. As for the appearance of the breed, there is nothing unusual in it. These dogs are large, well balanced, and muscular. The average wither height varies from 21 to 27 inches at the withers; the weight varies from 55 to 90 pounds. The skull of the Chinook Dog is broad; the muzzle is long and tapered. The coat is of medium length and with a dense undercoat. The typical coat color of the Chinook Dog is tawny.

The Chinook Dog does not need much grooming. It’s presented in a natural condition with no professional grooming or trimming. Dogs of this breed are normally bred for work, not for shows, so high quality dogs can deviate from the breed standard, if it doesn’t influence their working abilities. Like all Northern breeds, Chinook Dogs should pull weight, protect the property, work in a pack and be able to perform many other tasks.