Origin: United States
Origin of Name: The Chinook is a breed of sled dog, developed in the state of New Hampshire during the early 20th century.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Large | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
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Chinook was founded by adventurer and polar explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden of Wenlanket, New Hampshire. In 1896, a 24-year-old New England pioneer led Alaska to the height of the Gold Rush. For six years, Walden worked as a prophet, stevedore, logger, riverboat pilot, and most importantly sled-dog driver, in Klondike.
By the time Walden returned to his hometown, he was a dedicated Musheer who designed his own line of sledged dogs. As his foundation stock, Walden used a Mastiff-type dog and was a descendant of one of Greenland's husbands of Admiral Robert Peary. The puppies he planted were acclaimed for the sledging ability around them and an affectionate, affectionate nature. Walden named the breed after the dog Chinook, the head of his sled team. (Chinook is an American native term, meaning ""hot air."") This dog was the grandson of the breed and on which all Chinooks trace their ancestry.
Walden's breeding program was a resounding success, and she and her new breed became well known in the sledding circle. His fame was soon eclipsed, however, by Len Sepala and his Siberian Huskies, who went to Nome, Alaska, as international celebrities for the 1925 ""Serum Run"".
Walden and his Chinook team organized a 1928 celebration for Antarctica with Admiral Richard Bird. Bird was impressed by the grit of 58-year-old Walden and his 11-year-old lead dog Chinook. He wrote, ""Walden's single team of thirteen dogs supplied 3,500 pounds from ship to base, each traveling 16 miles, in two journeys. Walden's team was the backbone of our transportation.""
Walden died in 1947, while saving his wife's life from a fire that destroyed his Vananchal farmhouse. In later years, they reduced the number of the breed to the point of extinction. In 1965, Guinness World Records listed the Chinook as a rare dog breed, with only 125 known specimens. This number was further reduced before dedicated Chinook enthusiasts around the world and gradually brought the breed back from the brink. His hard work paid off in 2013, when Chinook joined the AKC Working Group. Chinook is the official state dog of New Hampshire.
Chinook's plush double coat is quite easy to care for. Like all mammals, Chinook shed a little throughout the year. Weekly brushing will remove dirt and loose hair and help the dog look its best. Long, daily brushing sessions will be required during the shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year, but more often with spayed or neutered animals. As with all breeds, nails should be trimmed regularly, as long nails can be painful to the dog and cause problems with walking and walking.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs and help ensure that the Chinook grows into a well-adjusted, well-operated companion. Chinook is easy to train using positive reinforcement techniques. Unlike most sledging breeds, they can be reliable off-leash. Chinooks, especially young ones, are enthusiastic and affectionate, and they jump and go face to face with human friends and family members until they are trained quickly to do so. Due to his sociable, confident, outgoing personality, no amount of training will exclude a Guard Dog from a Chinook.
While they often appear relaxed and cozy around the house, Chinooks have a tremendous amount of energy, and they are successful in exercise and sports. Because they bond strongly with their owners, they make fantastic companions on hiking, hiking, bicycle riding, and camping trips. He also enjoys swimming and boating with his human family. Of course, Chinooks were restricted to sled pulling, so it is no surprise that they excelled in sports such as sledging, schizoring, bikejouring and scootering. Chinooks also enjoy agility, obedience, rally, tracking and participating in breathtaking events.
Breeders recommend that Chinook be fed a high quality dog food suitable for the dog's age (puppy, adult or senior). Some Chinook are prone to overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment can be an important adjunct in training, but keeping in mind, giving a lot of treatment can contribute to obesity. Avoid feeding cooked bones. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet.
Chinook is a strong, healthy breed, but there are certain health conditions that are at risk. These include hip dysplasia, cryptorchidism (absence of one or both testes from the scrotum), gastrointestinal disorders and allergies. Some Chinook suffer from a condition known as ""Chinook seizures"", although it is generally considered to be a movement disorder and not a true malfunction. As with all breeds, Chinook's ears should be examined regularly for signs of infection, and teeth should be brushed frequently.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: