June 7, 2025, 1:51 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
The Chinook is a true insider tip among sled dogs: powerful, gentle, and deeply connected to its family. This rare breed combines athletic endurance with a gentle nature, offering the perfect balance between a love for adventure and domestic tranquility. Those seeking an intelligent, people-oriented dog that enjoys playing with children and loves long hikes should get to know the Chinook—a breed with history, heart, and a golden-brown coat.
The Chinook is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world and carries a rich history. Originally bred as a sled dog in the early 20th century in the U.S., it now embodies an ideal mix of strength, endurance, and gentleness. Its creation traces back to dog breeder Arthur Treadwell Walden, who developed a new, particularly resilient breed in New Hampshire—named after his lead dog, Chinook.
Despite its historical significance, the breed was nearly wiped out at one point but was preserved by dedicated breeders. Today, the Chinook is the official state dog of New Hampshire—a recognition of its deep connection to the region. However, despite its strength, this dog is not a typical guard dog. Instead, it is an excellent family dog with a strong need for cuddling, provided it is mentally and physically stimulated.
Origin
The origins of the Chinook lie in the rugged landscapes of New Hampshire, USA. In the early 20th century, Arthur Treadwell Walden sought a powerful sled dog that combined strength, endurance, and a friendly disposition. He crossed Nordic sled dogs like Huskies and Malamutes with Saint Bernards, Belgian and German Shepherds. The first and namesake Chinook was an exceptional dog with great pulling power and a gentle character, laying the foundation for the new breed.
The breed was deliberately developed further but lost popularity after Walden’s death. By the 1960s, it was nearly extinct. Only through the efforts of a few breeders was the Chinook preserved. Today, it is not recognized by the FCI but is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). In 2009, the breed received a special honor: The Chinook was named the official state dog of New Hampshire.
Appearance & Coat
Chinooks are medium to large dogs with a strong, muscular build. Their appearance combines elegance and robustness—just as befits a true working dog. Males reach a shoulder height of about 58 to 68 cm, while females range from 53 to 64 cm. The weight varies: Males typically weigh between 25 and 40 kg, females between 23 and 30 kg. The dense, medium-length coat is double-layered with thick undercoat, which protects the Chinook excellently from cold—and also from heat. The coat color ranges from light gold to fawn (yellow-brown) to reddish-brown. Characteristic are the dark eyes and black markings around the eye area, giving the Chinook a distinctive, friendly expression. The ears are set high and slightly tilted forward, emphasizing its alert nature.
Character & Temperament
The Chinook is considered balanced, gentle, and very family-oriented. Despite its physical strength, its nature is friendly and adaptable. It is intelligent, playful, curious—but also sensitive. It initially shows restraint towards strangers but is not aggressive. In familiar surroundings, it is affectionate and loves spending time with its people. Particularly noteworthy is its friendliness towards children and its good compatibility with other dogs—provided it was socialized early. Chinooks do not tend to bark excessively but are vigilant and attentive. Their need for closeness makes them unsuitable for kennel life; they belong in the house, right in the middle of family life.
Training
Chinooks are smart and capable of learning but can also be strong-willed and occasionally stubborn. Their training requires a consistent yet loving approach. It’s best to start training in puppyhood. Positive reinforcement can achieve very good results, as Chinooks want to please. Nevertheless, they need clear boundaries and structured guidance.
Comprehensive socialization is important to counteract their natural shyness. Their late development—they are often considered fully mature only at four years—should be taken into account during training. Even dedicated novice dog owners can manage well with a Chinook if they seek support from dog schools or experienced trainers.
Proper Care & Maintenance
The Chinook needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It is not a dog for couch potatoes but loves hikes, jogging, or dog sports like agility and canicross. A house with a garden is ideal, and the garden should be securely fenced, as Chinooks like to dig.
Their pronounced social behavior makes them unsuitable for isolated living—they need family connection and should not be left alone for extended periods. Coat care is straightforward: Weekly brushing is usually sufficient. During the shedding season, daily brushing is recommended to remove loose hair and prevent skin irritation. Regular nail care, dental hygiene, and ear checks are part of basic care.
Nutrition
The Chinook’s diet should be balanced and tailored to its activity level and size. High-quality complete foods with a high meat content are ideal. Due to its energetic nature, the Chinook benefits from protein-rich food, supplemented by high-quality carbohydrates and essential fatty acids.
Puppies should be provided with special food for large breeds to promote even growth. Controlled feeding in several small portions throughout the day is important to avoid stomach problems. Fresh water should always be available. Consultation with veterinarians or specialized pet stores can be helpful in selecting the appropriate food brand.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
Chinooks are generally considered robust and long-lived dogs with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, certain genetic diseases are known within the breed. These include primarily hip dysplasia and some eye conditions like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy. Also, so-called “Chinook seizures,” a movement disorder, have been documented in isolated cases.
An increased risk of gastric torsion is possible. To prevent these diseases or detect them early, regular veterinary examinations are essential. Reputable breeders conduct health tests on the parent animals—a crucial aspect when choosing a puppy.
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The Chinook at a Glance
- Size: Males 58–68 cm, Females 53–64 cm
- Weight: Males 25–40 kg, Females 23–30 kg
- Coat: Medium-length, dense, double-layered with undercoat
- Character: Gentle, friendly & family-oriented
- Special Features: State dog of New Hampshire, rare breed, closely bonds with its people