The Chinook
The Chinook is a native American sled dog, originally developed by Arthur Walden, in the 1920s, in Wonalancet, NH. They are still used as sled dogs, but are now most noted for their qualities as an exceptional family pet. They are a large dog, weighing 50 to 75 pounds, and have a medium-length double coat that is tawny in color. Chinooks show their versatility by working in obedience, agility, search and rescue, carting and herding, in additional to the traditional venues of sledding and skijoring. They do best when in close contact with their people and do not do well when consistently isolated from human companionship.
The Chinook was declared an "All American Dog" by President Hoover. They have been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records several times as the rarest breed in the world. This breed has come close to extinction but has been brought back through a program of selective breeding.
One of the key breed characteristics is the Chinook temperament: calm, non-aggressive, with a willing, friendly disposition. Chinooks are bred to work in teams and do not exhibit dog aggression. Notwithstanding its gentle, even temperament, the Chinook is a dignified dog who may be reserved with strangers or in unfamiliar surroundings. A Chinook should, however, never appear timid or aggressive.
They are still used as sled dogs, but are now most noted for their qualities as an exceptional family pet. Chinooks show their versatility by working in obedience, agility, search and rescue, carting and herding, in additional to the traditional venues of sledding and skijoring.
Chinooks have a double coat of medium length hair. The undercoat is thick, soft, and downy in texture. The outer coat is coarse and the hair lies close to the body. Less dense coats are normal in very warm climates. The neck is well-furnished with hair, which forms a protective ruff blending into the apron. The tail is well-furred with longer hair at the base and underside of the tail. The groin and inside of the rear legs are protected by coat.
The Chinook is tawny in color. This preferred tawny coloration has historically been a distinguishing characteristic of the breed. The ideal coloration runs from light honey color to reddish-gold. Black markings on the inside corners of the eyes are preferred. Dark tawny to black markings on the ears and muzzle are preferred. Guard hairs on the tail may be black. No white markings are allowed. Buff markings on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest, breeches, toes and underside are acceptable. Females should be 21" - 25" and should weigh between 50-60 pounds, Males about 23" - 27" and weigh 65-75 pounds.
