| Chinooks: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Chinook personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Chinook, including these excerpts:
"Characterized by his dependable nature, sensible energy level, and sound working ability, the versatile Chinook is both frisky and dignified.
He enjoys vigorous outdoor exercise such as jogging, backpacking, carting, agility, weight pulling, herding, and especially recreational sledding and ski-joring.
However, he is not a workaholic, and given enough physical and mental outlets for his enthusiasm, he is happy to settle on the sofa during quiet times.
Very people-oriented and especially attuned to children, he requires daily companionship (either by humans or other dogs) and can become bored and destructive if left alone too much.
Gentleness and non-aggression are his hallmarks. Most will bark to announce visitors, but that's the extent of their guarding inclination.
All sweet-natured, slightly reserved breeds have the potential for submissiveness and shyness, and this is true of the Chinook. Early socialization is required to build a confident temperament.
Usually peaceful with other animals, he can be a chaser of rodents and trespassing cats.
Chinooks are independent thinkers who may use their problem-solving skills to open gates and cupboards. They are also slow to mature, acting like big puppies for several years."
History
A blend of Greenland Husky, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd, and Belgian Shepherd, the Chinook was developed in New Hampshire. He takes his name from the foundation sire of the breed, one of the greatest lead dogs of all time. Chinooks are most famous for forming the backbone of Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expedition in 1928.
Size
21-27 inches and 45-90 lbs |
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Chinooks
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- Is medium to large, natural-looking, strong and athletic
- Has a handsome thick coat in earthtone shades
- Comes in a variety of builds, sizes, coats, and ear types
- Has a true working heritage and thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
- Is steady and dependable
- Is polite with strangers, and usually with other pets
- Is uncommon
A Chinook may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
- Shyness or fearfulness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
- An independent mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Heavy shedding
- Waiting lists (hard to find) and a high price tag
A Chinook may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Chinook... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Chinooks MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by making noise and destructive chewing.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in sledding or carting, or agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. Chinooks were never intended to be simply household pets. |
- Bounciness. Young Chinooks (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
| If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Chinook puppies. The temptation to play roughly is simply too strong in many young Chinooks. |
- Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Chinooks need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with.
- The independent temperament. Chinooks are not Golden Retrievers. They want to do things their own way and can be stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| To teach your Chinook to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Chinook Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Heavy shedding. Chinooks shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.
- Finding one and paying the price. In the United States, only about a dozen Chinook litters are produced each year. Some breeders are charging very high prices, $1000 or more.
| Not all Chinooks are alike! |
- There are energetic Chinooks, and placid Chinooks.
- Hard-headed Chinooks, and sweet-natured Chinooks.
- Serious Chinooks, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Chinooks, and Chinooks who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Chinook puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
| If you're considering an adult Chinook... |
There are plenty of adult Chinooks who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2008 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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