Chinook Dogs: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

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 backpacking, carting, agility, weight pulling, and especially recreational sledding and ski-joring.

However, he is not a workaholic. If he is provided with reasonable physical and mental outlets for his enthusiasm, he is happy to settle on the sofa during quiet times.

Very people-oriented, Chinooks require 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.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Chinooks have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Chinook to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Chinook

If I was considering a Chinook, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise. Chinooks are active dogs who love the outdoors. They need regular opportunities to run and play, to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become bored – and dogs usually express boredom by making noise and destructive chewing.
2. 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, which is difficult to live with.
3. The independent temperament. Chinooks want to do things their own way and can be stubborn. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Chinook to listen to you, read about "Respect Training" on Chinook Training.
4. Heavy shedding. Chinooks shed a LOT. You need to be okay with hair on your clothing and furnishings
5. Finding one and paying the price. Only about a dozen Chinook litters are produced each year.