Dog Breed

Chinook

Braniac
Primary image of Chinook dog breed
Full Name
Chinook
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Life Span
12 - 15 years years
Weight
50 - 90 pounds
Description

Friendly, Alert, Dignified, Intelligent, Calm

Bred For
Sled pulling
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Chinook good with children?

    Yes, the Chinook is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Chinook naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Chinook friendly with strangers?

    The Chinook is about average in how friendly they are with strangers. They can be timid or protective, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for any household.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Chinook friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Chinook naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Chinook typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Chinook like to cuddle?

    The Chinook likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Chinook like to play?

    The Chinook is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Chinook make a good service dog?

    The Chinook is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Chinook good for first-time owners?

    The Chinook would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Chinook be trained?

    The Chinook can be trained very well. With discipline and a routine training program the Chinook can be incredibly well-trained.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Chinook shed a lot?

    The Chinook is an average shedder. Chinook owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Chinook easy to groom?

    The Chinook requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Chinook to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Chinook on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Chinook need a lot of exercise?

    The Chinook has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Chinook?

    The Chinook is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Chinook bark? Does the Chinook bark too much?

    The Chinook barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Chinooks - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Chinook a good guard dog?

    The Chinook is not a dog breed necessarily known as a guard dog, but they are alert. The Chinook is protective of its family, and has above average tendencies when it comes to guarding property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Chinook good at staying alone? Is the Chinook independent?

    The Chinook does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Chinook a good apartment dog?

    The Chinook is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Chinook?

    The Chinook is a large dog breed. A dog's size is important to consider when it comes to travel arrangements, budgeting for food, and how big of a living space you have.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Chinook tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Chinook?

    The Chinook can tolerate hot weather well. They still prefer having some variation and a cool space to sleep, but overall they can do well in warm climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Chinook tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Chinook?

    The Chinook can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Chinook try to run away?

    It is natural for the Chinook to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Chinook a healthy dog? The health of a Chinook should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Chinook is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Chinook?

    The Chinook has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Chinook into your home. Can you give your Chinook enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Chinook drool?

    The Chinook drools a decent amount, especially if that irresistible food is nearby.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Chinook have a large prey drive? Does the Chinook like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Chinook has average prey drive. They will probably enjoy chasing after birds and other small animals at the park, and it may be an issue at the home if you have small animals, but with some training and introduction can usually learn to live with them.
    Athleticism

    Is the Chinook atheltic?

    The Chinook is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.
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  1. Working
  2. Chinook
The Chinook is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Working dog breed group.
Working group: Working dogs encompass a wide range of different breeds- but they all were bred to assist people, so they are used to working hard. It is important for them to feel they have a "job" as their roles traditionally have varied from rescuing people to pulling sleds. Because of their large size and intensity, they may be a handful for first time dog owners. On the other side, they can be trained well, so any owner who can exercise and dedicate to training their working dog, will be well rewarded. A common misconception may be that the working dog's jobs are only in physically challenging jobs; actually working dogs can also make excellent service dogs, since they are also kind and attentive to their owners.

Chinooks for adoption

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