Chinook: A Rare Dog Breed

The Chinook dog breed is a rare breed, that was developed in America in the early 1900's.

History

Arthur T. Walden, an author and an explorer, created the Chinook dog breed in the early 1900s. This is one of the few dog breeds created in the United States.

Mr. Walden bred Polaris, the famous Greenland Husky lead dog of Admiral Pearly's, to a mastiff type dog that Walden had purchased.

He wanted a dog that had speed, incredible power and endurance and would be of a friendly nature. He wanted a new breed of sled dog.

On January the 17th, 1917, three puppies were born. They were names Tikki, Rikki and Tavie. Rikki's name was latter changed to Chinook, in remembrance to a great lead dog that Walden had left behind in Alaska.

Chinook was a great lead dog, and became very popular. Walden and Chinook led the very first dog sled team to the summit of Mount Washington.

In the early 1920s Chinook was bred to Belgian and German Shepard working type dogs. The offspring were then bred back to Chinook and also to each other. This created the Chinook breed.

In March of 1991, the Chinook was recognized by the United Kennel club.

The Chinook is a very rare breed and in the 1980s, they were almost extinct, there was only twelve breedable dogs left in the world. The United Kennel Club and the COA (Chinook Owners Association), are working hard to save the breed.

By 1985 there were approximately 60 dogs and by 2002 over four hundred Chinooks were registered with the AKC, (American Kennel Club).

In 1993, owners of Chinooks organized a new National Breed Club, the Chinook Worldwide, (CWW). Between 2004 and 2005, Chinook Worldwide Inc. changed their name to, The Chinook Dog Club of America. They did so to meet the criteria of the American Kennel Club and to gain parent club status.

Today there are approximately 500 living purebred Chinooks.

Description

The Chinook has a muscular frame, with a deep chest. Their muzzle is very powerful, the nose has large wide nostrils that slightly bulge over the mouth.

They have a course, longer overcoat, with a soft, downy like undercoat.

Coat colors usually are Silver Fawn, Palomino, Fawn, Tawny and Red gold. Dark Grey, dark tawny or black markings on the inside corner of the eyes, as well as on the ears and muzzle are common. There may also be some white on the cheeks, chest, toes, underside, breeches and throat.

Commonly males range from 70-90 pounds and are 25-28 inches at the shoulders, while females weigh between 60-75 pounds and are 23-25 inches at the shoulders.

Chinooks are graceful, alert, intelligent, calm and friendly. Since they are bred to work in teams, they are non dog aggressive. Although they may be weary of strangers, or surroundings in which they are not familiar.

Health

A small percentage of the Chinook has been known to have eye abnormalities, hip dysplasia, hormonal skin problems, mono/bilateral cryptorchidism, seizures and spondylosis. For the most part this breed is very healthy.

This breed should always be considered a member of the family. They are emotionally sensitive and if they are not able to be with their owners and family, they can have separation anxiety, or other emotional disorders.

Exercise

They do great living in apartments and houses, and rather prefer it. They need regular daily exercise, then they will just lounge around the home.

Life Span

The life expectancy of the Chinook ranges from about ten to fifteen years.

Today there are approximately 500 purebred Chinooks.

sources:

dogbreedinfo.com

Chinook.org

Wikipedia online