Country of Origin: U.S.
History: The Chinook is a northern breed derived from a single ancestor born in 1917, Chinook, the offspring of a Greenland husky and a Saint Bernard mix. Chinooks offspring inherited his coloring, size, and intelligence. Chinook and over a dozen of his offspring hauled freight on Admiral Byrds 1929 Antarctic Expedition, setting sledding records for distance, weight, and speed. Unfortunately, the senior Chinook lost his life on the expedition. The breed nearly died out in the 1980s when there were only 11 breedable dogs left but has gained numbers in recent years.
Physical Description: The Chinook is a medium to large size dog that is longer than it is tall. It has a broad skull; a tapered muzzle; brown, almond-shaped eyes; and ears that can be prick, drop, or semi-prick. It has a sabrelike tail and well-furred, webbed feet. The dense double coat is tawny with dark tawny to black markings on the ears and muzzle.
Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 70 pounds
Temperament: The Chinook is a loyal, hardworking, and versatile dog. It is friendly and calm, reserved but not aggressive with strangers. It is intelligent, alert, and trainable but matures slowly. It gets along with children and other animals.
Activity Level: Moderate
Best Owner: The Chinook does best with an active family or individual in a rural or suburban home.
Special Needs: Exercise, fenced yard, grooming, indoor lifestyle, socialization, training
Possible Health Concerns: Cataracts, cryptorchidism, dysplasia, seizures, shyness, skin problems
