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Chinook
Working breed from New Hampshire, United States
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Chinook
The Chinook is a large, athletic American sled dog with a distinctive tawny double coat. Bred for strength and endurance, it is known for combining power with a calm, gentle temperament. This versatile working breed was developed for drafting and sled-dog racing in New England conditions. Its temperament is described as intelligent, calm, devoted, friendly, and eager to please. However, individual dogs may vary. The Chinook's energy level is rated 4 out of 5, and its trainability is also 4 out of 5. Grooming needs are moderate (3 out of 5), but shedding is high (4 out of 5). It is generally well-suited to children (4 out of 5) and other dogs (4 out of 5), but less suited to apartment living (2 out of 5). Estimated adult weight ranges from 25 to 41 kg for both sexes, and estimated adult height ranges from 58 to 66 cm. Estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Chinook at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupWorking
OriginNew Hampshire, United States
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight25–41 kilogram
Female weight25–41 kilogram
Male height58–66 centimetre
Female height58–66 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Chinook was developed in the early 20th century by polar explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden in New Hampshire, United States. Walden crossed Mastiff-type dogs with Huskies and Belgian Shepherds to create a sled dog suited to New England conditions. The breed was named after the foundation male 'Chinook'. The Chinook was bred to be an ideal sled dog for drafting and racing in the region. Its history is tied to Walden's expeditions and the breed's working purpose as a sled dog. The exact dates of development and recognition are not provided in the supplied facts, but it is known that the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2013. However, recognition status varies by registry, and no other specific registries are mentioned.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
25–41 kilogramAdult weight58–66 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesDoubleCoat colorsTawnyRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentcalmdevotedfriendlyeager to please
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Higher shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Chinook-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
- Higher shedding can require frequent coat and home maintenance.Supported by sheddingScore: 4
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Growth chart
Chinook puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight25–41 kilogramAdult female weight25–41 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Chinook?
The Chinook is a large breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females ranges from 25 to 41 kg, and estimated adult height ranges from 58 to 66 cm. Estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. These are modelled estimates, not exact figures.
What is the Chinook's temperament like?
The Chinook is described as intelligent, calm, devoted, friendly, and eager to please. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Chinook will exhibit all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Chinook need?
The Chinook has an energy score of 4 out of 5, indicating a high energy level. It likely requires regular, vigorous exercise, but specific exercise needs are not detailed in the supplied facts.
What are the grooming requirements for a Chinook?
Grooming needs are rated 3 out of 5 (moderate), but shedding is rated 4 out of 5 (high). The breed has a double coat and tawny color. Regular brushing is likely needed to manage shedding.
Is the Chinook good with children and other dogs?
The Chinook has a child suitability score of 4 out of 5 and a dog compatibility score of 4 out of 5, suggesting it is generally well-suited to families with children and other dogs. However, individual temperaments can vary.
Can a Chinook live in an apartment?
The Chinook has an apartment suitability score of 2 out of 5, indicating it is less suited to apartment living. It likely needs space and a yard, but specific housing requirements are not provided.
Where did the Chinook originate?
The Chinook originated in New Hampshire, United States. It was developed in the early 20th century by polar explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden, who crossed Mastiff-type dogs with Huskies and Belgian Shepherds to create a sled dog for New England conditions.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.