Chinook: description, advantages and disadvantages, temperament and care

Chinook belongs to one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, since there are very few of its representatives. About these dogs is known only to a limited number of people related to cynology. Although there are a lot of similar animals, the true representatives of the breed have special characteristics.

The breed is relatively new, it was bred in New Hampshire (USA) and is considered exclusively American. Nowhere else in the world are these dogs bred. It got its name from the nickname of the sled dog Chinook - a favorite of the founder of the breed Arthur Walden. The emergence of such dogs was promoted by the need for hardy riding dogs, which would have high working capacity and have good speed in running. To create the breed, animals of different species were used and for the first time the Chinooks took part in a polar expedition led by General Bird.

During the trip, they demonstrated their unusual abilities, transporting a heavy load over long distances, while showing a fairly high speed. When the need to use dogs for transportation disappeared, the already small number of dogs was significantly reduced. The breed didn’t disappear only thanks to the efforts of the Chinook Club, organized in the 50s of the last centurywhich exists today. This organization is the only one in the world that breeds and controls the breed, which is still the smallest. Despite all the efforts of the members of the Club, the international dog handlers association still has not officially recognized this breed.

Initially, the breed was intended exclusively for harnessing, but due to the fact that different types of dogs were used as grandparents, animals have different qualities. They are mainly used as sledges for transporting goods, but they are also great as companions. Representatives of the breed cannot participate in exhibitions and competitions, because they are not officially recognized, but they are good in the role of pets, especially for people who lead an active lifestyle, like long walks and trips. In such events, the chinook will become a loyal companion and assistant.

As such, the standard does not exist, but the main characteristics of the breed include:

• growth - 55-68 cm;
• weight - 29-42 kg;
• strong physique with deep lean chest and strong back;
• well-developed musculature of the body, strong limbs;
• a small head with an elongated muzzle, a strong straight neck;
• medium-sized hanging ears;
• dark eyes with a black fringing;
• a tight-fitting coat with a soft undercoat that gives off a light red tint;
• the color is predominantly golden fawn, but may in some places be lighter;
• males stand out larger than females.

Like any other breed, chinook has its merits, which distinguish it from other animals.

• He is considered a good friend because he is characterized by special devotion and love for the owner. Dogs of this breed are very attached to humans and maintain this attitude for life.

• These animals are very hardy and strong, they easily tolerate cold.

• Chinook is able to navigate well in difficult conditions, assess the current situation and make the right decisions, which indicates his extreme sharp mind.

• The breed is characterized by the absence of aggression, its animal can only be used as a defense.

• Dogs are kind and friendly. They easily make contact with children and other pets.

• The dog is distinguished by courage, can protect himself and the owner.

The disadvantages of this breed include a rather late growing up. Fully mature dogs are able to fool around and chase cats like puppies.

Chinook has a truly northern calm, it is very difficult to lose his temper. Majesty and imposingness, as well as proud posture, are characteristic of these dogs. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by extreme devotion to the owner, they are inherent tenderness and sensitivity towards the owner. To achieve obedience, you need to make them understand that the person is the main one even in puppyhood. Pets are characterized by a team spirit, they cannot live without company and communication, and no matter who it will be - people or other animals.

Chinooks are very suffering from loneliness, they can even get sick because of this. The friendliness of the dog does not allow him to show aggression, and he barks very rarely, for this reason dogs are not used as watchdogs. At the same time, they are not cowardly and may well protect themselves and their master if a threat arises. Due to its courage and impressive size, chinook often becomes a winner in such clashes. The pet is very active and efficient, it needs walks and energetic games, so the dog needs to be given enough time.

This is an ideal travel partner who loves to explore new things and, if necessary, can show outstanding search and rescue abilities.It also reveals its friendliness towards children, so it will become an excellent defender, friend and faithful partner for them, especially in games that it adores at any age.

Such a dog as a chinook, the conditions of the apartment are completely unsuitable, but a private house with a spacious aviary and yard is just right. It is better to sleep the animal in a dry and comfortable room. Since the dog needs communication with the owners, you need to give him the opportunity to go inside the house. Dogs of this breed belong to very clean, they tidy their coat themselves. The only thing you need is to brush out shreds of wool with a brush. It is enough to do this once a week, and during molting - three times a week.

Dogs need to be bathed infrequently, because they are very neat: twice a year is enough. After bathing the dog, you need to dry it well with a towel or hairdryer, since the thick undercoat dries for a long time. In the cold season, water procedures are best eliminated to avoid colds. Ears, eyes, teeth and claws also need to be cleaned.

• Ears need to be cleaned infrequently, since the sulfur layer creates a protective layer from dust and moisture entering the auditory canals. To determine when you need to carry out the procedure, you need to lightly spend a cotton swab in the ear canal, and if pieces of sulfur have appeared on it, then it's time for cleaning. To do this, use cotton pads, they remove dirt well and can not damage the channels. Sanitary napkins are also well suited. They contain a special tool that has dissolving properties and gently cleanses, moreover, does not cause irritation.

• Dog eyes are cleaned if necessary. Sometimes fluid accumulates in the corners, which must be removed with a cotton swab or gauze soaked in saline. For more serious problems (severe lacrimation, redness of the eyes, or a foreign object), it is worth showing the pet to the doctor.

• Chinook’s teeth, like any predator, need care. The yellow plaque that appears on them can lead to loss of teeth or diseases of other organs of the dog. To prevent this, from puppyhood you need to accustom the animal to brushing your teeth. For small dogs, you can use the device, which is worn on the finger, and for large dogs - an ordinary toothbrush. You need to buy a specialized pasta at a veterinary pharmacy.

• Dog claws because of an active lifestyle, grind naturally. The owner should only inspect them from time to time and, if necessary, adjust their condition. It is better to entrust a haircut to a professional, although you can do it yourself at home.

Chinook needs long active walks of 2-3 hours a day, otherwise he will begin to hurt. The dog is not fastidious in nutrition; both ordinary food and purchased food are suitable for it. The basis of the diet should include meat, vegetables, fruits, as well as cereals and dairy products. Food should choose a premium for large dogs. Clean water must be constantly present in the aviary.

Dogs of this breed can sometimes have health problems, therefore it is necessary to conduct regular examinations by a specialist and carry out vaccinations.

After acquiring a puppy, they are socialized. Given the mind and smartness of the Chinook, this is not difficult. The dog quickly grasps new knowledge, does not need repetition and does not harm. Since the nature of the animal is used to obeying the "leader", you need to immediately make it clear who is in charge. Otherwise, the dog can take on this role.

By nature, strong and active dogs need the same owner. Chinook teams learn very quickly, thanks to their innate cleverness and intelligence. When buying a dog, you need to remember that it was created for the transport of goods, so it just needs good physical activity and frequent training. The animal with ease and pleasure can ride a sled with children or run after a bicycle. Dogs have an extremely large supply of energy and need to be given the opportunity to use it up.

The owner should be ready for an active time, regular training and training. Dogs are very curious and strive to learn something new throughout their lives. It is very difficult to get a puppy, but if the opportunity presents itself, you must definitely choose according to the pedigree, and not according to the description. The owners of such a dog can only be envied - they have acquired a faithful and good friend for life.

About how the behavior of a Chinook dog without walking can be seen in the next video.