At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 45-90 lb overall; UKC gives averages of about 70 lb (32 kg) for males and 55 lb (25 kg) for females.
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-length double coat
A sturdy, athletic sled dog with a close-lying double coat: a straight, harsh outer layer over a short, thick, soft undercoat. It is shown natural, without trimming.43
Personality what they are like
A calm, friendly and dignified dog that is affectionate and playful with its family and especially fond of children. It can be reserved with strangers but should never be shy or sharp, and it is keen to learn.432
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Built to pull sleds, so it enjoys regular exercise and work such as hiking with a pack, sledding, skijoring, weight pull, agility and obedience.25
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The natural double coat needs regular brushing, more often when the undercoat is shedding; no trimming is expected.4
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to family life when it gets enough activity; its thick coat suits cooler climates and outdoor time.24
Company who they like around
A devoted family companion that likes to be included in household life.42
The story where it all began
The breed starts with one dog, Chinook, born in 1917 on Arthur Walden's farm in New Hampshire, who became a famous lead dog and stud. Walden's dogs combined freighting power with racing speed, and Walden drove on Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expedition. After Perry Greene's death the breed dwindled to only 11 breedable dogs in 1981 before dedicated breeders rebuilt it.325
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the official state dog of New Hampshire.2
- 2
The foundation dog Chinook was named after a lead dog Walden had known in the Yukon.2
- 3
By 1981 only eleven breedable Chinooks were left, and the breed was brought back from there.5
- 4
The original Chinook took part in Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expedition (UKC dates it to 1927, Wikipedia to 1929).3
- 5
Tawny is the hallmark colour, and white markings are not allowed by the UKC standard.3
Recognised by the official bits
- AKC
- Working Group; became the AKC's 176th breed in January 2013, after the Foundation Stock Service (2001) and Miscellaneous Class (2010).2
- AKC standard
- Breed standard approved May 11, 2021, effective August 4, 2021.4
- UKC
- Northern Breed Group; recognised March 1991.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chinook. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Face foldsWipe and dry the skin foldsevery 2 days
- Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Chinook Dog Breed Information - AKC akc.orgused for origin, temperament
- Chinook (dog) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, AKC recognition timeline, weight range, activities, state dog
- Chinook - United Kennel Club ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, height, weight averages, temperament, coat, colour
- AKC Official Standard of the Chinook images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colour, temperament, standard dates
- Chinook Owners Association chinook.orgused for 1981 bottleneck, working activities
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.