Dr. Sergey Uhanov Last updated: 22nd February 2026

Chinook Dog

Dr. Sergey Uhanov Last updated: 22nd February 2026

The tawny to honey-complexioned Chinook, originating in New Hampshire, is a purebred dog with a muscular, sturdy physique, brownish eyes, hairy tail black ears and a rectangular head ending in a black muzzle. As the breed standard of the UKC states, “The ideal coloration runs from light honey color to reddish-gold. Black markings on the inside corners of the eyes are preferred. Dark tawny to black markings on the ears and muzzle are preferred. Guard hairs on the tail may be black. No white markings are allowed. Buff markings on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest, breeches, toes and underside are acceptable.”

Chinook Dog Pictures

Quick Information

Coat	Medium, dense, thick
Color	Tawny, black and tan, brown, red
Breed Type	Purebred
Group (of Breed)	Working, Northern
Lifespan	12 to 15 years
Weight/Size	Male: 50 to 90 pounds; Female: 30 to 70 pounds
Height	Male: 23 to 27 inches; Female: 22 to 26 inches
Shedding	Seasonal
Temperament	Gentle, intelligent, loyal, alert, responsive
Country of Origin	USA
Hypoallergenic	No
Barking	Rare
Litter Size	3 to 6 puppies
Good with Children	Yes
Competitive Registration	UKC, ARBA, FORB, CKC, CWNBC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, AKC

Chinook Puppies Video

Other Similar Breeds

Temperament and Behavior

The highly trainable Chinook is always ready to learn with an eagerness to please its owner and are especially devoted to the children and tolerant to non-canines, which is again because of its excellent disposition to work as a team with its family and other dogs. Despite being reserved with strangers (but never aggressive, nor shy), this dignified dog is actually a versatile and adaptable breed.

Care

Exercise

Daily exercise is essential, but in moderate amount in the form of walks or jogging or playing around about half an hour to one hour. This is to maintain their general good health and behavior, which would easily be evident as the dog would take rest or entertain itself after the schedule. They are adaptable even in the apartments, provided they get enough exercise.

Grooming

The double coat (the soft inner coat and the coarse outer) of the dog is able for self-care and hence, not much grooming is necessary, except when they shed twice every year. They rarely need a bath or two every year, however, trimming their fast-growing nails weekly is required as also brushing their teeth at least twice a week.

Health Problems

The chinook dog being generally healthy, no breed specific diseases develop, except for a small percentage of the population getting certain diseases and syndromes including excessive shyness, eye abnormalities, hip dysplasia, hormonal skin problems, mono or bilateral cryptorchidism, seizures and spondylosis. Make sure to get breeders’ certificates that the puppy is free from hip or eye diseases, when you buy them.

Training

Train your puppy from childhood who the pack leader is (i.e. you) while out for walks or jogs, just like you would train them to socialize with everyone and other pets, since they are prone to shyness issues. Teach it what you want it to do, and that would be enough for the calm, strong-willed dog to pick it up with its smart intelligence.

Feeding

You can easily provide raw diet to your dog, both meat and veggie, that are generally good for all dogs, however, adding drops of olive oil wouldn’t be a bad idea. Feeding them with high-quality dry food or kibble is also a substitute with 3 1/8 to 4 5/8 cups of it, divided into two meals.

Interesting Facts

Chinook dog is the State dog of New Hampshire.
A chinook with dropped ear is preferred and valued.
The UKC standard faults any other color in a chinook other than tawny, while an albino chinook is also disqualified.
In the USA, these dogs developed during the early 20th century.
Chinook dogs almost became non-existing, with only 28 Chinooks remaining by 1981, out of which only 11 were used in breeding programs.
With only 125 in existence, the chinook was listed as the rarest dog in the world in 1965 by the Guinness World Records.

FAQ’s

What is the typical temperament of a Chinook dog?

Chinook dogs are known for their friendly, gentle, and affectionate temperament. They are social, good with families, and often get along well with children and other pets. Early socialization helps ensure they remain well-mannered and confident.

How large do Chinook dogs usually get?

Chinooks typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds and stand about 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Males are generally larger than females, but both have a sturdy, medium-sized build suited for active lifestyles.

Do Chinook dogs shed a lot, and how should they be groomed?

Chinooks have a dense double coat that sheds seasonally, especially in spring and fall. Regular brushing two to three times a week helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy. Bathing is only needed occasionally unless they get particularly dirty.

2 responses to “Chinook Dog”

Michelle Williamson says:

January 12, 2018 at 2:19 am

Want CHINOOK

Reply
- Monica Johnson says:
  
  February 24, 2019 at 11:18 pm
  
  We would like to talk to you on training a Chinook dog.
  Please leave a contact number.
  
  Thanks so much;
  Monica
  
  Reply