A rare American sled dog bred for warmth and work.
Origin
United States (New Hampshire)
Height
22–26 in (56–66 cm)
Weight
50–90 lb (23–41 kg)
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Dense, tawny double coat
Energy
Moderate
Overview
The Chinook is a rare American sled dog developed to combine the power of freighting breeds with the friendly, gentle temperament of a family companion. Muscular yet graceful, it is a versatile working dog with a calm, people-focused heart.
Devoted, patient, and eager to please, the Chinook is notably gentle with children and affectionate with its family. It is a willing worker and athlete that thrives on activity and close involvement in daily life.
History
Created in early-20th-century New Hampshire by Arthur Walden, the Chinook descends from a single foundation dog bred for sled work and expedition hauling. Once nearly extinct, dedicated breeders revived it; it is New Hampshire's state dog.
Where it comes from
United States (New Hampshire)
Highlighted in the Chinook's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The Chinook is calm, affectionate, and trainable, bonding closely with its family and generally friendly with people and dogs. It is a willing worker that appreciates a job, exercise, and companionship, and it dislikes isolation.
Health to watch
Joint malformation occurs in the breed; screening and lean weight help protect the hips over time.
Idiopathic epilepsy appears in some lines and is typically managed well with veterinary care.
Cataracts and other eye issues occur in some dogs; regular eye exams help catch them early.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
Regular activity and, ideally, a job such as hiking or pulling keep this working breed content.
Chinooks bond tightly and dislike being left alone; they thrive as involved family members.
The dense double coat needs regular brushing and sheds heavily during seasonal changes.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.