Breed Information
People often tell me that the breed is too good to be true and that there must be more that the breed club websites aren't telling them. I am happy to share with you my experience, expectations and extra details about the Chinook that I think will be helpful. Of course, this is opinion, and all Chinook owners and breeders opinions may vary.
Chinooks make wonderful family pets. They generally love people and children. They don't just tolerate kids - they love them and will seek them out in a crowded room. While they may be more reserved as adults, they have a tendency to be most excited when they meet new people. It can be difficult to teach your Chinook puppy not to jump up on people out of excitement. Chinooks love to show affection and are known for their giant kisses. So if face licking is out of the question, so may be the Chinook.
Chinooks are usually quite needy for human companionship. While some Chinooks may be more independent than others, most are starving for attention and affection most of the time. Because separation anxiety can become a problem for Chinooks, we feel that Chinooks do best in homes where someone is home with them most of the time. This doesn't mean that you can't leave the house for more than an hour, nor does it mean that you can't vacation. It simply means that the happiest Chinook is the one who's family won't be leaving their Chinook home alone for 8+ hours a day. Many owners find that having another dog is helpful, as is using a doggie daycare or dog walker to break up long days where the Chinook is left home alone. When a Chinook experiences separation anxiety, he may whine excessively, pace and be descructive. For these reasons, a Chinook does best as an indoor pet and also living in a single family residence that is not up against the walls of a neighbor.
Their needy personalities may make for one type of owners' worst nightmare, but it makes for anothers' dream dog. I find the Chinook to be the most loving breed of dog, devoted to their family like no other. They show me their affection more than any other dog has in my lifetime of dog ownership.
They need light to moderate exercise. A short daily walk, a couple of play sessions, and lots of attention will generally be enough interaction to keep the Chinook happy. Some breeders feel that a Chinook "must" have a job, but I don't find that to be true. All of the Chinooks that I have placed have been in pet homes and they do just fine as housepets. They want to be with their people, so if you are a runner or a couch potato, or even a little bit of both, the Chinook will fit right in.
Chinooks today excel in sledding, skijoring, carting, weight-pulling, agility tracking, herding, rally-O, freestyle (dancing), obedience, therapy work, and more. And most of all, they are the ultimate furry family member. Chinooks are not known for their speed necessarily, but they do make good recreational sledding dogs.
Chinooks shed moderately. Coats vary in the breed and in different climates, but you should expect to vacuum frequently if you own a Chinook. Twice a year, they will blow their undercoat, which involves a period of heavy shedding. During this time, I comb my Chinooks outdoors and allow the loose undercoat to float away, eventually becoming a bird's nesting material. Speaking of the outdoors - Chinooks are diggers. They are more likely to dig out of your fence, than jump it. Most breeders, myself included, do not require owners to have a fenced yard, but we do prefer them.
The Chinook is easy to train. They are very smart! However, they require consistency in their training, as they can be headstrong and may test the waters on occasion to keep you on your toes. They also have a tendency towards shyness/timidness if they do not receive adequate socialization (and rarely even when they do), so it is very important that you adopt your Chinook at a time in which your family is prepared to properly socialize and train a new puppy. You will want to socialize and do training classes with your puppy for at least the first 6 months you have him.
Intervale Chinooks has put up an interesting site on Chinook health information, so I invite you to visit this link for detailed health info on the Chinook breed. http://www.intervalechinooks.net/Chinook_Health_index.html The Chinook is at risk to develop hip dysplasia, though our breed does not often see debilitating symptoms from it like many other breeds do. The Chinook breed is also affected with a seizure disorder that is unlike most other breeds experiencing Epilepsy. You can view videos of Chinook seizures and read more information on the studies underway at the link posted above. Other issues that affect the Chinook are eye disease, such as cataracts, allergies to food and/or pollens, and digestive issues. We recommend that you discuss health issues known in the line with your breeder prior to committing to a puppy and to do your own health research on the breed by visiting the OFA. Most Chinook breeders use this semi-open registry for health certifications.
Chinooks may be registered with the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service (a listing service, until which time we enter AKC Miscellaneous Class). Some breeders may choose to register only with one or the other. We prefer to dual register our puppies. Be certain to ask your breeder which registry(s) your puppy will be registered with, if you have preferences. Currently, UKC registered Chinooks are allowed to participate in all UKC performance and conformation activities. www.ukcdogs.com AKC FSS listed Chinooks are allowed to perform in AKC performance activities and AKC Sanctioned B shows, but are not allowed to show towards conformation titles. www.akc.org