However, if you have an active lifestyle the Chinook willingly participates in hiking, jogging, backpacking, sledding and ski-joring. The Chinooks were bred to be a sledge dog and cannot compete successfully in races against the smaller Alaskans and Siberians. Matched against other Chinooks and larger breeds such as the Malamute. Chinooks do well. Since they are a slow maturing breed it is not recommended that a Chinook be asked to work hard until they attain their second year of growth.
Younger dogs can tag a long for fun or do short sprints until they mature.
Chinooks develop a thick double coat in northern climates but in warmer climates have a much thinner coat. Chinooks are a rare breed and there is a natural range of size in the breed. Males average 25 inches at the shoulders and 60- 75 pounds. The average female is 23 inches at the shoulders and 50-65 pounds. The Chinook is a tawny colored dog.