Chinook vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Chinook vs Australian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBoth Australian Shepherd and Chinook are originated from United States. Australian Shepherd may grow 11 cm / 4 inches shorter than Chinook. Australian Shepherd may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Chinook. Both Australian Shepherd and Chinook has same life span. Both Australian Shepherd and Chinook has almost same litter size. Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance. But Chinook requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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United States
United States
Height Male:
51 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
53 - 69 cm
20 - 28 inches
Height Female:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
53 - 67 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
25 - 38 kg
55 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 9
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Aussie
Nook
Colors Available:
Tri-colour - blue, blue merle, black and red merle, white markings
light brown light honey color to reddish-gold, tawny
Coat:
thick - medium length - straight to wavy
plush double
Shedding:
Constant
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

australian shepherdThe Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.

For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.

More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.

chinookIn the early 20th century, in the small town of Wonalancet, New Hampshire a new breed of dog called the Chinook was born. Developed by Arthur Treadwell Walden, the breed is named after the first male ancestor who was named Chinook. The breed is a rare sled dog and the official dog of the state of New Hampshire. The Chinook was born of a cross between a large Mastiff-like street dog and huskies that were part of the Peary North Pole expedition.

Walden was an experienced slender and looking for a dog that was stronger, faster and had more stamina than his current sled dogs. Walden had years of experience including being the trainer and lead on Byrd’s 1929 Antarctic expedition and plenty of Yukon experience. Once he had the male Chinook he bred him with German Shepherds, Belgian Sheepdogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs at the very least. He then bred those puppies back to Chinook until he had the type and traits he wanted. Following Walden, Julia Lombard and then Perry Greene took over mastery of the breed. From the 1940’s until he died in 1963, Greene was the only person who was breeding Chinooks. So, there were few left after his death. The breed neared extinction by 1981 with only 11 Chinooks available to breed. These dogs were divided between three breeders who saved the breed from becoming extinct.

In 1991, the United Kingdom recognized the Chinook and they were also registered with the UKC. At that time there were about 800 dogs in the breed. To increase the breed, there was a cross-breeding program that took Chinooks and bred them back to the breeds they considered to be apart of the original Chinook lineage. These 4th generation dogs might meet the standards of the Chinook Owners Associations Cross Breeding Program and be accepted as purebred.

In 2001 the Chinook was entered into the AKC Foundation Stock Service and added to the Miscellaneous class of the AKC in 2010. In January of 20113, the Chinook was finally granted full recognition and breed status within the AKC in the working group. He is a large working dog, rugged, patience, loyal and intelligent. He is one of the rarest breeds in the AKC.

Description

Coat

australian shepherd puppy - descriptionSimilar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.

Different Eye Colour Combinations

There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.

chinook puppy - descriptionThe Chinook is a muscular dog, making him a perfect fit to be a sled dog or a hauler of any type. He has a deep chest and powerful muzzle with enduring teeth. The ears can be pricked up or bent and wind-blown. The nostrils of the Chinook are solid black and wide, while the lips are black, the eyes look like almonds and are dark with intelligence in their glance. The feet are firm and oval, the pads cushioned and with dark pigmentation. The tail should not be docked.

The breed has a double coat and hair of medium length The undercoat is soft and thick while the outercoat is close to the body and coarse. The Chinook is usually a tawny, reddish color.

Characteristics

australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.

He Craves Human Companionship

Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.

chinook dog - characteristicsThis is a playful, affectionate and loyal breed. They have a special love for kids and always want to learn and please you. They are intelligent and very trainable. The Chinook is good with other dogs and as a sled dog they love to work in packs. They can be reserved but they are never aggressive or shy.

Health Problems

australian shepherd puppies - health problemsAussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.

We look at some common health ailments to be alert about

Hip Dysplasia

This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Your Aussie Puppy Needs Vaccinations

Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.

These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.

chinook puppies - health problemsFor the most part, the Chinook is a healthy dog. There are however some issues they do have to contend with including:

Epilepsy

Sometimes know as Chinook seizures this is really a movement disorder and perhaps not a true epilepsy.

Atopy

This dermatitis may be hereditary. It causes itchy skin and is actual an immune system issue.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Chinook are known for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders manifested by diarrhea and vomiting.

Caring The Pet

General Grooming

australian shepherd dogs - caringWith his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.

Feeding

A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Training and Socialization

The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.

Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.

Feeding

chinook dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your dog. Based on how hard he is working for you feed twice a day. Dividing 3 to 5 cups into two meals.

Health issues

In addition to the health issues mentioned above, the Chinook might be prone to:

Hip Dysplasia

Can cause arthritis or lameness

Crytorchism

Only affects males as this is the absence of the testes in the scrotum.

Allergies

Ears should be washed on a regular basis to prevent allergies and infections.

Exercise and games

Although the Chinook is still active in recreational sledding, he is mostly a family pet these days. Given this the Chinook need a good deal of exercise and competition. They are great at search and rescue, dog packing, agility, obedience, herding, carting and skijoring. They need some form of solid exercise for 30 to 60 minutes every day.

Comparison with other breeds

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  3. Chinook vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
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  5. Chinook vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Chinook vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Chinook vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Chinook vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Chinook vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Chinook vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Chinook vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Chinook vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Chinook vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Chinook vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Chinook vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
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  18. Chinook vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Chinook vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Chinook vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  26. Australian Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Australian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Australian Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Australian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Australian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Australian Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Australian Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Australian Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Australian Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Australian Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Australian Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Australian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Australian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Australian Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Australian Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison