Chow Chow
Description: The Chow Chow is a bred famous for its distinctive blue-black tongue and almost straight hind legs. It also has a very furry coat that comes either smooth or rough. A huge ruff behind the head gives the breed the appearance of a lion. It also has a tail that is thickly covered with hair and is carried over its back.
The head of the Chow Chow is broad, with a flat skull. The muzzle is broad near the eye, narrowing toward its black nose. The ears are small and round. The chest is broad and deep. The kidney area is short and strong.
Dynamics: The Chow Chow is a serious breed. It is well-mannered, self-willed, and very independent. A dominant owner would be the ideal owner of this dog. The Chow Chow is very intelligent, but they have a mind of their own and they have to see the point of the owner’s command before obeying. The owner also has to be calm, fair, and firm, because the Chow Chow can be very obstinate and aggressive. Many consider the short-haired Chow Chow to learn faster than the longer-haired Chow Chow.
The Chow Chow, with its seriousness, can be very reserved yet protective. It is very loyal to it family, although it may not show this side at times. Its aggressive side will show if strangers pushes themselves onto it.
The Chow Chow can certainly be a handful. This is a breed wherein its development will depend upon its aggressiveness and eagerness to learn. Most are polite and patient. Some may not be agreeable to leashes and collars.
The Chow Chow gets along well with children. Regarding other dogs, however, th Chow Chow likes to be the dominant one. The Chow Chow has to be socialized well with other household pets since puppyhood in order to get along with them as an adult. Excessive socialization is also needed for this breed to break free from over-protectiveness and being so reserved.
Their reserved personality can be attributed to past treatments. In China, the breed was used for guarding things and pulling carts. But other uses for the Chow Chow included its flesh and meat and its fur, sold in markets. There was also a lack of a single master, and as the Chow Chow is mainly a one-person master type of dog, it has developed a sense of detachment and indifference.
Breed Group: Northern, Non-Sporting
Weight: 45-70 lbs (20-32 kg)
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)
Color: The most common coat colors of the Chow Chow are solid red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Tan, gray, and white is also present. No parti-colors.
Country of Origin: The Chow Chow originated in China, where it was bred to be a hunter, cart puller, and boat guard. It has been present for the past several million years, making it one of the most ancient dog breeds.
Activities: The Chow Chow can be lazy, but it needs its daily walk and exercise. It was originally bred as a working dog and the present Chow Chow still has the need for an active physical life.
The Chow Chow was used over the years in hunting wolves, sable, and pheasant. It was also used in pulling sleds. Its thick fur was used to trim coats, and its flesh was considered a delicacy in China. In the west, the Chow Chow is used a watchdog and guard dog, and as a companion dog.
Grooming: Grooming the Chow Chow requires some attention, as it is a seasonal heavy shedder. Brush the long coat regularly to maintain the lifted, standing-out look. Dry shampoo is necessary. Extra care should be given when the dog is shedding its dens undercoat.
Other Info: The Chow Chow’s life expectancy is about 15 years. It is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. It is also prone to entropion (eye irritation caused by eyelid abnormality, which can be corrected by surgery). The Chow Chow will be fine in an apartment, as long as it receives the exercise it needs. It is relatively inactive indoors. It is sensitive to heat, but it can live in or outdoors.
