CHOW CHOW
APPEARANCE
The Chow is a sturdily built dog that is square in profile with broad skull and small, triangular, erect ears that are rounded at the tip. The breed has a very dense double coat that is either smooth or rough. The coat may be one of five colors including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Chows are distinguished by their unusual blue-black/purple tongue and very straight hind legs. One other distinctive feature is their curly tail. The Chow Chow weighs in at around 50-75 pounds, and the height of the Chow Chow is around 17-21 inches.
PERSONALITY
The Chow Chow is a dignified, faithful, and independent breed, with a serious attitude and a somewhat protective streak. The Chow is extremely loyal to its own family and will bond tightly to its master. They are bossy, serious, and obstinate. The Chow Chow is a very dominant breed that requires a dominant owner. They are stubborn and have a mind of their own.
TRAINING
The Chow Chow will need very firm training from an owner that has experience. To be effective, training must start at a very early age, establishing the owner as the dominant or alpha in the relationship. As with all dogs, consistency is an absolute must. The Chow Chow is very clever but their stubborn attitude will slow down any process of obedience so patience, consistency and repetition is needed.
EXERCISE
Chows are not a particularly active breed. Owners still need to be prepared to take a Chow Chow for a brisk daily walk, even if they have a fenced yard, in order to meet the dog’s needs for mental and physical stimulation. It is important to remember most Chows have a mind of their own making it essential to leave this breed on their leash at all times.
SOCIALIZATION
The Chow Chow gets along well with older well-behaved children. The Chow expects to be treated with respect, but needs to be supervised around animals as he may be aggressive towards dogs and cats. They are very loyal and friendly with their family, but exceedingly reserved with strangers. These dogs do have predatory instincts and can therefore be dangerous around smaller dogs and cats.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Apartment life can suit this breed, if given enough opportunity for regularly scheduled physical activity each day. It is not that active inside and is also sensitive to heat.
GROOMING
The Chow Chow is a heavy shedder that, regardless of coat type, will require extensive grooming. Dry shampooing is the most recommended method of upkeep for this breed. Owners should use a steel-toothed comb and devote special attention to the areas behind the ears and beneath the legs, as knots can form quite quickly in these regions. You may need to have these dogs professionally groomed occasionally.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Chow Chow is around 8-12 years. The Chow Chow is the dog breed most affected by elbow dysplasia. It is also prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (slipping knee caps), thyroid disease, pemphigus foliaceus and ocular disorders such as entropion and ectropion.
HISTORY
Chow Chow is a breed of dog that was first developed in Mongolia about 4,000 years ago and was later introduced into China. Chow Chow was bred for hunting, protection, and herding, as well as protection. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1903.
