Chow Chow.
Pic from Houston Chow Chow Connection. If looking for a Chow, please do consider adopting. You can get in touch with Houston Chow Chow below, or look for other Chow Chow rescue in your area. https://hccchou.org/
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed which originated in China and there are statues of Chows which are over 2000 year old. The exact origin is unknown, but pictures discovered on Chinese pottery which look very like the Chow Chow, date back as far as 206 BC. It is thought that this breed may be related to the Chinese Shar-Pei and origins of both seem to stem from China, and both have the distinctive trait of the black and blue mouth. Others believe it to be a cross between the Tibetan Mastiff and the Samoyed, while others say the Samoyed actually descends from the Chow Chow.
It is also believed that this breed may have contributed to the ancestry of the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhounds, the Keeshond and the Pomeranian – in all, nobody is sure!
They were originally used by the Chinese as working dogs with varied tasks such as hunting, herding, pulling carts and sleds and as protection. Unfortunately they were also eaten (considered a delicacy) and their fur was used for making human coats!
They first appeared in England in the late 1800’s brought over by merchants. It is believed that their name stemmed from the Pidgin English word ‘chow-chow’ which was a general term for bits and pieces that were brought back from the Far East.
Another unusual feature about them is that it has almost straight hind legs, which makes its walk rather stilted in appearance.
Much has been made of the Chow’s blue/black tongue and many people believe that their dog may have Chow in it as it has blue spots on the tongue – these are just the equivalent of freckles on humans and not uncommon in many breeds. A true Chow has a pure blue (or black) tongue.
Personality
This is a lovely dog although they do tend to be rather dominant given their breeding. Due to this it is essential that they have a firm owner who will show them the do’s and don’ts of the basic House rules but with positive reinforcement methods – these dogs do not do well if more harsher methods of training are used. Left to its own devices and without the guidelines it needs, a Chow can get out of hand very easily and can be stubborn, unruly and self willed.
They can be aloof and suspicious of strangers and can become very protective and reactive if not controlled. Due to this it is essential to socialize them well from being a pup and keep up the socialization and the basic obedience. This is not a dog to run up and hug no matter how lovely and cuddly and huggable it looks , not just due to the natural aloofness they seem to have – they also have poor peripheral vision – so anybody approaching them should do so from the front and approach in a slight curve announcing their arrival and offering treats. Once they know you they are much more relaxed and more likely to interact, but this will be of their own choice, - they are naturally aloof dogs and one should never force a chow (or any other dog for that matter) to interact if it does not want too.
They make excellent watchdogs and are very protective. They are intelligent dogs and do well inside the house, so do not require a large garden, although daily exercise should always be supplied to stimulate the dog physically and mentally and to keep the weight down.
On average they are normally ‘one person dogs’ and will bond strongly with their owner and other members of the family, but even with their own ‘people’ they can be reserved. However, they have wonderful patience and regal dignity are easy dogs to fall in love with.
This breed is not for everybody, but for those that love and appreciate the breed there is none better.
It is also believed that this breed may have contributed to the ancestry of the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhounds, the Keeshond and the Pomeranian – in all, nobody is sure!
They were originally used by the Chinese as working dogs with varied tasks such as hunting, herding, pulling carts and sleds and as protection. Unfortunately they were also eaten (considered a delicacy) and their fur was used for making human coats!
They first appeared in England in the late 1800’s brought over by merchants. It is believed that their name stemmed from the Pidgin English word ‘chow-chow’ which was a general term for bits and pieces that were brought back from the Far East.
Another unusual feature about them is that it has almost straight hind legs, which makes its walk rather stilted in appearance.
Much has been made of the Chow’s blue/black tongue and many people believe that their dog may have Chow in it as it has blue spots on the tongue – these are just the equivalent of freckles on humans and not uncommon in many breeds. A true Chow has a pure blue (or black) tongue.
Personality
This is a lovely dog although they do tend to be rather dominant given their breeding. Due to this it is essential that they have a firm owner who will show them the do’s and don’ts of the basic House rules but with positive reinforcement methods – these dogs do not do well if more harsher methods of training are used. Left to its own devices and without the guidelines it needs, a Chow can get out of hand very easily and can be stubborn, unruly and self willed.
They can be aloof and suspicious of strangers and can become very protective and reactive if not controlled. Due to this it is essential to socialize them well from being a pup and keep up the socialization and the basic obedience. This is not a dog to run up and hug no matter how lovely and cuddly and huggable it looks , not just due to the natural aloofness they seem to have – they also have poor peripheral vision – so anybody approaching them should do so from the front and approach in a slight curve announcing their arrival and offering treats. Once they know you they are much more relaxed and more likely to interact, but this will be of their own choice, - they are naturally aloof dogs and one should never force a chow (or any other dog for that matter) to interact if it does not want too.
They make excellent watchdogs and are very protective. They are intelligent dogs and do well inside the house, so do not require a large garden, although daily exercise should always be supplied to stimulate the dog physically and mentally and to keep the weight down.
On average they are normally ‘one person dogs’ and will bond strongly with their owner and other members of the family, but even with their own ‘people’ they can be reserved. However, they have wonderful patience and regal dignity are easy dogs to fall in love with.
This breed is not for everybody, but for those that love and appreciate the breed there is none better.
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from a KUSA registered breeder or a breed club affiliated with KUSA.
Do they get on well with children and other pets?
In general, Chow Chows are not the best dogs for families with children but if they are well socialized to children as a pup, and there are children in the home when the pup arrives, there is not normally a problem. Where a child coming into the home where there is already a Chow, problems can occur as the Chow bonds very much with its owners and may not welcome the addition of a baby, especially if the dog has not been exposed to children and babies in the past. However, if the basic House Rules are put in place and the Chow is well mannered and obedient and the owner is patient and does the necessary introductions in the correct manner, then this could be successful – this will take time, patience and consistency.
If a Chow has been well socialized it is easier for it to get on with other dogs, especially if one is already in the home and the Chow is brought in as a pup and the existing dog is of the opposite sex and more or less the same size. They can become very reactive to dogs of the same gender, so your ideal match is one male and one female.
It is definitely not suitable for homes with cats or other small animals as his strong instinct to hunt will take over. For this reason, he should never be let off leash because he may attack any other animals in his immediate vicinity.
Life Expectancy
10 – 15 years
Do’s and Don’ts of this breed
Don’ts
Only from a KUSA registered breeder or a breed club affiliated with KUSA.
Do they get on well with children and other pets?
In general, Chow Chows are not the best dogs for families with children but if they are well socialized to children as a pup, and there are children in the home when the pup arrives, there is not normally a problem. Where a child coming into the home where there is already a Chow, problems can occur as the Chow bonds very much with its owners and may not welcome the addition of a baby, especially if the dog has not been exposed to children and babies in the past. However, if the basic House Rules are put in place and the Chow is well mannered and obedient and the owner is patient and does the necessary introductions in the correct manner, then this could be successful – this will take time, patience and consistency.
If a Chow has been well socialized it is easier for it to get on with other dogs, especially if one is already in the home and the Chow is brought in as a pup and the existing dog is of the opposite sex and more or less the same size. They can become very reactive to dogs of the same gender, so your ideal match is one male and one female.
It is definitely not suitable for homes with cats or other small animals as his strong instinct to hunt will take over. For this reason, he should never be let off leash because he may attack any other animals in his immediate vicinity.
Life Expectancy
10 – 15 years
Do’s and Don’ts of this breed
- Do consider this breed if you are an experienced dog owner that trains using positive reinforcement methods
- Do consider this breed if you have no young children
- Do consider this breed if you have a sense of humour – they can be very amusing and playful
- Do have to respect for the breed – they are what they are – and you enjoy what they are
- Do have the patience that this dogs needs – it can be stubborn and aloof and training can take time
- Do want a dog that is fiercely loyal
- Do not want an overly affectionate dog
- Do want a dog that is an excellent guard dog – training and discipline must be in place
- Do want a dog that does not want/need a lot of exercise – they can become lazy but a daily walk is recommended.
Don’ts
- Don’t get this breed in a family environment with young kids and small pets
- Don’t get this breed is you want a friendly breed
- Don't get this breed if you want a dog to run or jog or exercise with you - the thick coat leads to over heating and they are not overly active dogs
- Don’t get this breed if you are a first time or in-experienced handler
- Don’t get this breed if you are a very social person with multiple visitors
- Don’t get this breed if you live in a area prone to high temperatures (they also don’t particularly like water)
- Don’t get this breed if you are not prepared to do regular grooming
- Don’t get this breed if the dog sleeps with you and you are a light sleeper – due to the short muzzle they are prone to snoring!
Health
The Chow Chow has some health problems that can be a concern, especially if you aren't careful whom you buy from. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, autoimmune thyroiditis, and eye problems such as cataracts, distichiasis and glaucoma. Stomach cancer and bloat are also seen in the breed. To help to prevent bloat, feed 2 - 3 meals per day rather than one large one. No excessive exercise 1 - 2 hours before feeding and an hour after.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
The Chow Chow has some health problems that can be a concern, especially if you aren't careful whom you buy from. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, autoimmune thyroiditis, and eye problems such as cataracts, distichiasis and glaucoma. Stomach cancer and bloat are also seen in the breed. To help to prevent bloat, feed 2 - 3 meals per day rather than one large one. No excessive exercise 1 - 2 hours before feeding and an hour after.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Grooming and Training
Grooming
This breed sheds once a year and needs regular brushing and grooming and also has a very thick undercoat
Training
Not optional. Given this breeds natural guarding tendencies and being very self willed, training must be done. However, the method of positive reinforcement is the preferred method. The breed can be very stubborn and training requires a lot of patience. They are not stupid dogs by any manner of means, they are very intelligent, rather the process is done at their pace rather than the owners.
Interesting Facts
References
http://www.facts-about-dogs.info/Chow_Chow_Facts.html
http://www.chowchows.com/information.php
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Chow_Chow
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chowchow.htm
http://chowchows.za.org/
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Non-Sporting-Group/Chow-Chow/Overview.aspx
http://members.petfinder.org/~MD149/Chow.html
http://www.dogtemperament.com/chow-chow-temperament/
Grooming
This breed sheds once a year and needs regular brushing and grooming and also has a very thick undercoat
Training
Not optional. Given this breeds natural guarding tendencies and being very self willed, training must be done. However, the method of positive reinforcement is the preferred method. The breed can be very stubborn and training requires a lot of patience. They are not stupid dogs by any manner of means, they are very intelligent, rather the process is done at their pace rather than the owners.
Interesting Facts
- The Chow also has a lovely thick mane with small, rounded ears, thus giving it the appearance of a small, cuddly lion.
- The Chow can develop heavy breathing and stress easily when too hot, heavily exercised or over excited.
- This breed can be found in 5 main colours - Blue (a diluted black), cinnamon (any variation from a dark cinnaamon to a pale beige). cream, red (from dark mahogany to light golden), and black
- The tongue is always a blue/black hue and the gums are commonly a black hue.
- When they are pups, the tongue will be pink and change as the dog matures
- Chows have two types of coats - Rough or Smooth. The smooth coat chow does not have an obvious a ruff as the rough coat type
- The noses are relatively large and black with the exception of the blue coloured Chow, which will be a grey colour.
- When a red Chow is born it initially has a black mask that will fade in time.
- Cinnamon Chows are often a grey colour at birth, but this too will change in a few weeks to the cinnamon colour.
References
http://www.facts-about-dogs.info/Chow_Chow_Facts.html
http://www.chowchows.com/information.php
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Chow_Chow
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chowchow.htm
http://chowchows.za.org/
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Non-Sporting-Group/Chow-Chow/Overview.aspx
http://members.petfinder.org/~MD149/Chow.html
http://www.dogtemperament.com/chow-chow-temperament/