Read About Chow Chow

Chow Chow dogs a very clean and beautiful dog is a great companion. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Chow Chow Summary:

1. Size:

   Medium sized Dog

2. Weight:

   45-75 lbs

3. Coat:

   Rough or smooth and very thick, straight hair.

4. Shedding:

   Heavy Shedding

5. Temperament:

   Intelligent, independent, reserved with strangers, and may bite if cornered by a stranger or in a strange situation. .

6. Obedience:

   May be disobedient.

7. Ease of Training:

   Not easy to train.

8. Way with Children:

   They are good with older children, but are not tolerant of the poking and playfulness of younger children.

Chow Chow -- Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   Non-sporting group/1903

2. Size & Weight:

   17- 20 inches

3. Coat:

   The coat is tow layered and is soft, straight, thick, coarse and wooly.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   The head is large but not too exaggerated to the large body of the dog. The skull is broad and flat. The muzzle is short but not less than one-third of the length of the head.

5. Body:

   The body is short and compact; the tail sets high on the back and has strong legs.

6. Colors:

   They may range in color from black, red, gray, cinnamon or cream.

7. Life Expectancy:

   13-15 years

8. Popularity:

   Very popular

9. Habitat:

   The Chow Chow is best suited for indoors during warm weather and can live outdoors in cooler weather.

Chow Chow -- Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   China

2. Historical Information:

   The breed originated from crossing the Mastiff of Tibet and the Samoyed. It is related to the Eskimo Spitz. The name evolved from the pidgin-English term for knick-knacks in the 18th century.

Chow Chow -- Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   A great guard dog that is friendly and faithful to its owners. It may become stubborn at times and will bond early with family members.

2. Behavior:

   Chows are natural hunters and will hunt cats. It rarely barks, digs or destroys furniture. They are very clean.

3. Habits:

   Chows breathe heavy because of the amount of skin at the back of the mouth and throat.

Chow Chow -- Concerns:

1. Health Issues:

   They suffer from entropion, which is a malfunction of the eyelids rubbing on the cornea of the eye. This condition could cause blindness. Hip dysplasia occurs in 30 to 40 percent of Chows. Other health problems arising from fleabites, skin irritations, allergies, or hypothyroidism are concerns for this breed.

2. Exercise Needs:

   Chows do not require a moderate about of exercise

3. Grooming Needs:

   matting will occur if not brushed regularly every other week. They require baths once a week. Make sure to brush and comb their legs, feet and face with a fine-toothed comb. To groom the ankles, you may use shears to trim off any long hairs. Clean their ears and teeth to prevent diseases.

4. Travel Needs:

   Make sure that you use the air conditioner when traveling in a car. Make sure that you allow time prior to the trip for a bathroom break. Secure the dog in a harness or crate for protection. You may need a leash when transporting and contact the lodging area for any pet restriction in the facility.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   Chows may become aggressive if in the same area as another dog of the same gender and will not socialize well with younger children. It is advisable for the child and the dog to grow up together.

Chow Chow -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Chow puppies purchased from a pet store are not usually the best of the breed of dog. If you are looking for a pedigree it is a recommended to contact a breeder. Make sure that you check the registrations for pedigree dogs. Make sure that the appropriate shots or medications have been administered. Verify that the color is within the qualified list of colors for the breed. Always check the eyes, teeth, and ears for any defects or pests. Make sure that the puppy looks well fed, and not overfed or underfed.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   You will need to locate a veterinarian for follow up checkups. Purchase a leash or harness for walking, quality food, water and food tray, and grooming supplies.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Make sure to dispose of table scraps, and secure trashcans. You may need to purchase locks to secure cabinets from low-lying food products, chemicals, medications, and cleaners. Secure all wiring from entanglement. Keep children toys out of the reach of the dog. Check that leaning items such as brooms and mops are out of the way to prevent falling.