The Chow Chow is an instantly recognizable dog. These natives of China are easy to spot with their dense fur, lush tails, “bear-like” faces, and trademark blue tongues. They are medium sized, and can be up to 22 inches in height and weigh up to 70 pounds. The coat is most commonly red, but can also be black, cream or blue.
This is an ancient dog breed that is believed to have originated in the region of Mongolia, circa 200 BC. They were versatile dogs that were used for hunting, herding, guarding, and pulling carts. They were also used as a food source. The origin of the name Chow Chow is a matter for some debate. One theory is that it was given to the breed by English sea captains, and that it derives from the colloquial term for cargo. Others suggest that the name means, “food”.
The Chow Chow is believed to be the progenitor of several other dog breeds, including the Keeshond, Pomeranian and other Spitz type dogs.
Chows are naturally dominant dogs and require an experience owner and a firm hand. They have a reputation for aggression, but this is mostly unwarranted, and often down to poor breeding practices. It’s been said that “no-one can blank you like a Chow”, and while they do have a tendency to be aloof, at times they can also be affectionate. That affection, though, is normally reserved for the one person they bond with.
Despite their reputation, they generally get on well with older children, although are not really suited to young kids. They will also tolerate other pets if they’ve been socialized with them.
Training is essential with this dog but it can be a challenge. Let’s just say that if a Chow wants to be co-operative he will be, if he decides he’d rather be doing something else, you’ll be wasting your time trying to teach him anything. A Chow will normally be quite eager to please his favorite human, but will simply ignore anyone else.
The Chow Chow is a healthy breed, but can suffer various ailments, including hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion and gastric torsion. The latter condition, also known as bloat, is serious and requires immediate veterinary treatment. You can mitigate the risk by feeding several small meals at regular intervals, rather than one large meal. Chows can live up to 15 years.
As you might expect, the Chow Chow’s dense coat requires daily grooming. They are heavy shedders, and also blow their coat twice a year.
Chows are very independent dogs, so they have no problem living outdoors, provided they get attention from their favorite human. Their dense coat allows them to withstand cold weather conditions although they are less adapted to warm weather.
Learn more about the Chow Chow and other types of dogs at dogsanddogtraining.com – a virtual dogs 101.