Chow Chow Dog Breed Information - All About Dogs

Chow Chow

Chow Chow

CHOW CHOW DOG BREED

Description:

The Chow Chow (or simply Chow) is an ancient breed, which was developed in northern China more than 2000 years ago. This versatile dog breed was bred for quite a few purposes, primarily for hunting, grazing livestock, transporting goods, and also for protection. However, Chows are nowadays more popular as companion dogs. In 1903, this breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Height: 17-20 inches  Weight: 45-70 pounds  Lifespan: 8-12 years

Characteristics:

This breed can justifiably be called a true masterpiece of dignity and beauty. A unique feature of the Chow Chow is his blue-black tongue. Chow Chows are characterized by a sharp mind, great independence and noble behavior. Comparable Breed: The German Shepherd and Chinese Shar-Pei.

Character:

Chow Chows, as a rule, are extremely polite and patient. This is a very loyal and friendly dog breed, which get extremely attached to the entire family. Additionally, it usually chooses one family member to be its master. Chow Chows tend to be quite cold and reserved with strangers. They are powerful, serious and quite stubborn animals. This is a very dominant dog that requires equally dominant owner. If he does not grow with other pets in the same household, the Chow rarely finds a common language with them. Nonetheless, this dog usually does well with older children, provided that they know how to treat a dog. Moreover, Chows demand the undoubted respect.

Coat / Care:

The Chow Chow is covered in a very luxurious, double coat, which can be both short-haired and long-haired. The neck is decorated with a thick and long collar, because of which it looks like the mane of a lion. The outer layer is quite coarse and thick, and below is a dense undercoat. The Chow comes in a variety of colors, and most common are: red, black, blue, brown and gray. Chow Chows are never variegated. These dogs shed profusely during the season, so they require daily cleaning in order to maintain the coat in good condition. If necessary, bathe your pet or simply clean it using a dry shampoo.

Health Problems:

Typical health concerns for the Chow Chows are heat stroke, allergies, all sorts of problems with the skin, eyelids and inversions dysplasia of the hip joint. Also, Chow Chows are anesthesia intolerant. These dogs are not suitable for living in extremely hot climates. The Chow Chow has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

The Chow Chows dog breed’s height is around 18 – 20 inches and weighs around 45 and 70 pounds. Female Chow Chow dogs can reach a size from 17 – 19 inches and weighs between 45 and 70 pounds.

Training:

The Chow requires intensive, extensive and ongoing training. Also, this dog must be socialized at very young age. Chow Chows are very obedient when it comes to house rules concerning cleanliness. From an early age, they need to explain who is the boss, otherwise, they may decide that this role belongs to them. Education should be conducted on the basis of hardness, fairness, and consistency. These dogs are not allowed rude or oppressive training methods, if they see that they are treated without due respect, it can make them aggressive. Chow show special talents in regard to the protection or guard dogs.

Activity:

The Chow Chow is a very lazy breed of dog. Indeed, these dogs love to stay at home, completely inactive. The Chow is willing to walk a little bit in a small, well- fenced yard, but he is reluctant to stay out too long. The most useful for this breed are short daily walks. All things considered, Chow Chows are perfect for living in a city apartment.

Photo credit: chaos™/Flickr

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