What makes the Chow Chow Unique?
The chow is an Arctic-type dog, powerful, squarely built and sturdy with heavy bone and strong muscular development. It is a breed suited for a number of tasks, rather than specializing in one, and its build reflects its ability to hunt, herd, pull and protect. It can have either a rough coat, which is straight and off-standing or a smooth coat, which is hard and smooth; both coat types have wooly undercoats, providing ample insulation from the cold. The characteristic straight angulation of the hind legs produces a short, stilted gait unique to the breed. The scowling expression and black tongue are essential components of breed type. Dignified, even lordly, the chow chow conducts itself with reserve. It is not very demonstrative, even with its family, and is somewhat suspicious of strangers. It is independent and stubborn. It can be aggressive toward other dogs but is generally good with other household pets. It is serious and protective, devoted to its family.
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Is the Chow Chow Right For You?
The chow is an Arctic-type dog, powerful, squarely built and sturdy with heavy bone and strong muscular development. It is a breed suited for a number of tasks, rather than specializing in one, and its build reflects its ability to hunt, herd, pull and protect. It can have either a rough coat, which is straight and off-standing or a smooth coat, which is hard and smooth; both coat types have wooly undercoats, providing ample insulation from the cold. This is an alert breed that needs regular, but not strenuous, outdoor activity. It does not do well in hot humid weather. Its needs are best met with casual morning or evening walks in warm weather or several short play sessions throughout the day.
In 5 Words
- Aloof
- Loyal
- Quiet
- Independent
- Protective
Characteristics
Learn About the Chow Chow
Description
The Chow Chow can have one of two different types of coat; either rough or smooth. The most common coat is the long-haired or rough, which has an outer coat containing long, straight, coarse guard hairs which do not mat or tangle as easily as the soft, thick undercoat.
The Chow Chow is a large, stocky dog. The two most distinctive features of the Chow Chow are its blue-black tongue and its almost straight hind legs, which makes it walk rather stilted. The head is large and broad with a flat skull. The muzzle is broad and deep. There is a huge ruff behind the head, which gives it a lion-like appearance.
Short History of the chow chow
The Chow Chow is more than 2,000 years old as a breed and many authorities believe it may date back much farther. The breed probably originated, as one popular theory states, as a result of crossing the old Mastiff of Tibet and the Samoyed, a breed originating from the northern parts of Siberia. There is however another school of thought which believes that the Chow did not originate from China, barbarian ancestors of the Monguls used enormous dogs with features like a lion and black tongues, when they went to war against the Chinese 3,000 years ago. Originally, the Chow Chow is believed to have been kept as a hunting and guard dog by warring Mongolian tribes, however the breed was also used as a source of food and fur when necessary.
Temperament
The Chow Chow is a well-mannered dog. Quite good with children. If they get to know cats and other household animals when they are young, they will get along with them when they are adults. Should be thoroughly socialized preferably when they are young. They are Loyal, Intelligent, Aggressive, Independent and Detached.
Caring for Your Chow Chow
Grooming & Bathing
Regular grooming with the correct tool is important. You will need steel toothed comb with teeth spaced about an eighth of an inch apart. Stand the Chow on a sturdy, non slip table. They also do not have to be bathed often. Twice or thrice a year will do.
Chow-chows are territorial. When somebody unfamiliar crosses their territory, they immediately respond to be able to protect their masters. That said, they may not be friendly to strangers but if you will train them while they are still young, they may get used to socializing.
After the Chows is at least a year old it is fine for them to eat one meal a day. Although many choose to feed them twice a day. The feeding time should be consistent as much as possible to maintain proper health.
Exercise & Training
Its needs are best met with casual morning or evening walks in warm weather or several short play sessions throughout the day. It can live outdoors in temperate or cool weather, but it is best allowed to stay inside during warm weather
Chow Chow Picture Gallery
