Chow Chow

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• Breed Origin: China - Chow Chow is a type of dog breed originally from China, where it is referred to as Songshi Quan, meaning “Puffy-Lion Dog”. Research indicates that the Chow Chow originated in China more than 3,000 years ago. Historians have found references to Chow Chow as far back as 11th Century B.C. The dogs were described as heavily built, with harsh bristly hair, straight back legs and blue tongues.There is however another hypothesis which believes that the Chow Chow did not originate from China, as barbarian ancestors of the Mongols used enormous dogs with features like a lion, sporting black tongues, when they went to war against the Chinese 3,000 years ago. Later they were adopted by the monasteries of Tibet, where even today there are monasteries that breed only blue Chows. As far back as the seventh century B.C. the Chow Chow was classified as a hunting dog, used to attack wolves and leopards. So strong and willful was the breed then (as indeed they still are today) that huntsmen according to ancient records were obliged to control them with a contraption of straps around the dogs body and neck. Guarding was another of the breeds many abilities, as was herding of cattle and other livestock. Even at the present time the breed is used for work in the field in China. Showing remarkable powers of scent, considerable confidence, with good sense and clever tactics.

• Coat Colors: Chows may be red, white, cream, blue, black or fawn in color with an abundant, stand-off coat in the rough variety and a plush, thick, velor coat in the smooth variety.

• Description: The Chow is a compact, short, well balanced dog that carries its tail high over its back. Chow Chows have a unique stilted gait and sport a blue-black tongue, a characteristic they share with the bear. The Chow Chows heads is large in comparison to the rest of its body, has a characteristic scowl, small, thick, slightly rounded ears which are carried erect and small, dark almond shaped eyes.
  

• Exercise Requirements: The Chow Chow breed is one that has a wide range of exercise styles: Where some are jogging Chows, walking Chows and the others are couch potato Chows. No matter the style of Chow you may have, they should always be kept well muscled through normal, daily exercise. Chow Chows should never be allowed to become over weight. Jumping should never be allowed at any age. Encouraging or forcing an adult Chow Chow to jump higher than its own height can cause a number of hip, knee and lower back problems. Dancing or standing on their hind legs should never be allowed at any age. Though they may do it, it is not to be encouraged, in fact, it’s best to tell them to get down. Again, this is due to the heavy structure of the Chow Chow and the damage that this sort of activity attracts.
  

• Grooming: Chow Chows need to be brushed at least twice weekly or more if possible. Grooming is necessary to keep the long, thick coat in top, clean condition. Chow Chows have a dense undercoat that supports the coarser outer coat and gives it its fluffy presentation. Many adult Chow Chows have a ruffle almost like that of a lion, that must be handled with care because it can be stripped away by too much grooming. The puppy undercoat, however should be brushed out when it starts to loosen so that the adult coat may grow properly.

• Hereditary Disorders: Chow Chows are prove to the following disorders.

  • Hyposomatotropism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Lymphocytic thyroiditis
  • Thyroiditis
  • Gastric dilatation volvulus syndrome
  • Intestinal malabsorption
  • Alopecia, colour mutant
  • Demodicosis
  • Ectropion
  • Entropion
  • Furunculosis
  • Granulomatous sebaceous adenitis
  • Hyposomatotropism
  • Pemphigus foliaceous
  • Pododermatitis
  • Sebaceous adenitis
  • Cleft Palate
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia
  • Osteochondritis dissecans
  • Osteochondrosis dissecans
  • Short tail
  • Behavioral abnormalities
  • Cataract
  • Cerebellar Hypoplasia
  • Distichiasis
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypomyelinogenesis
  • Pannus
  • Persistent pupillary membrane
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (X-linked)

While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases. Click For – More Info On Disorders Affecting The Chow Chow

• Height: Male: 19–22 inches (48–56 cm), Female: 18–20 inches (46–51 cm)

• Hypoallergenic: No

• Life Expectancy: 9 to 12 years

• Living Area Requirements: Chow Chows will do well in most living conditions but do best when kept in a fenced-in area or inside the house where they have a good deal of freedom. Chow Chows need to have as much freedom as you have to offer, within the limits of its safety and welfare.

• Temperament: Aloof, Independent, Loyal, Quiet. The Chow Chow’s disposition is quite unique from other breeds. They are catlike in their behavior: aloof, composed, independent, dignified and stubborn. Although their soft fur looks rather cuddly, they don not often enjoy being fussed over by children or strangers. The Chow Chow is very intelligent, but like the cat, not as highly moved to please their masters as other breeds. They tend to like to please themselves first. They do not tolerate physical punishment and such punishment may result in viciousness or a broken spirit. The Chow Chow expects to be treated with dignity and respect. They will return that respect with eternal loyalty, if they believe you are worthy of it.The Chow Chow’s temperament is often misunderstood by people who do not understand the breeds unique nature. Naturally suspicious of strangers and territorial, they take their families and homes very seriously, as well their responsibility to protect. On their own property and without his owner present, the Chow Chow may appear to be quite ferocious and will seldom let a stranger pass unchallenged. People that are accustomed to the warm welcomes of other breeds may be perplexed by the seriousness of the Chow Chow. Once greeted by its owner and accepted into the home, the Chow will usually accept the stranger, but may still be reserved in its desire to be friendly. The Chow Chow’s appearance also adds to myths about its temperament. The scowling face, small deep-set eyes and lion-like ruffle are intimidating traits. The Chow Chow’s natural aloofness, dignity and indifference to people outside its family is often misinterpreted by people who expect all dogs to be outwardly friendly and affectionate. Chow Chows save its affections for those they love most dearly and finds little reason to seek attention from anyone else. They minds their own business and simply does not care what strangers think of them.The strong willed, stubborn Chow needs an equally strong willed, stubborn owner! This breed has a mind of its own and may easily become your master if you let it. Chow puppies are naturally well behaved, seldom destructive or disobedient. Because of their good behavior, some owners feel that training is not necessary. When an untrained Chow reaches adolescence, though, he may refuse to accept authority. We have found that most people who experience behavior problems with their Chow Chows failed to train and socialize them properly.
  

• Weight: Male: 20–32 kg, Female: 20–32 kg

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