The Chow Chow is a rare breed of dog that originated from China. They are known for their loyal nature and fluffy coat. This makes them great pets for families who want a pet they can snuggle with.
Chows are very intelligent dogs that require lots of exercise. If you decide to get a Chow Chow puppy, make sure you take care of him or her properly.
This article is going to be giving you all the information you need on the Chow Chow dog breed.
Contents
A Brief History: Chow Chow Dog Breed
The origins of this gorgeous dog lie in China and it is said to be one of the oldest dog breeds, dating all the way back to 206 B.C.
It is said that they were used as temple guards in Asia, and were used for hunting over 2000 years ago. However, the chow we know today, is a member of the non-sporting group.
In regard to their name, they used to be called several things in China, but none were ‘Chow Chow.’
Some believe that English merchants used to bring cargo from the Far East, and occasionally the Chow Chow’s were part of that cargo, and that is how people referred to these dogs.
The name eventually caught on, and a breed club was formed in England in 1895 after Queen Victoria helped it gain popularity.
They were then recognized as a breed in America in by 1903, where they gained even more popularity.
Chow Chow Dog Breed Appearance
Many compare the remarkable appearance of this pooch to a lion, due to their white and slightly orange fluffy fur.
They are truly striking dogs, and are sometimes referred to as the ‘blue tongue dog’ due to their black-blue tongue.
This makes them super unique, with the only other dog with a tongue like this being the Shar-Pei.
The Chow Chow has an average height of 18 inches, with males being slightly taller than females at 19 inches. Their weight ranges between 55 and 75 pounds.
They are built pretty compactly, with pointy ears above a large head, and a ruff that forms around their neck from their thick, warm coat. They can be a variety of colors, ranging from whitish orange, reddish-brown, black, or blue-gray.
Their tail will usually be curled over their back, or to the side, making it look very small.
Chow Chow Temperament
Chow Chows are intelligent, independent dogs that are often aloof towards strangers.
They were originally used as guard dogs for homes or livestock. Socialization early on is very important, and training them to control their guarding tendencies requires patience and creativity.
Chow chows have a strong sense of independence and can be stubborn. They’re great competitors, and they need a firm, patient trainer.
They are loyal, and very protective of their family and their families belongings, all characteristics of their previous reputation as guard dogs.
While some may mistake their assertiveness as being aggressive, it is important to note that they are generally well-behaved dogs.
Although they are loyal to their family members, as they age they may prefer the company of only one or two people.
If you would like to welcome a chow chow into your life, it is important to get one as a puppy, so you can train it accordingly.
Chow Chow Diet
There aren’t any specific dietary requirements you should follow when it comes to feeding your Chow Chow. They can be fed any standard medium-sized dog food that you can find in all pet stores.
If you’d like to give them treats, avoid anything with sugar or leftovers from your meals, as this could lead to a rise in their cholesterol levels, which could bring about a variety of issues such as diabetes and obesity.
You should also avoid giving them chocolate, as this contains theobromine, a chemical that is toxic in Chow Chows and many other dog breeds.
If you want to give your Chow Chow some of your leftovers as treats, then make sure they are leaner meats and proteins. This will prevent your dog from gaining weight, which could lead to health issues later on.
Chow Chow Grooming
Chow Chows have either rough or smooth coats, but no matter which one it has, they will need regular grooming.
They will need brushing two to three times a week and depending on the length of their coat, they may need more maintenance to prevent tangles.
Shedding will happen twice a year when the seasons change, so extra grooming is necessary during this time, but they have a generally low shedding rate for the rest of the year.
Chow Chow Health
Chow Chows are mostly healthy dogs, but like all dogs, they can get a few health problems when they get older.
If you are buying a puppy from a breeder, you should check the health records of the parents before committing.
One very important note, is that some health conditions will not appear until the dog has matured. Therefore, health clearances will not be issued to these dogs until they reach two years of age.
If you are buying your puppy from a breeder, then you must ensure they are not breeding their dogs if they are under the age of two or three. The following issues are sometimes common in Chow Chows:
Hip dysplasia is a condition that is inherited from a dog’s parents. It is when a dog’s thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.
This can lead to more serious issues as the dog gets older, such as arthritis.
Entropion is when a dog’s eyelid rolls inwards, causing injury to the eye.
You will notice your Chow Chow rubbing its eye when this is happening, and they must undergo surgery to have it fixed.
Dogs need to be checked for hip dysplasia when they reach full maturity. Breeders should avoid breeding puppies before they reach this age.
This problem isn’t very common in the breed, however, it could happen if you buy your puppy from someone else, whose parents may have suffered from this condition.
Where Can I Get a Chow Chow?
If you are interested in welcoming an adorable Chow Chow to your home, you should check out your local pet shelters as there may be one that needs a home
You can also buy one from a breeder at the price range of $800-$1200. A Chow Chow that comes from a strong bloodline will sell for around $3000.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, these dogs are loyal to their family members and are very protective of those they care about.
However, it is important to adopt or buy one as a puppy, so it can be trained out of its assertive manner, so you don’t run into issues as it gets older.
These fluffy pooches would be a wonderful addition to your home, and you know you’ll always be safe with this ex guard dog around!
Now that you learn key details about the Chow Chow Dog Breed, Continue Reading More to learn about Shih Tzu Dogs , Bulldogs and Other Dog Breeders Here.