Chow Chow Dog Breed

Originating in Northern Asia, the Chow Chow has teddy bear looks with a protective personality. In fact, they are best known for being dignified, reserved, aloof and even downright aggressive. This is a breed for a strong minded, strong willed owner, otherwise, the independent nature of the breed may make them quite unmanageable. For those that wonder "Are Chow Chows dangerous?" the answer is: they certainly can be. Chow Chow attacks are not are frequent as you may fear but the fact is they can be overly protective and aggressive if not socialized with people early and trained thoroughly! The breed is also notorious for seeming lazy so you don't have to have a large yard or be an athlete to own one. We do recommend, however, that families with small children consider another breed since they don't appreciate aggravation or rambunctious behavior-- plus may pose an accidental hazard if they decide to show aggression to strangers. Consider the following Chow Chow facts before choosing this breed:

PROS

• Excellent guard dog
• Doesn't require tons of activity
• Suitable for apartments and small living spaces
• Loyal
• Ok with other pets
• Iconic appearance

CONS

• May be overprotective and aggressive
• Difficult to train
• Can be lazy
• Not hypoallergenic
• May be outlawed at many apartments
• Not good around small children

Even though the chow chow is a large dog breed, they often look much larger than they really are due to the breeds fluffy heavy coat. Their size makes them a comfortable indoor dog without the risk of them knocking over chairs or tables like many other large dog breeds.

Chow chows are often described as having a cat-like attitude. They are independent, stubborn, and intelligent. They don't always like to be hugged or cuddled, so if you're wanting to adopt a chow because of their teddy-bear appearance, you will be in for a surprise. Despite the breed's reputation for being highly territorial, a well socialized chow should never be shy or aggressive. Even though the breed is wary of strangers, they do enjoy playing with their family. Chows do well with older children, but smaller children are generally too rambunctious curious for the chow's independent nature. The breed gets along with other pets and does best when introduced to other animals at a young age.

Chow chows are a moderate maintenance dog breed. Their coat needs to be brushed at least three times per week and the breed is a heavy seasonal shedder, so expect your chow's coat to require more maintenance during these periods. The chow only needs to be bathed once per month, unless their coat gets dirty and needs to be cleaned. The chow's exercise requirements can be met with 30 minutes of walk or play time each day.

Chow Chow origin in still up for debate with some estimating they go back 2,000 years as descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff and Samoyed, however, just as many others date the breed back at least 3,000 years as the ancestor to many Spitz type breeds from the Samoyed to the Pomeranian.

Another questionable part of Chow Chow history is the area from which he came. Although they are definitely northern in origin, there are theories suggesting areas of Arctic Asia, Siberia and Mongolia. Presently, they are found in the highest density in southern China-- so much so that they are considered an indigenous breed (one naturally inhabiting the area).

Guarding monasteries as well as families, hunting, herding and pulling are all jobs that have been on the resume during some point in time. They even accompanied Mongolian armies into Europe and the Middle East during the 1300s. The breed didn't make it to the UK and US until the late 1800's, however, special clubs and recognition followed quickly-- the Chow Chow has been AKC recognized since 1903!

This is definitely a breed that gives everything away by appearance. They are squarely built, stout and sturdy large-sized dogs. Well muscled and thick boned, they appear strong and dignified without the abundance of fur. A Chows legs are so straight that it gives them a characteristic walk that is referred to as "stilted" meaning stiff legged. The head is large, topped with tiny ears, with a broad, flat face and an equally broad, short muzzle. The eyes are almond shaped and almost seem to disappear within the fluffy face. Chow Chow's tongues are blueish-black (some say purple) which is fairly unique among breeds.

Members of this breed can have either of 2 coat types-- smooth or rough, which differ in length (smooth being shorter). They have an abundance of fur or "ruff" around the neck and the furry Chow Chow tail is carried over the back.

Just like with the majority of other long standing purebred breeds, Chow Chows are bred in a few different sizes. Sometimes down sizing requires breeding unhealthy individuals or results in a greater likelihood of having health problems so it's of the utmost importance you choose a highly reputable breeder and not skip any vet appointments if you choose a more petite sized Chow.

Miniature Chows Chows are the most popular size other than the standard-"big Chow", however, they aren't exactly common. Teacup Chow Chows are even less common but still can be found due to people's love of tiny dogs. Those considering toy-sized pets such as these for appearance alone might consider a Pomeranian (which many liken to a Mini Chow).

Another variation that can be mentioned is in regards to the Chow Chows fluffy hair-- the coat can be either smooth or rough. Smooth coated Chow Chows may appear slightly smaller because the coat is a bit shorter (although, there's no such thing as a short haired Chow).

The Chow Chow temperament is most often described as reserved, aloof and even dignified. The owners, themselves, are likely to be the only ones privileged enough to see the Chow Chows true personality. They can be fiercely protective of the people they bond most closely with (usually 1-2 people). This can be an issue in the case of one that has not been properly trained and socialized; although many kennel clubs disqualify an overly aggressive Chow Chow, behavior can still turn dangerous.

This breed appears both dignified and wise-- and he definitely is! These dogs are very smart but, unfortunately, are notorious for being stubborn in regards to training and more than a little lazy. This is another reason why it takes a strong willed owner to match with a Chow.

Chows have many potential health concerns, however, this doesn't mean they are going to have all (or even one) of them. Regular visits to your veterinarian can help detect and prevent some health issues. The following are associated with Chow Chows:

• Eye problems such as entropion, glaucoma, persistent pupillary membranes and juvenile cataracts.
• Elongated palate
• Stenotic nares
• Joint problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation
• Bloat
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disease
• Renal Cortical Hypoplasia- results in kidney failure
• Stomach Cancer
• Lymphoma- cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system
• Melanoma- skin cancer

Interested in some Chow Chow fun facts?

1. Hundreds of years ago, one of the Chow Chows rumored uses is as a source of food and fur to people in Manchuria and Mongolia during.
2. One of the earliest imports into Great Britain (during the late 1800s) was on display at the London Zoo as the "Wild Dog of China".
3. Chows have a bluish-black tongue-- which is a very rare trait for a breed.
4. Queen Victoria, Elvis Presley, President Calvin Coolidge, Janet Jackson and Martha Stewart are among the breed's most famous fans.
5. The name Chow Chow isn't Chinese in origin-- it is English and roughly translates to "knick knacks".