Chow Chow Breed Information

Chows make exceptional house pets. Despite their size (17-21" at the shoulder, 45-85 pounds), they are very quiet, naturally well-behaved, not diggers or barkers and aren't destructive. They're one of the easiest breeds to housebreak. Chows do, however, have a very different personality than other dogs. They are cat-like in their attitudes: aloof, reserved with affection, independent, dignified and stubborn. Although their soft fur is ripe for hugging, they don't always enjoy being fussed over by children or strangers. For people who want a cuddly lap dog that will instantly love all their friends, the Chow is likely to be a disappointment.

The Chow Chow is very intelligent but not always easy to train. They don't have the strong desire to please their masters as do breeds like the Golden Retriever. They seem to please themselves first and don't respond to the average methods of training and motivation. They do not tolerate physical punishment and can't be forced into anything. Hitting or beating a Chow will either result in viciousness or a broken spirit. Like a cat, a Chow is   only willing to do what suits his mood at the time. He's an independent thinker and will make his own decisions if you don't stay a step ahead of
him! The Chow is a powerful, regal, beautiful animal and he knows it. He expects to be treated with dignity and respect respect that he will return if you show you're worthy of it.

From this description, I think you can see that the Chow Chow is not a breed for everyone. Its temperament is often misunderstood and many people mistakenly believe that Chows are vicious dogs. This breed is naturally suspicious of strangers and very territorial. They take their homes and family very seriously as well as their responsibility to protect what they love. On his own property and especially without his owner present, the Chow can appear to be quite fierce. He will seldom let a stranger pass unchallenged. People used to the warm welcomes of other breeds are
unprepared for the seriousness of the Chow; guests must be greeted by the owners before the dog accepts them.

The Chow's appearance also contributes to the myths about his temperament.  The scowling, sometimes wrinkled face, small deepset eyes, and lionlike ruff are intimidating. Some people complain that they can't "read" a Chow's expression as easily as other breeds'. The Chow's natural aloofness, dignity and indifference to people outside his family is often misinterpreted by people who expect most dogs to be outwardly friendly and
affectionate. The Chow saves his affections for those he loves dearly and finds little reason to seek attention from anyone else. He minds his own business and simply doesn't care what other people think of him!

The strong-willed Chow needs an equally strong-willed owner. They have definite minds of their own and can easily become your master if you allow it. Chow puppies are naturally well-behaved, more so than most breeds. They're seldom destructive or disobedient. Because of their good behavior, many people fail to train them properly. When an untrained Chow reaches adolescence, that dreadful teenage stage all dogs go through, he may refuse to accept your authority. We've found that most people who've had behavior problems with their Chows failed to train them and earn their respect.

Although the Chow adjusts well to being alone during your working hours, he prefers to be with you when you're home, not kept as an outside dog. He loves to spend time outside but tied up or confined away from people, he'll become very anti-social. Because of their hunting instincts, Chows without training don't always get along with cats or tiny dogs. They aren't "pack" dogs either and seldom get along with large dogs of the same sex.

In all honesty, some Chows do have temperament problems. The breed went through two periods of dramatic public popularity, once in the 1930's and again during the 1980's. In a rush to cash in on this popularity and sell puppies quickly for a profit, unscrupulous or inexperienced breeders and pet owners often used Chows with unsuitable temperaments for breeding. Believing the myths that Chows were supposed to be unfriendly or aggressive, they didn't know or didn't care that this kind of disposition is not acceptable in reputable circles. Experienced, responsible breeders with a sincere interest in what's good for Chows and the people who buy them refuse to use stock that is aggressive or shy.

The Chow's thick coat requires a lot of care. Puppy coat is very dense and soft, easily tangled and can take several hours a week to groom. The transition period from puppy to adult coat may take several months and your Chow needs to be groomed almost daily during that time. Adult coat is easier to care for but will still need at least an hour or two a week to look its best and prevent matting. Chows shed seasonally, not daily. Once or twice a year they shed their coats and you'll literally be filling trash bags full of hair at that time! Although the smooth coated variety would seem to be less work, it, too, sheds seasonally and needs regular, thorough grooming. You'll need to train your Chow to cooperate and lie on his side during the long hours of grooming. Most Chows would prefer to be groomed by their owners rather than suffer the indignity of going to a professional groomer.

Chows come in five colors: red, black, cream, blue and cinnamon. There's no such thing as "champagne," "silver," "lilac," "chocolate" or "white" Chows -- these "exotic" colors are just creative interpretations of the regularly accepted colors. Colors other than red are not rare and shouldn't cost more. 

Entropion is a condition where the dog's eyelids turn inward toward the eyeball rather than outward as they should. This causes irritation to the eye and if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Entropion is usually inherited but can also be acquired later in life as a result of eye injury or infection. Entropion isn't always apparent in young puppies. When you're shopping for a puppy, you should expect to see, clear, dry sparkling eyes on the parents of the litter. Runny, inflamed eyes or crusty eyelids are
not normal for a Chow and should be treated by a veterinarian.

Skin and hormone problems are also seen in Chow Chows. These, too, are often inherited and seldom apparent in a young puppy. Ask questions about the parents of the puppy you have in mind. If you're not satisfied with the health, appearance or temperament of the parents, do not buy the puppy!

Good temperament in Chows is partly inherited and partly made by good training and socialization. Almost all Chow puppies are friendly and irresistible. Your puppy won't be little for long and you want to be happy with the adult dog who'll share your life for many years to come. Start out on the right foot by choosing a puppy from parents who have the kind of temperament you want! You should be able to touch and handle the parents of your puppy. They shouldn't be overly shy nor aggressive toward you with their owner present. If you don't like the disposition of the parents or can't handle at least one parent of the litter, do not buy the puppy!

Another source of healthy Chows with good dispositions is through Chow rescue adoption programs. Most homeless Chows became that way through no fault of their own. Their owners had to move, divorced, or met with family tragedies that forced them to give up their dogs. Experienced Chow rescue volunteers screen dogs for good temperament and health and look for families especially suited to each one. These dogs are usually young adults although puppies and older dogs are sometimes available. Despite the Chow's reputation as being a one-family dog, rescued Chows are adaptable and adjust well to a new home. Many of us are just too busy to raise and train a puppy. An older, rescued Chow may fit into your busy lifestyle much easier.

Those of us who know and understand Chow Chows cherish their quiet dignity, proud aloofness and their deep loyalty to those they love. To be loved by a Chow is like no other experience. After that, anything else is just another dog.

PERSONALITY

The Chow Chow is a highly intelligent dog and values his independence. He can be hugged and played with. He can even be corrected - often by a tone of voice, but he should never be allowed to dominate the household. He is usually amenable to being touched by strangers if he is introduced by one of his owners and approached properly. Quiet, refined, he should not be teased or treated as a lap dog. His dignity and aloofness must never be confused with a fierce or intractable temperament. He minds his own business and does not generally initiate trouble. Bad-tempered Chows are not representative of the breed, but are usually the result of indiscriminate breeding and a woeful lack of "socialization". The Chow's appearance and personality suggest the nobility of a lion, the drollness of a panda, the appeal of a teddybear, the grace and independence of a cat, and the loyalty and devotion of the dog. The Chow has a little of all these qualities in his appearance and in his behavior. It is, however, his particular intelligence and devotion, his independence and dignity which make him unique.

HABITS

It is often said by Chow owners who have had years of experience with Chows, as well as with other breeds, that the Chow is perhaps the cleanest dog of all. Most puppies are easily housebroken by the time they are eight weeks. The Chow has very little body odor if he is brushed often, and he does not seem to be readily accessible to every passing bug, vermin, or virus. He is a good eater, and he does not require a great deal of exercise so that he may live happily in an apartment.

AILMENTS

Generally, Chows are "poor risks" when anesthesia is involved, and Chows should be treated by the veterinarian as he would treat a Bulldog or any extremely short-muzzled dog. If your Chow tears more than you feel is normal, he may have "entropion," a turning-in of the eyelashes. If your Chow tears excessively, consult your veterinarian for advice.

Another problem with the Chow is that he is subject to heat prostration if left in a hot, closed-in area or in the sun. He is particularly bothered by extremely high humidity, especially if the temperature climbs above eighty degrees. Never, Never leave any dog in the car in hot weather. Symptoms of the beginning of heat prostration are constant panting followed by heavy rasping breathing. Should your Chow have such a problem with the heat, fast treatment is a must. If you are at home and have access to water and ice, wet him down with cold water, wrap him in towels soaked in cold water, and put several ice bags on him. Call the veterinarian immediately! In these moments your Chow may be close to death, and you must act with the greatest dispatch. When he is suffering from heat prostration, in addition to the above-mentioned remedies, he needs cool shade, quiet and rest and no extra anxiety. If you are traveling when this problem arises, try to find a gas station or any place so you can wet down your Chow.

Most experienced Chow breeders suggest that if you must travel with your Chow in extremely hot weather, your car should be air-conditioned. Do not take an unnecessary risk by subjecting your Chow to heat and humidity even if you should miss a dog show or a trip or any activity in which your Chow may feel the heat and humidity. When the weather is hot and humid, your Chow should be at home in a cool, quiet room, or in a cool yard or kennel with plenty of cool water. An air-conditioned house, kennel, and car are the best prevention for heat attacks.

CONFINEMENT

Chows should be kept in a fenced-in area or inside the house in a room where they have a good deal of freedom. Chows should not be put on a chain for they resent the feeling of being "trapped". Let your Chow have as much freedom as you have to offer within the limits of his safety and welfare.

We have developed a deep love for the Chow Chow breed and will always have one or two in our household. This breed is absolutely fabulous and easy to love and adore. I got my first Chow Chow rescue (Bear) 8 years ago, she was very emaciated and sickly, she had never been loved or cared for and had been locked in a RV for months. She quickly showed us that she would love us if we would love her. Bear never made it to our adoption days, websites, Petfinder, or any other place that we list our animals. We have made Bear a part of our family and she is the main reason that we rescue ChowChows. Bear is a very loyal animal, she is great with our children and all oters, she welcomes each new rescue in without a problem and does not even mind the cats. She is a perfect example of how great Chow Chow really are.

Please let us know if you would like more info on Chow Chows or if you are interested in adopting a rescued Chow. You will not regret it, they will love you like no other animal can.