Chow Chow
Here come Chow Chows, known for serious-mind and discernment, so trainability can be easy for them. Apart from training for obedience, owners can keep Chows healthy by taking them out for moderate exercise. Chows are prone to suffer from diseases like Entropion.
| Other Names | Chow |
| Color | Red, Cinnamon, Black, Cream, Blue |
| Height | Males: 18-23 inches. Females: 17-21 inches. |
| Weight | Males: 45-70 pounds. Females: 45-70 pounds. |
| Life Span | 8-12 years |
| Personality | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded |
| Exercise | Regular Exercise |
| Origin |
| Popularity | #77 |
| Groom Needs | 2-3 Times a Week Brushing/Seasonal Shedding |
| Kids Friendly | No |
| Dog Friendly | No |
| Watch Dog | |
| Family Dog | |
| Litter Size | 4-7 pupplies |
Chow Chow Video
Introduction
It’s not hard to recognize the Chow Chow dog – they are completely ‘different’ looking dogs – one can’t mistake that full-maned lion look and the teddy bear face! Chows too, are noted for the dark tongues and they also have a little extra something extra in their mouths; two extra teeth – most dog only have 42 teeth. He stands around 20 inches at the shoulders and weighs around 70 pounds. Chow Chows come in five different colors – black, cinnamon, blue, red, and cream, and red. Their beautiful furry coats can either be rough- or smooth-coated. The Chow Chow has a double coat but it can weigh him down in water or when wet. Their back legs are completely straight which makes them look like they have a stilted gait. The Chow is a one-person kind of dog, bonding just to one owner and scorning the others. Proper training and socialization of this furry delight will make him a wonderful companion.
Living with Chow Chow
With rough coats, Chow Chows need to get brushed every other day. However, though brushed almost every day, they will experience a heavy hair-shedding twice a year, which is usually in spring and autumn. So owners can choose to prepare a metal brush or hound glove for Chows. So how often does Chow Chows bath? Owners can choose to bath them every month. When it comes to bath, owners should pay attention that cool air is applicable to dry them after bathing. Owners should concern more about parasite issues, such as fleas or ticks. As it leads to serious problems if improper measures taken. Careful owners should have Chow Chows’ ears checked in case of any signs of infection, irritation or wax accumulations. Teeth should be brushed at least once a week and nails should be trimmed once a month.
It takes little efforts for Chow Chows to exercise as they’re always active and energetic. But Chow Chows are not high-energy dog, so there’re some tips for owners about Chow Chows’ exercise information. They have low tolerance on high heat or high-impact exercise. So it’s recommended that moderate exercise in cool periods of the day is suitable for Chow Chows to exercise. They can even romp in the snow. Moderate-pace walks four or more times a day can be perfect for Chow Chows, adding more emotional connections with owners. Interactive play with toys can also full Chows’ days with joy and energy. Proper exercise do good to not only physical health but mental health of Chow Chows.
As Chow Chows are in medium size, owners need to feed them comparatively amount of diet. It’s easy to feed Chow Chows that keep them in good health. Food that contain nutritious elements or lean meats can be applicable to Chow Chows, such as premium commercial dry and wet dog foods and low-grain diet. Check out the skin condition of Chows as dog food companies regularly change some ingredients added on dog food diet. If there’s any allergy or irritation, owners may choose to cut off feeding this type of dog food. Owners should learn more information about improper dog food which is dangerous for dogs, so that owners can avoid these in everyday life. Cooked bones and food with high fat content are not applicable to Chow Chows.
Basically Chow Chows are in good health, but careful owners will check them out by health screening. There are some general health issues which Chow Chows are prone to include, such as entropion, bloat, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. You can rest assured the health of Chow Chows only if checked by vet. Regularly check ears to avoid infections, irritations and wax build-up. Use veterinarian-approved cotton ball to clean the ears of Chow Chows. Regular visit the vet and some of problems can be diagnosed. Owners can rest assured the health of Chow Chows if problems are diagnosed, as they are managed with veterinary care. General life expectancy of Chow Chows is 10 to 15 years, so they can accompany you for this long time if you properly take care of him.
Total Annual Cost: $3177
Cost is estimated for the first year and may vary depending on many factors, such as dog food, health care, leash, collar, licensing, possible fencing, crates, training and obedience classes, dog-walking, grooming, treats, toys, flea, tick, and heart-worm meds, microchips, etc.
Training can be easy for Chow Chows only if you take an appropriate measure. Personality required by owners is of great important. What owners want Chow Chows to be influences the process of training. But I suggest that as Chow Chows are smart but stubborn sometimes. Owners may need less impatience and harshness. Praise them by feeding foods regularly if they perform well can be helpful in training process. Available training method can be gradually find out by the emotional connection between Chows and owners. Chow can grow into a well-mannered and well-adjusted companion only if proper measures are taken.
History
The Chow Chow is an old breed, with beginnings that aren’t very clear. One writer says that the Chow Chow originated in China 2000 years ago; possibly originating in Arctic Asia 3000 years ago, and then migrating to Mongolia, Siberia, and then to China.
Historians have found records of chow like dogs coming from the 11th century and Marco Polo himself wrote about them in his travels.
Some say the Chow Chow is a mix of the Mastiff of Tibet and the Samoyed dog from Northern Siberia. Others say it is a mix of the Elkhound, the Keeshond, and the Pomeranian! Who knows – but we are just so glad to have the Chow Chow that we know today.
In China, they were used as working dogs; trained to hunt, guard, and herd cattle. One emperor from the Tang dynasty adored these dogs and he owned 5000 of them.
Actually, the name ‘Chow Chow’ comes from a pidgin-English term that is used to describe anything that came from the East in the 18th century. It was a phrase describing different knick-knacks etc. It is thought the dog inherited the name from merchants who just couldn’t be bothered at the time to properly mark what they were shipping!
Remember Sigmund Freud – the psychoanalyst? He owned a Chow Chow that he called Jofi. This dog would actually sit in on his sessions, helping children to feel more relaxed. Jofi ‘knew’ who was nervous, only approaching the calm patients, helping Freud to analyze his patients.
Chows were first shown in America in the 1890s, being admitted to the AKC in 1903.
Helpful Information
Breed Club: The Chow Chow Club, Inc.
Breed Club Link: https://chowclub.org/ccci/
Breed Club Rescue:
Breed Club Rescue Link: https://chowclub.org/ccci/rescue-directory/196-chow-rescue-organizations