Chow Chow

Quick Description: Breeds

The Chow Chow is a member of the spitz family and has been native to China for more than 2000 years. Chows carry a reputation of been aggressive, but this is undeserved though he is a tenacious fighter if provoked. To their owners and family they are friendly and faithful but strangers beware, making him an excellent guard dog. Because of his thick coat he is unsuited for hot climates. He should not be left alone in the backyard.

pets

Weight: 45 - 75 lbs

Height: 18 - 22 inches

Colors: Black, red, blue, fawn and cream.

Coat: Rough, abundant, dense and coarse with a pronounced ruff around head and neck. Smooth, has a hard dense outer coat with a soft undercoat with no ruff or feathering on their legs and tail.

Temperment: Chow Chows are alert, independent, strong-willed

With Children: With older mature children only.

With Pets: May be aggressive toward other dogs and cats; supervision may be required.

Watch-dog: High

Guard-dog: High, they will guard food, bones, toys and their areas of the house.

Care and Training: Regular grooming of the Chow is necessary because of their dense coat to prevent matting. Extra care is needed during shedding. Dry shampoo when necessary. Professional grooming is suggested to give Chows the lion clip look. Chows have a tendency to be lazy but will be a healthier dog if given regular exercise like a good daily walk. They can be a challenge to train because of their strong-will. Training should begin early as a puppy.

Learning Rate: High intelligence, good trainability if positive reinforcement is used, low in obedience.

Activity: Low

Living Environment: House with a fenced yard; daily exercise and attention.

Health Issues: Entropion, hip dysplasia.

Life Span: 12 - 15 years

Litter Size: 3 - 6

Country of Origin: China

History: The name Chow Chow is from the Cantonese word for food. Developed by either the Siberians or Mongolians they probably began when primitive spitz types were crossed with eastern Mastiff-type dogs. Original used as a temple guard dog, they later became favored as a hunting dog of the Chinese emperors. The blue-black tongue Chows appeared in Great Britain by the late 18th century. First Registered by the AKC: 1903 AKC Group: Non-Sporting, Class: Non-Sporting, Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 5), KC (GB), UKC

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