Dog Summary for The Chow Chow

Chow Chow traits are distinct and numerous as you will learn from my research.  In the past, I have had interaction with pet owners of this breed to acquire some of this information I now share with you.

Red Chow Chow Dog (puppy)  photo courtesy wikipedia.com

Just about everyone, who has any knowledge of dogs, knows the Chow Chow name.  Primarily because this breed is ancient coming from Mongolia 4000 years ago, then reintroduced into China.   It was known in China as the puffy lion dog, which is easily seen when viewing this breed.  They are rarely seen in China today since past theory states, by wikipedia documentation, there was a selling of Chow to restaurants serving Chow on the menu. A Chinese law, in 1915 was passed,  to prohibit selling and buying of dog meat

Weight ranges from 45 to 70 pounds while height is 46 to 56 inches tall.  A thick, dense, course coat has a tendency to make this dog breed look heavier than the scale will show.

Colors of this stocky, sturdy dog reveal 5 colors from red, black, blue, cinnamon/fawn and cream.  Markings in the neck, tail and ear areas accentuate the appearance of the Chow, but it is the blue color of the tongue, lips and oral cavity that is a trait only the Chow Chow has to themselves.  Straight back legs give these dogs a unique dog gait.  Faces with scowls are traits of other dogs and yet none with the view on the Chow Chow.

The curled tail,  that they carry in an upward position, is  another distinctive, noticeable feature, that is not only in the Chow Chow breed dog.  Eyes are deeply set, almond shape with a longing look and yet a powerful one.  A black nose,  or a blue or slate color are characteristics of these dogs.

Temperaments can be dependant on social training of this dog breed. General aggressive or timidness indicate little obedience lessons by pet owners. Training, early in puppy hood,  will produce a loyal family pet that protects the household members yet not accepting of strangers.  Some home owners insurance companies have determined not to cover a pet owner of a Chow Chow from the numerous encounters of  bad behavior toward strangers from this breed.  Some, same sex co habitation in this breed, create pack/leader actions, yet multiple Chows have been known to peacefully live together regardless of sex.  They are known to be very protective of the immediate family members, which put them in a guard dog category with honors  awarded for that trait.

Exercise is needed, everyday even though this breed sustains wellness in a small apartment or tiny yard.  The intelligence of this breed is considered  the lowest of all the working dog breeds by Stanley Coren’s guide.  Pet owners do not agree  because the family members of Chows think their animal  intelligence is a category not found in most dogs.  These conflicting ideas might come from the fact that Chow Chow dogs are believed to be descendants of the wolf.

A female can have a litter of 5 pups which all sport a long lifespan of 9 to 15 years of joy to pet owners.  Chows are independent so not as willing to please as some other breeds.

Grooming needs regular attention to preserve the thick double coat.  Beauty and elegance is easily kept natural in balance with occasional bathing introduced early in puppy hood.