Chow Chow

Chow Chows originated in China around 500 B.C. They were bred for hunting as well as for grunt work, such as pulling carts and plowing. When the breed first reached England in 1760, these dogs were not considered pets but zoo animals, since they were thought to be descendants of bears or lions.

Chows own the unique trait of having a dark, blue-black tongue. This is likely a dominating gene, as nearly all Chow mixes have this tongue color.

The Chow Chow is also referred to as Songshi Quan, which translates to “puffy lion dog.”

Personality

Fiercely loyal, independent, highly intelligent and quietly endearing
Selective with their affection, giving it only to those with whom they have deep bonds
Not a breed for novice pet parents since they are notoriously strong-minded and aloof
In many ways, their personality is is more similar to that of a cat rather than a dog: being aloof, introverted and domineering are some of their less-desired traits

Size

45-70 pounds
18-22 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Lifestyle

Extremely loving, devoted and protective of their family, but often too aggressive when protecting them for their own good
Some are great with children, while others are not; it depends on the dog, the home and the rearing, so think twice about bringing a Chow into a home with children
Good for apartment living given their relatively low exercise demands, low energy level and natural cleanliness
A high-maintenance dog in terms of grooming, training and socialization

Training

While they are willing to cooperate if it suits their fancy, they have no predisposition to obedience training
Understanding but firm, consistent training is the best approach
Training must start early (at 3 to 4 months) as puppies are far more receptive and open to obedience than adults
Early socialization is imperative to counteract their highly territorial nature and inbred suspicion of strangers, which are the causes of their aggression; fortunately this is something that can be averted with early guidance and interaction

Exercise

Multiple walks during the day suit their need to explore different scents and sights
Should only be allowed off leash or taken to dog parks if they have been socialized, trained and have proven to be non-aggressive; however, they must always be supervised
Not ideal companions for joggers or hikers given their propensity to overheating due to their dense coats

Coat

Lion-like coat comes in an array of colors: black, fawn, white, red, blue and gray, and often with patches of lighter or darker shading
Two coat varieties: rough and smooth, with smooth being extremely rare
The common rough coat requires a brief daily brushing plus a full weekly grooming from top coat to the skin, as well as extra care during their bi-annual molt

Health

May be genetically prone to elbow dysplasia, entropion (inverted eyelids), thyroid disease, skin problems, hip dysplasia, heart problems and cancer
Their heavy coat, thick build and short face make this breed extremely susceptible to severe overheating

Lifespan

8-12 years

Rescue

Visit Chow Dog Rescue to find adoptable Chows in need of homes

PHOTO: AMCOW

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