Chow Chows

Appearance:

Body: Square and compact with a short, straight, powerful back, and deep, broad chest.

Coat: Very harsh, or smooth, with a dense undercoat and abundance of thick hair around the head and neck.

Color: Reddish-brown, black, blue, cinnamon, cream, or white.

Ears: Small, somewhat thick, and triangular-shaped with rounded tips and carried erect.

Eyes: Small, dark, almond-shaped, deep-set and placed wide apart with tight eyelids and black rims.

Feet: Small, round and cat-like with thick pads.

Head: Broad, flat skull with a square muzzle, well-defined stop, wide nose, and a blue-black tongue with darker inner flews and roof of mouth.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, powerful, and well-boned. Hind legs are straight, powerful, well-muscled and heavily boned.

Neck: Strong and well set on the shoulders.

Size:
Weight: 45 - 70 pounds (20 - 32kg)
Height: 17 - 20 inches (43 - 51cm)

Tail: High set and carried upward over the back.

Behavior

Recommended for an experienced owner
Not recommended with children and other pets

The Chow Chow is described by DR. Bruce Fogle, author of Dog Owner's Manual, as "a one-person dog, with a terrier-like tendency to snap or bite." " Although it looks like an overstuffed teddy bear, the Chow Chow is not cuddly."

He is easily housebroken, generally quiet and well-mannered. Some can be aggressive with other dogs, especially those of the same sexual gender. This is an independently minded dog who should be socialized and trained at an early age. His master must be firm but fair and respectful if he expects positive results. The Chow is not a breed who will respond well to harsh treatment.

With a respectful owner and proper training and socializing, the Chow will be loyal and devoted, showing his affection in a shy, discreet manner.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group

Chow Chows were once considered a delicacy on the food table and his fur valued for clothing. He has since become a general-purpose working dog for herding, hunting, and guarding livestock.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Moderate exercise with daily walks is adequate. Due to his stilted gait, and his build, the Chow is not suited for long, exerting runs or jogging.

Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly to prevent matting and daily during shedding season. Coat should be thinned with a steel brush periodically. Bath one to two times yearly. After bathing, thoroughly dry his facial folds.

Health

Life Expectancy: 11 - 12 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies
Entropion - eyelids turn inward
Eczema
Hip Dysplasia
Low Thyroid
Luxating Patella

Chows don't fair well in hot, humid climates.

May be sensitive to drugs such as anesthetics.

Country of Origin

China