Trimming my chows nails

Question
My chow has dark nailbeds, making it difficult to tell where the "quick" is. Is there a general rule as to how long the nails should be so I can have a general idea of where to trim without cutting into the "quick?"  

Answer
Tina,
This is the age old question - how to trim my dogs nails if I can't see the quick?
General rule of thumb for a correct paw is that if the nails hit the floor when the dog is stacked straight they should be trimmed but that is assuming the dog has correct confirmation and the nails don't splay or the dog is overweight, or not bow legged or knock kneed.
If you pick up the paw and look under the claw and it comes to a point and you can see a "V" with the tip being the point of the 'V" then the tip should be snipped but not back past the opening of the "V" otherwise you end up with a bleeder but that can be stopped with styptic powder or gel.
You can also try using a Dremmal- the product that is being sold all over as a "safe" alternative is not very strong and a chow has a thick claw and would be better with real tool. These tools can grind down the nail with more accuracy but some dogs hate the vibration.
Do small bits at a time until you/they get use to it - even metal nail files can be useful if you are not confident enough to start.
good luck!