Chow Chow Dog Breed History, Grooming, Health Issues, Temperament and Living Conditions

Description: The Chow Chow is a large and sturdy dog, it is between 18 and 22 inches in height and weighs 45 to 70 pounds. This breed has distinguished features that include almost straight hind legs, and its blue- black tongue. The straight legs account for a rather stiff walk. They have a large head with a broad and flat skull; the muzzle is broad and deep, but not long. This breed has a large ruff behind the head, giving the appearance of a lion. Their nose is large with open nostrils, and is black in colour. Their teeth meet in a scissor bite. They have small triangular and erect ears. They have deep set eyes that are almond shaped, and dark in colour. With a broad chest, that is deep. The tail is set high and is carried very close to the back. The coat is very dense and abundant; this comes in several varieties, rough coat and smooth coats. Most commonly, this dog has colours of, solid black, blue, red, cream, cinnamon. It can come in a rare white, this is extremely rare.

History: The origin of the Chow Chow is unknown. We know this is one of the oldest breeds, dating back to 206 BC, through artwork on Chinese pottery. This dog comes from China and has been used as a working dog, such as hunting, herding, sled pulling, guardian of a home and boat Guard. The dogs have been used for making human's coats from their fur and the eating of this dog is seen as fine, their meat is eaten even today. The Chow Chow was first brought to the United Kingdom in the late 18th hundreds. This went on to be a very popular pet among the rich and famous in the Roaring 20s in America.

Temperaments: The Chow Chow has a strong sense of its owner's property and likes to guard it. If this dog is well socialised it is normally not aggressive, but will only show affection to those they bond tightly with. This is not a particularly active breed, and may appear to be independent and aloof. However, it still requires walks daily. This dog has good intelligence and natural problem-solving abilities and will get bored, if not given mental and physical exercise. This dog is quite good with children and other household pets, providing, they have been socialised well when young. The dog responds well to firm, authoritative training, requiring a dominant and strong pack leader, the owner. This breed requires confidence and assertiveness and a naturally firm owner, to bring out the best in them. Without this, the Chow Chow can take over the home, becoming aggressive and may be overprotective of space and hostile to strangers. This breed shows great loyalty to their master, providing the master is seen as boss.

Health issues: They are prone to suffer eye problems caused by eyelid abnormalities. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, stomach cancer, ear infections and hotspots.

Grooming: To maintain the fluffy, lifted standing out look, regular brushing is important. Dry shampoo when necessary, wet bathing rarely. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder.

Living conditions: With the correct amount of exercise the Chow Chow can live in an apartment. A small garden is all that is needed, taking care of this dog that is sensitive to heat, is all that is required from garden life.