The Protective Chow Chow

Dog breed info
Chow Chow
Weight: 45 — 70 lbs
Height: 17” — 20”
AKC Rank 2008 #64
Lifespan: 8—12 yrs
Group: Non-Sporting
Origin: China

Dog Breed Info – The Chow Chow

The Chow and the kitten

Breed Overview

Origin: Ancient times. Original function:L Guardian, cart puller, food source. Today, Companion. For families with NO children.

It has been suggested that the Chow Chow either descends from spitz fore bearers, or is itself an ancestor of some of the spitz breeds. The origin of the breed has been lost in time. This dog has been known in China for thousands of years. One of the most distinctive features of the breed is the black tongue, which was also the basis for one of it’s more common names in China. The name probably comes from a term meaning Oriental knick knack and assorted curios., and may have been used with the dogs because they were entered into the ships’ log of cargo. In the late 1800’s the breed was imported to England and America.. The AKC registered the Chow in 1903.

Not easily trained. He is stubborn. He can be trained for some basics using clicker training with positive reinforcement and some patience.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Chow puppy? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

The Chow Chow puppy can be kind of difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do. Top

Chow Chow Puppy

The Chow Chow is independent if not stubborn and while he appears dignified, he is actually not all that friendly toward people he doesn’t know and other dogs. Actually, the Chow can be aversive towards dogs.. This is a serious dog that offers protection to the family but shows little affection.

If you happen to get a Chow Chow with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

No. Can be aggressive.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Maybe. Chow Chow’s get along with some pets. Some should be the only dog in the house.

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Friendly Toward Strangers

No. A Chow is wary and can be aggressive toward people they don’t know.

Playfulness

Not very playful.

Not very. They are devoted to family and highly protective, but a lapdog this is not.

No. This breed is not tolerant of children.

Good with Seniors over 65?

No. Not tolerant of children, so visiting grandchildren would be left out. Also, this breed is not affectionate enough for a senior.

Living environment

Home with doggie door and fenced yard. Not suited for hot, humid weather. Keep in the air conditioning. Prefers a cool climate. The Chow needs a lot of socialization with it’s family.

The Chow Chow — note the blue/purple tongue

Energy level

Chow Chow’s need morning and evening walks or several play sessions during the day. This is an alert breed that needs regular but not strenuous outdoor activity.

Excellent. The Chow excels

Excellent. They are even trained for this in some countries.

Smooth, comb and brush weekly; more often when shedding.

Rough coat, comb and brush 4 times a week; daily when shedding. Top

2nd book from the left, “A Dog Who’s Always Welcome,” teaches to go way beyond the normal obedience training and into the world of THERAPY DOGS. Among your friends and people your Chow knows and trusts, he’ll be the most friendly, lovable dog possible and you will never worry about taking him anywhere to visit.

In the event you decide to go looking for Chow puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Chow Chow Breeders with puppies for sale.

Chow Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of an older dog and are looking for a Chow Rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Chow Rescue – (Nationwide) If you do adopt one, try to locate past dog health records for possible future reference.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site but is you aren’t finding what you want, try surfing the web for Chow Rescue Groups or kennels or adoptions or dogs for sale. Also, check the classifieds in your local newspapers.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog illness and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia – Hind end limping, back leg acts lame. Wear and time causes the femur to fit poorly into the pelvic socket with improper rotation causing great pain, lameness, arthritis and difficulty walking for the Chow Chow. You may notice the dog “hopping”” like a rabbit when running plus hesitating to climb stairs, all due to pain in the hind quarters. The problem actually starts as a very young puppy with an abnormal formation of the hip joint and grows progressively. A vet can locate this with a diagnostics test.