Chow Chow

Quiet dog, good guard. Independent, loyal, yet aloof.

: The ancestry of the Chow is attributed to China where he was kept as a guard dog, and also used for hunting. The Chow has been known in China for upwards of 2,000 years and is related to Spitz dogs of the Nordic type, also containing something of the mastiff. Because of China?s ?closed door? policy to the rest of the world Chows did not begin to appear in other countries until around 1800. He made his way to England sometime during the late eighteenth century and was not really noticed in Britain until the 1920s, with a number being shown at Crufts in 1925.

This is an alert breed that needs regular, but not strenuous, outdoor activity. He does not do well in hot humid weather. His needs are best met with casual morning or evening walks in warm weather or several short play sessions throughout the day. The smooth type needs brushing once weekly; the rough type needs brushing every other day, and daily when shedding.

The Chow Chow has a tendency to be lazy. They prefer to stay indoors where they are relatively inactive. They enjoy a small securely fenced yard, but cannot remain outside for extended periods of time in hot weather. They benefit from short daily walks. The Chow is well suited for apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise.

Grooming, socialization and training.

The Chow Chow requires daily brushing. Proper grooming is essential to keep their coat in peak condition. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. They are prone to such health issues as entropin, heat prostration, allergies, skin problems, and hip dysplasia. They have a very low tolerance to anesthesia. The Chow does not do well in warm climates.

It is a dog which is pretty difficult to train, even one of the hardest to train breed. The training must done only by a person with experience, calm, authoritative and well-balanced. It is not a very dynamic dog, it has a middle level of activity, but it still likes walks. It can't stand the sun and it must be protected on summer time.

The fur of the dogs with long hair needs a regularly and intense brushing, especially in the areas where the fur can get tangled. The dog must be accustomed since an early age with the brushing, for not getting difficulties when it will grow up. The fur of the dog with short hair must be brushed regularly, but less than the long hair variety. The brushing is made more frequent in the moulting period.

This breed can be quite a handful. Not recommended for children or inexperienced owners. Must be extensively socialized when very young to combat potential over-protectiveness as an adult. Needs firm training right from the start. Prone to ear infections,