The true origin of the Chow is unknown, but the breed as it is known today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 22 A.D.). An all-purpose dog used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home, some scholars claim the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian and Keeshond. Chow Chow, or Chow, is a breed of dog that was first developed in Mongolia about 4,000 years ago and was later introduced into China,[1] where it is referred to as Songshi Quan (Pinyin: sōngshī quǎn which literally means "puffy-lion dog." It is believed that the Chow Chow is one of the native dogs used as the model for the Foo dog, the traditional stone guardian found in front of Buddhist temples and palaces. very similar to that of the oldest known fossilized dog remains, dated to several million years ago. The Chow has been known for thousands of years in China, where the breed was put to work as a hunter, cart puller and boat guard. One Emperor is said to have kept 2500 Chow pairs. One was given to the Prince of Wales, the future Edward Val. Over history, the Chow has been used to hunt wolves, sable and pheasant, and to pull sleds. His fur was used to trim coats. The flesh of these dogs was considered a delicacy in China. Dog is still eaten in China today. This beautiful dog was first brought to England by merchants in the late 1800's. The name probably originated from the pidgin English word "chow-chow," a term used to describe all sorts of miscellaneous stuff brought back from the Far East. The Chow has become very popular in the United States as a companion dog. Some of the Chow Chow's talents are watchdog and guarding.
They require firmness, fairness, and consistency. They do not respond to harshness or a heavy-handed approach and will become aggressive if treated in a disrespectful manner. The Chow is highly talented as a watchdog or guard dog.
Characteristics
An ancient breed of northern Chinese origin, this all-purpose dog of China was used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home. While primarily a companion today, his working origin must always be remembered when assessing true Chow type. A powerful, sturdy, squarely built, upstanding dog of Arctic type, medium in size with strong muscular development and heavy bone. The body is compact, short coupled, broad and deep, the tail set high and carried closely to the back, the whole supported by four straight, strong, sound legs. Viewed from the side, the hind legs have little apparent angulation and the hock joint and metatarsals are directly beneath the hip joint. It is this structure which produces the characteristic shorter, stilted gait unique to the breed. The large head with broad, flat skull and short, broad and deep muzzle is proudly carried and accentuated by a ruff. Elegance and substance must be combined into a well balanced whole, never so massive as to outweigh his ability to be active, alert and agile. Clothed in a smooth or an off standing rough double coat, the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty, dignity and naturalness. Essential to true Chow type are his unique blue-black tongue, scowling expression and stilted gait.
Color
Clear colored, solid or solid with lighter shadings in the ruff, tail and featherings. There are five colors in the Chow: red (light golden to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to deep cinnamon) and cream. The Chow has a black thermal undercoat under the fur, this should never be shaved, it helps to keep the Chow warm in the winter and cool in the summer
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Health Problems
For the most part, a Chow is a healthy breed and is no more or less susceptible to the list of common dog ailments than any other type of dog. However, there is some susceptibility to specific Health conditions due to the construction of the breed's anatomy. The Chow Chow requires daily brushing. Proper grooming is essential to keep their coat in peak condition. 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
As popularity rises and falls with the Chow, unscrupulous Breeding can also result in various genetic deficiencies
Living Conditions
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 love to play in the snow. They benefit from short daily walks. The Chow is well suited for apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise. They do great indoors and don't bother anything inside your home. They are easy to potty train and are very clean
Exercise
The Chow Chow may appear to be independent and aloof for much of the day, keeping a comfortable distance from others while staying within earshot, or preferring to watch for strangers alone by the entrance. Owners still need to be prepared to take a Chow Chow for a brisk daily walk, even if they have a fenced yard, in order to meet the dog's needs for mental and physical stimulation. While the Chow exhibits low energy for most of the day, it will crave routine time to explore and play to maintain a happy and content disposition
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm.)
Weight: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg.) Some males have been known to weigh up to 90 pounds
Life Expectancy
About 12 -15 years
The Chow Chow is a true masterpiece of dignity and beauty. They possess the unique characteristic of having a blue-black tongue. They are keenly intelligent, have an independent spirit, and display a dignified demeanor. The Chow is extremely aloof and discerning
Television
I never met a Chow Chow I didn't LOVE
The Chow is thought to be one of the oldest recognizable dog breeds. Research indicates it is one of the first primitive breeds to evolve from the wolf. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog. A Chinese bas-relief from 150 BC shows a hunting dog similar in appearance to the Chow. Later Chow Chows were bred as general-purpose working dogs for herding, hunting, pulling and guarding.
The Chow Chow was a highly popular pet among the rich and famous during the Roaring Twenties. President Calvin Coolidge and his wife owned a black Chow named Timmy. Chow Chows were also popular in the 1930s and 1980s.
Domestic Diva Martha Stewart has been a great ambassador for the Chow breed since the 1970's.
If you are looking for Chow Chow puppies for sale from reputable Chow Chow breeders or to adopt a Chow Chow from a Chow Chow rescue or from an animal shelter then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Chow Chow . I have had Chow Chows for over 30 years and I never had a problem with them being aggressive, lots of love and attention & socializing and they make the best companions ever!
Save a life please adopt a cat or dog from your local animal shelter. Remember senior pets need adopting too. Donate to your local food bank help others in need. Pass along a smile to a friend
Chow Chow's Details
Status:
Single
Here for:
Friends
Body type:
Athletic
Zodiac Sign:
Pisces
Occupation:
Doggie Diva
Chow Chow Have a fabulous day Chow Chow lovers. Welcome to my page come stay awhile. Posted 7 hours ago view more
The two most distinctive features of the Chow Chow are its blue-black tongue and its almost straight hind legs, which makes it walk rather stilted. Its dense furry coat is profuse and comes in two varieties, smooth coat and rough coat. Color
Clear colored, solid or solid with lighter shadings in the ruff, tail and featherings. There are five colors in the Chow: red (light golden to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to deep cinnamon) and cream. Acceptable colors to be judged on an equal basis. The coat sometimes has lighter or darker shades, but is never parti-colored. The ears are small and rounded and there is a huge ruff behind the head, which gives it a lion like appearance. Its head is broad and its skull is flat. The muzzle is broad near the eyes and narrows toward a black nose without becoming pointed. The chest is broad and deep and the kidney area is short and strong. The tail is thickly covered with hair and is carried over its back.
Temperament
The Chow Chow is most generally polite and patient. They are very loyal and friendly with their family, but exceedingly reserved with strangers until the family accepts them. They most often will become attached and overly protective of one particular member of the family but not always. They are bossy, serious, and obstinate. The Chow Chow is a very dominant breed that requires a dominant owner. They are stubborn and have a mind of their own. They are not good with other pets unless they have been raised with them from an early age. The Chow expects to be treated with respect.
The Chow Chow is usually well-mannered. Quite good with children. If they get to know cats and other household animals when they are young, they will get along with them when they are adults. They must be extensively socialized when very young to combat potential over-protectiveness as an adult. They need firm training right from the start. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm person who is naturally firm, confident, and consistent. With such a handler, the Chow Chow can develop well. Keen intelligence, an independent spirit and innate dignity give the Chow an aura of aloofness. It is a Chow’s nature to be reserved and discerning with strangers. Displays of aggression or timidity are unacceptable. Because of its deep set eyes the Chow has limited peripheral vision and is best approached from the front.
MRS. BOSLEY
This is Mrs. Bosley Chow Chow.
She is 13 1/2 years old, a sweet little gal. She is a beautiful light in my life and we have many fun times together. She is gentle and fun to be around, smart and full of zest. She makes my life very happy. I am very lucky and honored to have her in my life.I am blessed.
PAM & MRS. BOSLEY
R.I.P TEDDY BEAR
Who I'd like to meet:
R.I.P(Rest In Peace) MARTHA'S CHOW PUPPY GHENGHIS KHAN( March 2009)
PAW PAW'S GRANDCHILDREN
MARTHA STEWART & PAW PAW
R.I.P PAW PAW(April 12, 2008)
MARTHA AT HOME WITH HER DOGS FEBRUARY 2008.
Grooming
Regular brushing of the long coat is important to maintain the lifted, standing-out look. This breed is a seasonal heavy shudder and extra care is needed when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. Thy love to have their belly and butt rubbed!
GROOMING PAW PAW FEBRUARY 2008
I ADORE THIS PHOTO
R.I.P
CHAO-LI
This is Chao-Li Hughes III
He was 8 years old when I had to make a decision to have him put down, because he had no hip sockets to hold up his body. He was always a sick doggie; like people who have sick children he needed extra love and attention for all his health problems. He was a gentle soul and very loving. I was able to have the honor and privilege to have raised him for almost 8 years. He was my best friend the best I ever had. We went through so many things together from dating to surgeries and through my depression and anxiety & just growing up. He is thought of every day of my life, and I know he is my own special angel who looks after me always. I miss him so much, he was a one in a million dog, he was so sweet and smart a very gentle chow. August 31,1987- December 1,1995.
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