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Chow Chow Breed
Chow Chow, or Chow, is a breed of dog originating from China, where it is referred to as "puffy-lion dog". It is an unusual and unique type of dog, thought to be one of the oldest recognisable breeds. The Chow Chow has a reputation for being a wilful and independent breed that is sometimes difficult to train.
The Chow Chow is one of the most unusual of all breeds. He has the mane of a lion, the tongue of a bear, the fur coat of a dowager, and the stiff gait of a ceremonial guardsman. 
In its homeland in earlier days, the Chow Chow was used as an important source of food. It also had several other important duties. These included, not only guarding the home, the caravans, but also accompanying hunters, pulling sleds and guarding the flocks.
The Chow is aloof, independent, detached and strong-willed. It is very sensitive to rebuke, restrained with its affections and disapproving of strangers which makes them very good watchdogs. They do show affection towards their immediate family and they make excellent house pets. If not bred for temperament and socialized as a puppy with kids and other animals, you will have your hands full with the stubborn Chow. Limited peripheral vision makes it necessary to approach a Chow from the front.
Photo courtesy of Cherub Chow Chows
Chow Chow Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | China |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 5 - Spitz and primitive type; Asian Spitz and related breeds (without working trial) |
| Utilization: | Guard dog, companion. |
| AKC Classification: |
Non-Sporting Group |
| Personality: | Intelligent, aloof, reserved, dignified and stubborn, yet devoted to its family. Suspicious of strangers. |
| Size Category: | Medium |
| Height: | 15-22 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: |
Whole colored black, red, blue, fawn, cream or white, frequently shaded but not in patches or parti-colored (underpart of tail and back of thighs frequently of a lighter color).
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| Other Names: | Chow |
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Average Litter Size: | 5 |
| Life Span: | 10-12 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Chows come with either a smooth or rough coat. The rough-coated Chow requires daily brushing. |
| Shedding: | Chow Chows shed heavily twice a year. |
| Social skills: |
Chow Chows should be socialized early with other household pets. |
| Suitability for Children: | Once thought to be bad with children, Chow breeders have been paying more attention to temperament training with very positive results. Still, Chows are not suitable for families with children. |
| Exercise Needs: | Chow Chows need exercise but love to stay indoors and watch Animal Planet. Be careful in hot weather not to leave a Chow outside with no shaded areas or for long periods of time. Increase exercise time gradually as your puppy matures. |
| Train Ability: | Chow Chow's can be very stubborn but are responsive to a firm and consistent master. Easy to housebreak but other training will happen only if the Chow agrees to it and sees the purpose. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | Hip dysplasia, eye problems. |
COMMENTS
I suggest the name UBU (OOBEW), as in Sit UBU Sit
I suggest the name UBU (OOBEW), as in Sit UBU Sit. That was the name of my chow who died last July. He was 14 years old and very delightful. He had many names:
UBU
UBU Bear
UBADO
Posted by squiresc on Tuesday, December 30, 2008
I am getting a new chow baby soon and am at a loss for a unique name for him
I am getting a new chow baby soon and am at a loss for a unique name for him. He is black like his daddy, who is my dog also. My past two chows were named Max (he came to us with that name), Rocco (he passed two years ago, and my 1 1/2 year old, the daddy, who is named Raja (which means King). I would love some suggestions. Thanks
Posted by KellaX2 on Tuesday, December 16, 2008
My Chow Chow
I got her from our local Animal shelter when she was only 7 weeks old. She is now 10 years old and seems to be going deaf. That's how I ended up here, looking for info on deafness in Chows. She has been a wonderful dog. The only problem we've had is when the power went off and stuff started beeping (like the microwave) she would get very excited. She was an excellent watchdog-still is but only if she sees something, since loosing her hearing. House training? I think she did it herself! She will do tricks, if she feels like it. Her favorite toys are pinecones. She did kill a chicken once, but she loves my cats. I used to have rabbits and I'm sure she wanted to get ahold of them. Yes they can be stubborn but great dogs if socialized like the other posters said. You do have to let them know that you are in control not them, but its that way with every dog breed. She would never go in the water with the other dogs until I put her in one day and once she realized she could swim, she would swim all day if you let her. She's funny when you feed her she will look around to see if anyone dares to get her food, even if nobody else is there. I hate that she's getting older and realising I might not have her much longer. I will probably look for another Chow.
Posted by gabrant on Thursday, April 19, 2007
Chow Chows
I have to agree with the girl that said that Chow Chows are not aggressive, unless raised that way. We have a Chow baby that is almost a year old now & she is dedicated to us, our house & her home. She is fine with strangers, and looks to us, when she isn't sure of someone, if we are ok with them, she is too. I feel safe in my home with her around and I know she will fight to her death for us (a characteristic of the Chow Chow). After having her I will not have another breed. She is sweet & loyal & aloof, and just a little lover girl.
Posted by Rebbul67 on Wednesday, August 02, 2006
I had several Chows while growing up. I believe on the whole that this breed
I had several Chows while growing up. I believe on the whole that this breed is unfairly criticized. All were trustworthy, loyal, loving, and protective. They can be rather dominant, but no worse than many other breeds I have known. It is true they are VERY easy to housebreak and are well-behaved as pups. Many people think that this means they do not need training. Like all dogs, especially those with a possibility of aggression, ese need lots of socialization and should be obedience trained, more so that they know you are the boss than anything...
Posted by natasha_v345 on Friday, June 16, 2006
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