In a recent canine DNA study, conducted by the University of California, it concluded that if one has a chow chow, you own a blue-blooded member of canine royalty. The chow chow's heritage can be traced back for centuries and show the greatest similarity to the DNA of wolves.
While the chow chow today is recognized by the American Kennel Club in the non-sporting division, the chow chow is credited with a history of use as a sporting dog. Ancient Mongolian tribes were said to use the chow chow for hunting as well as a guard dog. These fierce dogs were said to resemble lions. Emperors kept packs of as many as 200 chow chows to be used in hunting game.
Chow Chows arrived in the United States and were exhibited for the first time in 1890. The chow chow, Takya, was entered in the miscellaneous class of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show of New York in 1890 where Takya placed third. President Calvin Coolidge owned two chow chows, Blackberry and Tiny Tim. These chow chows lived in the White House between 1923 and 1929. The presidential chow chows helped raise the popularity of the chow chow in the United States. Chow Chows are presently ranked 63rd in popularity of dog breeds in the United States by the American Kennel Club.
Today the chow chow is kept mostly as a pet. The chow chow is extremely loyal to their family/owner and bond tightly, not accepting strangers very easily. The chow chow has the reputation of being a "one man dog". Chow Chows are not a particularly active breed and can adapt happily to apartment living as long as physical activity is scheduled daily. Chow Chows, although not known for their intellegence as compared to other breeds, excel with positive reinforcement methods of training. The chow chow has a natural ability to problem solve and gets bored easily.
Appearance
The chow chow is a sturdy built dog with a square profile. The chow chow has a broad skull and small erect ears with rounded tips. Bred for cold climates, the coat is a dense double coat found in either a rough (long coat) or smooth (short coat). The chow chow has a thick distinctive ruff or mane giving the chow chow its lion ruff, hence lion dog. The coat may be one of five colors: red, black, blue, cinnamon or cream.
The chow chow has deep set almond shaped eyes. Chow Chows have their unusual blue-black tongue and straight hind legs that give the chow chow a stilted gait. Both traits give the chow chow a unique distinction in the canine world.
Health Issues
Responsible chow chow breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards. Chow Chows do have hereditary health issues that can increase with irresponsible breeding practices. Potential chow chow buyers should ask questions on hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (slipping knee caps), thyroid disease and eyes issues such entropion and ectropion.
Care & Grooming
Chow Chows require regular grooming. Brushing the chow chow once or twice weekly will keep the shedding to a minimal as the chow chow sheds gradually over the course of the year. Nails should be kept trimmed to a comfortable length. Check ears and teeth during grooming sessions and check with your veterinarian with any questions.
The chow chow has been described in many ways; loyal, aristrocratic, intelligent, beautiful, loving and stand-offish or aloof. The chow chow only asks to be allowed to be your adoring pet and will give you all that he/she is or can be. The chow chow gives all and only asks that his/her owner has faith in them and that adoration back. An ancient history of loyalty the chow chow is the regal lion dog of china.
Lynette Partridge-Schneider - For Lynette Partridge-Schneider, animals have been more than just a lifetime adventure. Her love of animals is a passion. Since, her first ...
