Chow Chow - Chow Chow

Chow Chow Temperament

The Chow Chow is a dignified, faithful, and independent breed, with a serious attitude and a somewhat protective streak, which makes him an effective watchdog. These dogs are alert and intelligent, and it can be difficult to get some Chow Chows to do anything that they do not want to do, which makes them more suited to those with more experience with dog ownership and training. This breed does have territorial instincts, and needs to be socialized early on in order to ensure that he has an even temperament and stable personality.

The Chow Chow will get on well with children when raised with them, and with older, more considerate children, but needs to be supervised around animals as he may be aggressive towards dogs and cats. He tends to be reserved and wary around strangers, perhaps because of his protective streak. The Chow Chow is a dog that will often keep himself to himself unless provokes, but do bear in mind that these dogs do have predatory instincts and can therefore be dangerous around smaller dogs and cats. Although training can be difficult because of the nature of the breed, housebreaking of the Chow Chow is normally quite easy.
Chow Chow Appearance

The Chow Chow weighs in at around 50-75 pounds, and the height of the Chow Chow is around 17-21 inches. A member of the Spitz family, the Chow Chow has a sturdy build, and quite a dopey expression. The coat of the Chow Chow is dense, coarse, and rough, and there is a distinctive ruff around the neck. However, there is also a smooth coated version of this breed, and these have a dense exterior coat with a softer undercoat, without any riff or feathering.
Chow Chow Grooming

The grooming requirements for a Chow Chow will depend on whether you have rough coated or smooth coated variety. With the rough coated Chow Chow you will need to brush the coat twice weekly, and more often during heavier shedding. You will also need to brush the smooth coated variety regularly. You may need to have these dogs professionally groomed occasionally, and you can dry shampoo when necessary. Both variations are medium shedders.
Chow Chow Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Chow Chow is around 8-12 years, and there are a number of health problems associated with this breed. This includes allergies, skin conditions, sensitivity to chemicals and medications, glaucoma, entropion, thyroid problems, and renal cortical hypoplasia. The parents of the Chow Chow puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Chow Chow History

The Chow Chow originates from China, and was bred for hunting, protection, and herding, as well as protection. By the late eighteenth century Chow Chows had been introduced in Great Britain. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1903.

# AKANA
# SizeMedium
# Ease of trainingLow
# GroomingLow
# SheddingHigh
# Exercise neededDaily walk
# Energy levelLow
# ProtectionHigh, guard dog
# Good with childrenYes, when raised with them or with older, more considerate children
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity64/155