Chow Chow

 

With its lion-like mane and slightly scowling expression, the Chow Chow is a dog with notable physical characteristics. Its big head, its blue tongue, and its very dense coat do not leave indifferent. The Chow Chow is not the most tender of dogs. Not that he is aggressive, far from it, but this Chinese canid with 2 varieties (long hair and short hair) only very rarely shows his attachment to his master. However, it is real. The Chow Chow is faithful and sincere but has a difficult character and a strong temperament. It is not to be put in the hands of a neophyte.

History of the breed

The Chow Chow originated in Central Asia. A few centuries ago, it was raised as a meat dog in Asia or for its fur. The English then imported it to Europe from Mongolia, probably in the 19th century. Its name would come from an inscription in Mandarin meaning "various goods" because it was brought along with exotic products. He descends from spitz dogs like the Nordic ones, but also from mastiffs. The French really discovered him in the 1920s, with the appearance of a Chow Chow Club of France, which became Chow Chow Club Français. It is only after the Second World War that the breed becomes popular.

Physical characteristics

Its hair: short, very abundant, smooth, and slightly fluffy; in the long version (more frequent), the hair is also provided and inflated.

Its color: the dress is obligatorily monochrome (black, red, fawn, blue, cream, or white). Shades can appear, in particular under the tail and at the level of the breeches, often clearer.

It's head: large, voluminous, and flat.

Its ears: of moderate size and of rounded shape, they are thick, spread out, and well right on the head. The points are directed towards the front and tend to converge.

Its eyes: their size is normally average. They are oval, clear, and a little sunken. Normally dark, they can also be of the color of the dress in the blue and fawn Chow-Chow.

Body: The body is compact, horizontal, short, and strong. The chest is broad and low, the shoulders muscular. The forelegs are straight and the hind legs as free of angulation as possible (hence the particularly stilted gait of the Chow-Chow).

His tail: it is set high and carried well reversed, on the back.

Behavior with others

The Chow Chow is a dog with an unusual character. If he appreciates his master very much, he does not like to play or show his affection openly. He is distant and seems very proud. He tolerates children but is not suited to activities with them. It is a good guardian, which barks little. He protects his territory. He does not appreciate being stroked on the head by strangers: this gesture is reserved for his masters. He does not get along well with other dogs. He is loyal, faithful, especially with his master, but particularly distant. He rarely shows his affection. He is proud, independent but remains very calm. 

Education

Its education must be taken as soon as possible. The Chow Chow is not a dog to put in the hands of everyone. You need a certain experience to apprehend and educate him. His character does not make things easy. It is necessary to show rigor, firmness but also to know how to be soft and delicate. His master must be confident and control his gestures. Because the Chow Chow will not hesitate to take the upper hand if he feels in a position of strength. Strict rules must be taken because this canine does not like, at first sight, the human authority.

Health

This is a very robust dog, whose only real worries may be related to breeding. It should be noted, however, that the thick coat they have can, when it is excessive (this is a defect), make them uncomfortable in hot weather. Also, they tire quickly when playing.

The Chow Chow is prone to overweight. It is thus advisable to pay attention to its diet. Moreover, this dog can develop hip and elbow dysplasia. It will be necessary to take care to moderate its physical activity during the first months of its life. On the other hand, it does not pose any other health problem and does not have any hereditary disease.