Getting To Know Chow Chow Puppies

Chow Chow puppies come from a dog breed that was first developed in China, where the Chinese referred to it as Songshi Quan, literally translating to puffy-lion dog. Getting one? Here’s what you can expect when Chow Chow puppies grow:

• Appearance – Chow Chows are sturdily-built dogs, with broad skulls, square in profile, and small and triangular erect ears. They have very dense double coats with fur that is thick around their necks to give them their distinctive mane, which can come in the colors cram, cinnamon/fawn, blue, black, and red. They will have deep-set, almond eyes and unusual purple or blue-black tongues, with sometimes the color extend up to the dog’s lips. Another distinctive feature on Chow Chows is their curly tail, which is very thick and would curl up behind their backs. Chow Chows have black noses and any other color would disqualify a dog according to the AKC breed standards set for Chow Chows.

• Temperament – Chow Chow puppies are commonly kept as pets, although the breed is naturally aggressive and highly protective of property and their people, and so must only be adopted by those who have experience in owning dogs and actually have the energy and time required for properly training and socializing this dog breed. However, according to AKC standards, too much aggression is grounds for disqualification, although being too timid as well is not accepted. Since Chow Chows are highly protective of property and their people, they regard strangers with a lot of suspicion. The closest that a lot of people can say a Chow Chow’s personality is similar to would be a cats. Chow Chows are considered to be high risk dogs by insurance service providers because they are highly aggressive. To avoid complications due to their aggression, Chow Chows are never to be place in unfenced yards or kept off leashes. Still, they can be kept in small properties like apartments because Chow Chows are not very active as well.

• Health – when Chow Chow puppies grow up, they can suffer from juvenile cataracts, glaucomas, entropion, lymphomas, hip dysplasia, canine pemphigus, diabetes mellitus, and gastric cancer. The breed also suffers from high risks of Major Histocompatibility Complex and a predisposition to skin melanomas. The Chow Chow’s thick coat also attracts fleas so that can be a problem as well.

Understanding all that you can about Chow Chow puppies before you get your hands on a litter will help ensure that you are indeed ready to care for dog of this breed. You’ll know what to expect so whatever you learn about Chow Chows will ultimately guide you in handling this dog breed when you indeed get one. However, while Chow Chows will have specific general traits, they will also have their own idiosyncrasies so don’t expect all dogs of this breed to be the same. Knowing what you’re getting yourself into is a practical move for both you and the dog, ensuring that not only will you be able to take care of a Chow Chow but that you are able to do it at the most convenient way for you.