Chow chows are aggressive, dominant breeds. They are fiercely protective of their kind and property but they are very loyal to their master.
Particularly, a chow chow is not an active breed so they could be kept in an apartment. Being a well-mannered dog, they are quite good with children, especially if well-socialized.
Often used as watch dogs, the Chow Chows are valuable assets even in ancient times where they escort Chinese Emperors while hunting. They were likewise used as retrievers, pointers, and sled dogs.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into 7 groups:
- herding
- hound
- non-sporting
- sporting
- terrier
- toy
- working
The Chow Chow is recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club and a utility dog by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom, which is considered one of the most independent dog breed.
Aside from being independent, chow chows are dominant and protective in nature. Obedience trainings could be the foundation of the owner’s relationship with the chow chow.
Devoted and pleased owners of Chow Chows have come up with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite pet that include:
- Very quiet
- Well-behaved
- Non-diggers or barkers
- Aren’t destructive
- Naturally clean
- Formidable watchdog
- Easy to housebreak
- Loyal
- Dignified
- Very intelligent
- Easy to train
- Eager to please their master
- Impressive companion
- Beautiful
- Powerful
- Regal
- Strong-willed
- Friendly
- Affectionate
- Smart
- Has a keen sense of proprietorship
Chow Chow history
Originally kept by the Mongolian tribes in China as a hunting dog, the Chow Chow was also used for their meat and fur. The exact origin of the Chow Chow breed is unknown but is considered the oldest breeds of dogs through easily recognizable pottery and sculptures of the Chinese Han Dynasty.
Theories believed that the Chow Chow was over 2,000 years old and was the result of the crossing of the old Mastiff of Tibet and the Samoyed, a breed that originated in the northern parts of Siberia, leading for it to possess attributes like the blue-black tongue.
At present, the Chow Chow is a fashionable pet and guard dog, but in the earlier times, it served as a sporting dog. The Han Dynasty depicts the Chow Chow as a hunting dog. They are frequently used on Mongolian pheasant and on francolin of Yunnan and received great praise for its speed and stamina. It is referred to as Songshi Quan which literally means puffy-lion dog.
Even if it originated in the far northern side, a great number of Chow Chows has been found in the south of China, where it is considered indigenous. They are bred to be all-around working dogs capable of surviving severely cold climates. Chinese authors regard the Chow Chow as the Royal Dogs of China and the only breed used for hunting.
Not like any other dog
The Chow Chow is a sturdily built dog, which is square in profile, with broad skull and small, triangular, erect ears that are rounded at the tips. They have very a dense double coat that could be smooth or rough.
Chow Chows are distinguished by their blue-black tongues and straight hind legs that make their gait stilted. They are the only dog breed with distinctive bluish color in the lips and oral cavity. Its coat varies in five colors including red, black, blue, cinnamon/fawn, and cream. Its eyes are also almond in shape.
Chow Chows are not an overly active breed, like most dogs. They get by with just a little walk every now and then. But of course, it still needs routine exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Chow Chow Training…
