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Chow Chow Puppies for Sale
Chow Chow
This is a Rough-Haired Chow Chow and a Smooth-Haired Chow Chow.
Photo Courtesy of van Juttersburch Chow Chows Smooth and
Rough.
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Pronunciation |
Chow Chow |
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Description |
The two most distinctive features of the Chow Chow
are its blue-black tongue and its almost straight hind legs, which makes it walk
rather stilted. Its dense furry coat is profuse and comes in two varieties,
smooth coat and rough coat. The most common colors are solid red, black, blue,
cinnamon and cream, but it can also come in tan, gray, or (rarely) white.
The coat sometimes has lighter or darker shades, but is never parti-colored. The
ears are small and rounded and there is a huge ruff behind the head, which gives
it a lion like appearance. Its head is broad and its skull is flat. The muzzle
is broad near the eyes and narrows toward a black nose without becoming pointed.
The chest is broad and deep and the kidney area is short and strong. The tail is
thickly covered with hair and is carried over its back. |
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Temperament |
The Chow Chow is usually well-mannered, but can be
willful and protective. Bossy, serious and very independent. They are
self-willed to the point of obstinacy. Often a one-person dog, very loyal to his
family, though he may act reserved, even with them. If strangers push
themselves on this dog, he may become aggressive. This very dominant breed
requires a dominant owner. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm
person who is naturally fair and firm. With such a handler, the Chow Chow can
develop well. Don't expect great obedience from them. They are born stubborn and
with minds of their own. The dogs can learn because they are certainly not
stupid, but they must see the point of your command. Be consistent at all times.
Some experts claim the short-haired Chow is more active and learns faster than
its longer-haired family member. One owner told me that their Chow can do
tricks, and learns them quite easily at that. Here is a quote from the owner who
has three children and three cats:
"My 8 year old white Chow performs a variety of
"tricks," ranging from dancing on her hind legs on command to rolling
over, and jumping from her hind legs into the air on command. She even knows the
difference between "shake hands" and "shake," as in shake
her mane to dry or fluff after a bath/brushing. After the first
"trick" was learned at a very early age, she usually learns new
activities through a process of three examples from her human friends, then she
readily attempts the feats until successful. Her eagerness to learn from and
please her two masters comes from her love of people. She loves being around
people, even strangers. When threatened, or unsure of the circumstances she is
facing, she quickly shows what is considered typical Chow behavioral tendencies:
aggressive protection of her family and home."
So it all depends on whether or not your particular Chow wants to
learn. This breed can be quite a handful, but it is otherwise polite and
patient. Some do not accept leashes and collars easily, while others do not seem
to mind. Most Chow Chows like to dominate other dogs, but in contrast, they are
quite good with children. If they get to know cats and other household animals
when they are young, they will get along with them when they are adults. They
must be extensively socialized when very young to combat potential
over-protectiveness as an adult. They need firm training right from the start.
Their personality is mainly due to their past treatment. In China the Chow Chow
was used for guarding things and for pulling carts. Its flesh was eaten and
there was a market for its fur. This sad history, plus the lack of a
single master (due to being a working dog) has dampened the personality of this
extremely beautiful dog. It thus sometimes appears introverted, detached, and
indifferent. Breeders have been working very hard to breed a Chow with a
"family" temperament and with some success too. A well-bred and
well-socialized Chow Chow can be just that - an excellent family dog. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm.)
Weight: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Beware of hip dysplasia. They are prone to suffer
eye irritation called entropion, caused by eyelid abnormality; this can be
corrected with surgery. Other than that they are generally healthy. |
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Living Conditions |
The Chow Chow will do okay in an apartment if it
is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is
sufficient. Sensitive to heat, but can live in or outdoors. |
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Exercise |
Chow Chows can be lazy, but
need to be taken for a
daily walk.
Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are
more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 15 years |
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Grooming |
Regular brushings of the long coat is important to
maintain the lifted, standing-out look. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder
and extra care is needed when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. Dry
shampoo when necessary. |
Origin |
The Chow Chow's structure is very similar to that
of the oldest known fossilized dog remains, dated to several million years ago.
The Chow has been known for thousands of years in China, where the breed was put
to work as a hunter, cart puller and boat guard. One Emperor is said to have
kept 2500 Chow pairs. One was given to the Prince of Wales, the future Edward
Val. Over history, the Chow has been used to hunt wolves, sable and pheasant,
and to pull sleds. His fur was used to trim coats. The flesh of these dogs was
considered a delicacy in China. Dog is still eaten in China today. This
beautiful dog was first brought to England by merchants in the late 1800's. The
name probably originated from the pidgin English word "chow-chow," a
term used to describe all sorts of miscellaneous stuff brought back from the Far
East. The Chow has become very popular in the United States as a companion
dog. Some of the Chow Chow's talents are watchdog and guarding. |
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Group |
Northern, AKC Non-Sporting |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
This is Khan.
Photo taken by John D. Jackson
This is Khan at 8 weeks old.
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Chow
Chow Pictures Page 1
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