Chow Chows are well - known for their endearing social lion - like appearance . It ’s insufferable to search at a photo of this strain without smiling , from their signature blue glossa to their wide - eyed verbal expression . It ’s no surprise that people are drawn to this stock , but many do n’t hump how big these dogs get , how much they be , or various other fact about Chow Chows .
Origin and History
There is alot of debateabout the stock of the Chow Chow . While some believe they do from Mongolia , others assert that they were actually developed by nomad alongChina ’s Silk Roadand afterward disperse to neighboring countries . Regardless of their exact origination , what scientists do know is that this dog-iron breed has been around for thousands of year and is thought to have been used as an accomplice in hunting intellectual nourishment and guard camping area while their possessor were out on long journeys .
It is not entirely clear when Chow Chows first arrive in Europe . Some sources consider factor of theDutch East India Companybrought member of the stock to Europe at some point in time between 1602 and the former 1800s , but no clear records exist . The Chow Chow was first registered with theAmerican Kennel Clubin 1903 , but it was n’t until 1979 that the breed achieve considerable popularity in the United States . The breed was recognized by theUnited Kennel Clubin 1938 and remains one of its most popular breeds today .
Breed Characteristics
The Chow Chow is a powerfully built weenie whose sturdy frame belies their past as working firedog . Through the 100 , these canines have been used to extract carts , ruck livestock , and even assist in the hunt . This jack - of - all craft breed even spend time as castle guard dog for the Chinese emperor .
General Appearance
The breed is renowned for their coat , which is thick enough to cover their roll of " avoirdupois . " The rough - pelage variety is the most prevalent and is what most people think of when they picture a Chow Chow . The tail , wooden leg , and pectus are all full of fluff , but it ’s the thick " ruff " around the head and neck that gives this multiply its purple lion look . The stock ’s coating can also be found in a smooth - coated variant , though it is less mutual . satisfactory colors include subtlety of scarlet , black , aristocratical , cinnamon bark , or cream .
The Chow Chow ’s coating is stocky and double - coated , comprise of a obtuse outer coat and a soft undercoat . This combination helps keep these frank warm in winter months when temperature douse below freezing , and cool in summertime months when temperatures reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit .
Chows have blue or brown optic , which may appear slant due to their protruding low lids . Their ears are V - shaped and stand up directly against their straits . A full - grown Chow will be between 45 and 70 pound and 17 to 20 column inch tall at the shoulder .
One of the Chow Chow ’s most famous features is theirblue / black tongue , which are quite different from the pinkish natural language found in other breeds .
Temperament
The deep fold of chassis and fur around the Chow ’s oculus somewhat limit their vision , and this is why they are so easy startled when draw close from the side . It ’s always good to foretell your presence or make it a drug abuse to approach these canines from an angle where they can see you .
Chow may not be idealistic pets for a family with children , although there for certain are elision . This is a breed that does not appreciate surprises or sudden moves , nor do they revel being hugged . They can do well with children if raised with them , although older children who understand how to respect a dog are a better fit . On the bright side , this breed does make aquiet house companionfor adult and require more restrained levels of exercise compared to other dogs of exchangeable size of it .
Wary of Strangers
Chows are by nature a veryprotective breedthat will be certain to permit strangers know they are not welcome on your property unless you approve it . Though they are not known for hostility , they can come along quite intimidating , and providing these dogs with set ofearly socializationandmanners trainingis crucial to keep their more protective instinct in handicap .
Exercise Requirements
As a prominent , active heel , the Chow Chow needs regular exercise . The amount of exercise they need count on the case-by-case dog ’s energy level and health issue . A healthy adult will demand about an time of day of exercise per twenty-four hours , at least five day a calendar week .
A zippy walk is good for this strain . Because they can be stubborn and do n’t care to be rush , they should never be forced to go farther than they want to go or be made to flow too quickly .
Training
Chows are keenly intelligent and equal to learners , but the key is that they have to need it . A chow considers you their adequate , and will not mechanically listen to you . chow do easily withpositive reinforcement preparation , such asclicker training . for retain their aid , you ’ll need to find something that they discover in particular rewarding , such as very delicious kickshaw .
Fortunately , Chows have a report for being passing easy to potty - train . They are very clean dogs and are almost cat - like in their grooming habit . The difficult part is their obedience training . If you are not experience in training heavy breeds , consider engage a professional flight simulator who is intimate with Chow Chows before begin your training routine .
Health
While they are considerably intelligent than many other breeds , there are a few things to look out for :
Grooming
In Holy Order to properly neaten a Chow Chow , you must brush them frequently and have them professionally groomed on a regular basis . Grooming bills can quick add up . think this when resolve whether to bestow a member of the breed into your home .
Brushing a Chow Chow should be done using either a pin light touch or a slicker brush . These brush will remove loose hair’s-breadth from the coat , which will aid prevent matting . The peg brush should be used once every two weeks , while the deceiver brushing should be used once every three weeks . Massage your dog ’s hide with European olive tree oil after brushing to keep their peel healthy and moisturized .
Lifespan
This is a pretty long - lived breed , reaching about 8 to 12 years on average , although some can know up to 15 years .
Fun Facts About the Breed
The Chow Chow is an interesting stock with a singular appearance . Due to their rarity , there are a handful of facts many are incognizant of about the breed , including :
Purchasing or Adopting a Chow Chow
If you ’re look for a Chow Chow pup , a good position to start is theChow Chow Club , the parent golf club for the strain in the United States . They have a breeder directory uncommitted and information about finding responsible breeders . TheAKC PuppyFinderpage also has a breeder search available . Chows are one of the moreexpensive breedsof dogs to both purchase and own . The median price for a Chow is between $ 1,200 and $ 1,300 . Show - quality dogs can be $ 6,000 or more .
Rescue Organizations
If you are n’t necessarily searching for a purebred Zhou pup , you’re able to look thePetFinderandSave - a - Rescueto see if any are available at shelters . you’re able to also search these breed - specific organizations :
Is the Chow Chow Right for You?
The Chow Chow is definitely not a novice ’s breed , and you should seriously appraise your lifestyle before acquiring one . Do you have small children who might tote or pull in on your Chow Chow puppy ? Do you entertain oft ? These are not always the idealistic situations for a Chow . On the other hand , a Chow can make a sturdy , protective , affectionate comrade for those who understand their unique personality .
