The Chow Chow: Oriental Bric-a-Brac

The Chow Chow Dog Breed in Brief:

Origin: China

Height: 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 45-70 pounds

Exercise Needs: High

Grooming Needs: High

Life Expectancy: 8-12 years

Good With Kids: No

Trainability: Medium

Known for his standoffish, loner personality, as well as his teddy-bear appearance and famous blue-black tongue, there is much more to this powerful and compact canine. Once valued as a food and fur source, this magnificent dog is also an accomplished hunting dog and, today, has become a very popular pet and guard dog.

The History of the Chow Chow

Dating back more than 2,000 years, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed of dog that is believed to have originated in China. Typical of many breeds of dog, his true origins remain a mystery; one theory is that he is the result of crossing the ancient Tibetan Mastiffs with the Siberian Samoyed dog, while other theories name the Chow Chow as the ancestor of the Samoyed, as well as other Spitz-like dogs, such as the Keeshond, the Norwegian Elkhound, and the playful Pomeranian. Regardless of his history, however, he remains one of the most easily recognizable breeds of dog in the world today.

While he has earned his place as a family pet in many homes, the original use of this teddy bear-like canine was that of a ferocious hunting dog. One might not expect it of him, with his comical features and happily curled tail, but the Chow Chow is noted for his great speed, stamina, and for his extremely powerful scenting abilities. Additionally, the Chow Chow has been credited with a keen intelligence, not only making him a determined hunter, but also a dog that is very clever and capable of putting very creative tactics to use in the field.

The name “Chow Chow” does not come from China, as one might expect, but rather comes from the name that the English often used to describe various knick-knacks and porcelain figurines that were imported, from the Orient, back in the 18th century. Since it was often easier for the traders and shipping companies to group all the various pieces of bric-a-brac together and refer to them as “chow chow,” this was commonly done, as opposed to listing each ivory figurine and vase individually. In time, the name also came to encompass the strange bear-like canines that were also imported from the Far East. In time, these unique little dogs were known around the world as the Chow Chow.

Today, the Chow Chow has Queen Victoria to thank for much of his popularity, for it was her interest in the “Wild Dog of China,” when she first laid eyes upon him at the London Zoo. By 1895, the first specialty club was formed for these wonderful canines and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Chow Chow as a breed in 1903. Three years later, in 1906, the Chow Chow Club of America was also recognized and accepted as a part of the AKC.

The Chow Chow Appearance

Considered to have what is known as “Artic type,” the Chow Chow is a very powerful dog, heavy in bone and with a very square and sturdy frame. While a medium-sized dog, he is often thought to be larger than he really is; a combination of carriage and the dog’s extremely dense and fluffy coat. Holding himself with a very proud and alert stance, the Chow Chow is a dog that portrays elegance and style, along with his power and determination. Possessing the unique ability to be both adorable and intimidating, the Chow Chow appeals to all types, whether one seeks a working animal or a pet.

Noted for his broad head and flat skull, tightly kinked tail, and serious expression, the Chow Chow also boasts a unique choppy gait due to the straightness of his legs. His coat is a deep and dense ruff, whether he is a rough or smooth-coated Chow Chow. Both varieties are double-coated, but the smooth-coated Chow is missing the definite ruff and feathering on the legs and tail that their rough-coated cousins possess. The Chow can be found in one of five basic colors: the red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.

The Chow Chow Temperament

The Chow Chow is noted for his stoic and oftentimes scowling features, both of which hint at this dog’s notoriously independent and aloof nature. Often known as a one-person dog, the Chow tends to be very wary of strangers and highly protective of his territory. For this reason, he was often used as a guard dog in his native China and is often favored as a companion animal in these modern days. Being that the Chow Chow is notoriously jealous and territorial, care should be taken when introducing an adult Chow to the family, particularly if there are children or other pets present.

The Chow Chow Exercise Needs

While the Chow Chow is not an extremely athletic individual, his coarse bone and heavy stature necessitates that the dog be given an ample amount of exercise, in order to escape the risk of obesity. Unlike many dogs, it’s not advised that the Chow Chow be taken to dog parks, due to this particular canine’s more aggressive nature. Fortunately, being taken for a brisk walk, once or twice a day, will help to curb any hyperactivity that may arise, and keep your dog nice and healthy.

Chow Chow Grooming Requirements

The Chow Chow possesses a very dense undercoat, as well as a topcoat of guard hairs. Regardless of variety (rough or smooth-coated), this beautiful breed of dog is well-known as a heavy shedder that, at the very least, requires a weekly comb-though and at least one bath per month. Grooming should be performed with patience and care, ensuring that it remains a positive experience for both dog and owner alike.

Training Your Chow Chow

Taking on a Chow Chow is not an easy business; well-known for their stubborn and willful attitudes, they are not an easy breed to train and, due to this, it’s very important to start their education and socialization at an early age. Basic obedience courses are invaluable to training a young Chow and it’s essential to ensure they receive exposure to children, other dogs and other animals as an early age. Failure to take these important steps can result in a dog that is poorly sociable and troublesome.

Chow Chows do not react well to physical punishment, yelling, or harsh words. The best method to use, when training these lovely dogs, is through reward and positive reinforcement. You can never give out too many pettings and praises, so don’t be afraid. You can only encourage this magnificent breed to work harder.

The Chow Chow Dog’s Health Concerns

Like any breed of dog, the Chow Chow is subject to a variety of health concerns, even more so due to bone density and mass. When looking into getting a puppy, ask to see the parents of the litter, as well as written documentation of veterinarian checks and a guarantee that, should you take the Chow puppy to your veterinarian and he finds a genetic problem, that said puppy can be brought back and your money refunded. Some of the health problems that can affect Chow Chows include:

• Prone to over-heated, particularly if living in a humid environment
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Patellar luxation
• Entropion
• Distichiasis
• Cataracts
• Elongated palate

Is the Chow Chow the Right Breed For You?

While the Chow Chow can prove to be a wonderful family pet for the young couple, care should be taken with this dog and small children, as well as with other pets. Aggression towards other dogs is not uncommon and the breed is known to be rather territorial. While training certainly helps make the Chow Chow more manageable, the combination of heavy grooming needs, combined with the breed’s fierce independence and stubborn nature means that careful consideration must be taken, prior to bringing such a dog into your home. Should you decide the Chow Chow is the dog for you, however, they are very faithful, loving and loyal dogs with an adorable teddy-bear appearance.

Shawna L. Krautheim

2007