Chow Chow Breed of Dog

History and origin: The Chow Chow breed of dog is a member of the Spitz family that is known for more than 2000 years.

This Chinese breed was formerly used for guarding and hunting. His substantial coat protected him in severe weather and, sadly, provided clothes for the notorious Mongols, who also reportedly used the dog for food.

Description: The Chow Chow stands 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds. He is a strong dog with a short, broad muzzle.

The coat may be rough or smooth. Through coat is dense, straight, and coarse with a thick undercoat; he sheds profusely, especially in early summer and needs everyday brushing. The smooth coat is shorter and less compact, but sheds just as much. The color may be red, blue, black, fawn, or cream.

About the breed: The Chow Chow breed of dog is a handsome dog who tends to be extremely faithful to just one or two people. Smart and deeply stubborn, the Chow is immensely opposed to training, particularly when learning the 'Down' command.

Proud and moody, this dog likes to take the lead and have his own way. He does not like to be touched on the head, legs, or feet, even by his owner, and can be really hard to groom.

The Chow is exceptionally withdrawn with strangers and can be vicious, even to family members. He will not put up with loads of people coming and going and prefers a steady, predictable habitat. He can be truly dog-aggressive and has a large prey drive toward small animals. The Chow may bite a stranger who reaches out to pet him. Training should begin early and ought be firm and persistent. This dog despises the very thought of submitting to anyone and may try to bite even his owner if so inclined.

Socialization is critical and will be the cornerstone of successful ownership of a Chow. Spoiling this type will produce a domineering, unsafe creature. As a Chow owner you will most likely have to deal with challenges to your authority, and you will possibly face some aggression trouble with this breed, no matter how effective a leader you are.

The Chow needs regular exercise each day to remain fit. He is prone to hip dysplasia, entropion (a curling in of the eyelids), and skin disorders, and he does not do well in warm climates.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 to 1 and a half cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 5 cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Ideal home: This kind is not appropriate to live in an apartment. A house with a well built-in fence and secluded yard is necessary. If you lead a predictable, quiet life, an owner with strong leadership skills, and prefers an aloof, protective, serious dog, then this may be your breed. The chow chow breed of dog are not always advisable for those who have children.

The elderly and the disabled may not be able to establish dominance with a Chow and ought contemplate another breed. There should be no other small animals in the home with a Chow. Spoilers may produce a dominant, dangerous animal that bites. Time to train and socialize this breed must be made available.