History Of The Chow Chow

History
Chow Chow's are native of Mongolia and Tibet and are dogs of great individuality and distinctive appearance. The history of the Chow dates back to 150 B.C.. In China he was the guardian of the household, a thing of beauty and.... providing food for the table in that the Chows were used in packs on a hunt. Emperors were known to keep as many as 200 Chows for use in their guest for game.


Description
COAT: Rough The Rough Chow Chow is a long-haired dog with a soft woolly undercoat that serves as insulation against heat and cold alike. A coarse outercoat adds to beauty and service.

Smooth The smooth Chow Chow is judged by the same standard as the rough chow except that references to the quantity and distribution of the outer coat are not applicable to the smooth-coated Chow which has a hard dense smooth outer coat with a definite undercoat. There should be no obvious ruff or feathering on the leg or tail.

COLOUR: Chow Chows are solid colours or red, black, or blue and some are cinnamon, fawn, shaded red, or cream.

SIZE: The Chow is of medium size. The distinctive feature of the breed is its blue-black tongue. One of the few breeds of dogs with the dark tongue, it shares this feature with the Sharpei and the bear; the only animal in the wild that has a dark tongue.

GAIT: Other characteristic points include his unique and unusual gait which is referred to as "stilted". The rear legs are very straight in the stifle area and its gait is much like a choppy walk that results from this stilt-like rear assembly. This does not impair his ability to run at the speeds of most dogs.

HEAD: The Chow's heavy head and muzzle is surrounded by an offstanding ruff that is much like a halo. His eyes are almond shaped and deep set, giving him an unusual oriental look; mysterious, quiet and thoughtful.

SCOWL: The "scowl" of the Chow Chow is characteristic and is often misunderstood as a sign of being mean. This is as far from the truth as outward appearance does not indicate personality in the canine's world as it does in the human species.

TAIL: The tail of the Chow Chow is curled up over the back. It is a brush type, high set, following the spine at the set and often reaching the back of the neck as it follows the spine.

PERSONALITY: The Chow Chow, though Mother Nature gave him a scowl, made him mysterious and quiet. He's a dog that minds his own business thus giving the impression of an aristocrat. Dignity and aloofness should not be confused with a poor nature. He does not go about looking for trouble, but if confronted, he will stand his ground and protect those he loves. Ill-tempered Chows are not representative of the breed, but a result of indiscrimiate breeding for popularity, fame or fortune.

HABITS The Chow Chow is a dog of extreme cleanliness and it is not rare to see a puppy that is completely housebroken before it is eight weeks old. Many breeders say they have "never had accidents" and "chows seem to be born housebroken". The Chow's odour-free body and coat are said to be virtually vermin-free, making him a most acceptable household companion. After all, a Chow Chow is happiest when he has the company of those he loves.

TRAINING: If bred and raised properly the Chow puppy who so resembles the teddy bear will be an aristocrat from the time he arrives in the world. He is quick to learn and reason. Chows have been trained in obedience work and many have C.D., C.D.X. and some U.D. titles. (Companion Dog, Excellent and Utility Dog). Chows serve as hunting companions, impressive show dogs and grand pets for the family. Their versatility proves their value as an all-round family dog. As any other dog, the chow, when reared with children will become a rough and tumble playmate for the tots, protecting them as instinct leads. The guard qualities need not be taught a chow, they will protect their loved ones simply because they love them deeply.

CARE: The Chow Chow requires brushing & combing in order to keep him at his best with regards to conditioning and appearance. Brushing once or twice a week will keep houscleaning to a minimum as a Chow sheds gradually during the year. Nails should be kept trimmed to a comfortable length and hair between the pads should be kept short so as to keep burrs and dirt from tangling and irritationg the pads. Ears and teeth should be checked during grooming. Cleaning should be done whenever necessary according to veterinary instuctions.

CONFINEMENT: Chows should be kept in a fenced-in area rather than on a chain. They resent being "trapped". The dog that is chained is subject to teasing and becomes irritable. Chows prefer a fenced in yard and a home with their people.

AILMENTS: Veterinarians should be aware that the Chow should be treated as the Bulldog or Boston Terrier when it needs anaesthesia. Many Chows could be saved if the knowledge of the black mouth and gums is made available. The colour of the gums is often used as a guide during surgery or whenever anaesthesia is necessary. The Chow is subject to heat prostration if left in a hot closed-in area or in the sun. Plenty of shade or a cool room should be provided along with quiet and rest. Should you find the Chow in "trouble" , call your vet for advice and in the meantime act quickly and wet down the dog with cold water or towels soaked with cold water.


SUMMARY: BEAUTY, LOYALTY, LOVING, CLEAN, ARISTOCRATIC, INTELLIGENT, MYSTERIOUS AND ALOOF; these are the words so often used to tell of the Chow Chow. The Chow will serve you if you will allow him to be your adoring slave and he will love you with all his being. He asks only for your faith in him.

PURCHASE: When the purchase of a Chow Chow is contemplated one is wise not to buy from a pet store or anywhere the parents and close relatives cannot readily be observed. One is wise to visit a reputable kennel with the request to see the available stock before a decision is made. A few dollars extra for a puppy with a known background of sound conformation and disposition will save a lot in future grief and veterinarian bills