CHOW CHOW
BREED: Chow Chow.
ORIGIN: China.
HISTORY: The Chow Chow,a hunting dog in its native land, has been popular in
China for more than two thousand years. The Huns, Mongols, and Tartars used the breed in war, for hunting, and as a draft and guard dog. This furry dog was sometimes eaten (chow means food), and its fur was used for clothing. The breed first appeared in Europe in the second half of the nineteenth century, when Queen Victoria was given a magnificent specimen. Selective breeding began in England in 1887 in an attempt to develop a more sociable Chow. This breed is now considered a luxury pet.
DESCRIPTION: These dogs are medium in size standing between 46 and 56cm high and weighing between 18 and 25kg.The Chow Chow has an abundant and profuse double coat. The fur is particularly thick around the neck area and resembles a lion’s mane. The outer coat is coarse and is supported by a dense under coat. The most common coat colours are red, black, blue, tan, and gray. They are never parti-coloured. They have the unique characteristic of a blue-black tongue
CHARACTER: The Chow Chow is mostly polite and patient. They are very loyal and friendly with their family, but reserved with strangers. They most often will become attached and overly protective of one particular member of the family. They are bossy, serious, and obstinate. The Chow Chow is a very dominant breed that requires a dominant owner. They are stubborn and have a mind of their own. They are not good with other pets unless they have been raised with them from an early age. They get along well with older children. They require fairness, firmness and consistency. They will become aggressive if treated with disrespect. The Chow is highly talented as a watchdog or guard dog.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A CHOW CHOW: The Chow requires daily brushing. Proper grooming is essential to keep their coat in good conditionThey are prone to heat stroke, allergies, skin problems, and hip dysplacia. They have a very low tolerance to anaesthesia. It does not do well in warm climates.
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