The Chow Chow: a unique and fascinating dog breed
The Chow Chow is a breed of dog native to China, known for its thick hair and its distinctive appearance. These dogs are medium to large size, with an average weight of between 20 and 32 kg and a life expectancy between 9 and 12 years.
Although the Chow Chow have been believed to have existed for more than 2,000 years, their true origin is uncertain. In this article, we will explore the story and the characteristics of this fascinating dog race thoroughly, as well as some things to take into account if you are considering adopting a Chow Chow.
- Size: large, 46 to 56 cm
- Weight: between 20 and 32 kilos, depending on sex
- HAIR TYPE: We can choose, since there is a variety of long hair and another with short hair
- Character: They are third and independent
- Health: normal, but you have to be careful with dysplasia and its skin
- Life expectancy: between 9 and 12 years
Chow Chow Origins
The Chow Chow It could be one of the oldest dogs in the world, so much that it is more than probable that the race existed already a millennium, although it did not have simple origins, since it was used to take advantage of its meat.
It seems that it can come from China, where over time they began to be used as building guardians, among which were the temples, to later be used as hunting dogs and guardians in homes.
We also know that they were dogs of the Court, where they gave status to the people who possessed them, arriving in Europe in the nineteenth century. Specifically, the first Chow Chow that put its legs in the old continent did so in England.
In 1865 They gave Queen Victoria one, so that everyone wanted one, becoming a symbol of status also here, as in China, a country in which very few specimens of the race are today, more popular in Europe and the United States.
Chow Chow Characteristics
Its appearance is unmistakable and attracts two things: its resemblance to the lions and that has a blue tongue.
It is a compact and large animal, but that it is not heavy if we take into account that it can measure 56 cm to the cross in the case of the highest males.
It belongs to the Asian Spitz group (dogs that have two layers of hair) and we have a long -haired chow chow and another with short hair, although the truth is that the first variety is the most widespread.
In the case of long hair, the mane around the head, and the rest of the mantle, gives it the appearance of a kind of stuffed lion, which is why it is known throughout the world.
On the color, it is always monochromatic, admitting the black, red, roasted yellow, blue (this is spectacular), cream and white, with lighter colors in the gut area and inside the legs.
They carry the tail folded on the back, so they have a majestic appearance, and the ears are very curious, small and fat.
The blue tongue is another of those characteristics that immediately make us look at this race, being the palate and the lips of the same color. Its standard says it has to be so, and so far there is no explanation to this case, which can be seen in other Asian breeds.
Chow Chow character
If your appearance is particular, its character is no less, since there are those who say that it is the ideal dog for those who like cats.
Any Can dares for please its owner, but The Chow Chow no and does not submit. So much so that one can say that they are going to pay attention Nobody and are reserved with humans and other dogs, although they get to attack if they invade their territory.
Because they protect what they consider as their own, they are excellent guardians, although we must be cautious so that they do not cross other dogs that will almost save them with total.
Besides, They have a highly developed hunting instinct, so it is difficult to leave them loose, since when we do there is a very high probability that they ignore the call.
It is not the best race to live with children, since although it is quiet when it is with the family, it will not be one of those animals that spends the day playing with the little ones in the house.
Chow Chow education
Reading about its character, we realize that education is not simple. In fact, it is not at all a race that can be recommended to someone with little experience dealing with dogs.
He has a tender look that will soften the heart, but to which we must not give up, educating him in a firm and without aggressiveness, Although it is best to put it in the hands of professionals.
It is such a special race that we cannot leave our dog to anyone, but you have to look for a canine training that has experience with the Chow Chow, the more better.
Once it has gone through a training school, It is convenient to know that it will never be obeyed., but it will do it in its own way and sometimes it is possible that you decide that it will follow its own without paying too much.
Chow Chow health
His health is normal, but as in most current races, he is predisposed to suffer from some diseases.
For example, It is not uncommon for inflammation in the skin and also eczema, something that luckily is not complicated to avoid, since they almost always have to do with a little suitable diet.
They also usually have two diseases that are known as ectropion and entropion. Both affect the eyelids, and while in the first these they bend out, in the second they do it inward, having to operate both in one and another situation.
They are not alien to the Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, although this has more to do with its size than with its race, and in order to prevent it as much as possible you always have to go to a trusted breeder.
Chow Chow care
We start with the exercise, since it needs at least an hour abroad daily, although it is not an animal that will ask us to go out all day, and in fact, it will be happy in a house with garden.
We can prepare a fresh site in the shade And there he will be part of his life, because he prefers to be calm and without bothering him whenever he is not very hot.
As for food, you have to forget the cheap feed. These will produce skin problems and you always have to give it a very good quality, although it may despite that it has redness, itching or inflammations.
If this happens, you have to consult with the veterinarian, to give it a hypoallergenic feed that will end skin diseases.
You also have to give you enough care. Here it is convenient that we brush it daily in depth so that the hair is not caked, something difficult to solution, so much that the scissors will have to put.
Another option is to acquire a short -haired chow chow, which gives us a somewhat different appearance, but without having to deal with so much the mantle care.
About the bathroom, there is diversity of opinions. Among them are those that say that it is not convenient to bathe them, But the truth is that his hair appreciates it if we do it with a quality shampoo.
In addition, there are shampoos that hydrate their skin and that help prevent some problems, so we are going to bathe when it is dirty, always taking into account that if we do it in the cold months we will take a long time to dry it if it is long hair.
Adopt a chow chow
When adopting a Chow Chow, it is best to make a search on Google, since there are even Facebook groups specialized in this breed, which are collecting all those who come out for adoption nationwide.
Yes indeed, You have to be willing to spend an amount of money that can sometimes be high, because you need a feed of a lot of quality that is not the cheapest in the market, and the occasional visit to the veterinarian for its skin problems.
You have to know its character, which we have already seen that it is not the most affectionate among the dog breeds, so that we have to admit that it is independent and goes to theirs without paying attention to all hours, as it happens with other dog breeds.
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