The Chow Chow is a breed of dog native to China, known for its thick coat and distinctive appearance. These dogs are medium to large in size, with an average weight of between 20 and 32 kg and a life expectancy of between 9 and 12 years.
Although Chow Chows are believed to have existed for more than 2,000 years, their true origin is uncertain. In this article, we will further explore the history and characteristics of this fascinating dog breed, as well as some things to keep in mind if you are considering adopting a Chow Chow.
- Size: large, 46-56cm
- Weight: between 20 and 32 kilos, depending on sex
- Hair type: we can choose, since there is a variety of long hair and another of short hair
- Character: they are stubborn and independent
- Health: normal, but you have to be careful with dysplasia and your skin
- Life expectancy: between 9 and 12 years
Origins of Chow Chow
The Chow Chow could be one of the oldest dogs in the world , so much so that it is more than likely that the breed existed a millennium ago, although it did not have simple origins, since it was used for its meat.
It seems that it may come from China, where over time they began to be used as guards of buildings, including temples, and later used as hunting dogs and guards in homes.
We also know that they were court dogs, where they gave status to the people who owned them, arriving in Europe in the 19th century. Specifically, the first Chow Chow to set foot on the old continent did so in England.
In 1865 they gave one to Queen Victoria , so that everyone wanted one , becoming a status symbol here too, just as it happened in China, a country in which very few examples of the model remain today. breed, most popular in Europe and the United States.
Characteristics of Chow Chow
Its appearance is unmistakable and two things attract attention: its resemblance to lions and its blue tongue.
It is a compact and large animal , but it is not heavy if we take into account that it can measure 56 cm at the withers in the case of the tallest males.
It belongs to the group of Asian spitz (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 the long-haired one, the mane that it has around its head, and the rest of its coat, gives it the appearance of a kind of stuffed lion, which is what it is known for all over the world.
Regarding the color, it is always monochromatic, allowing shades of black, red, tan yellow, blue (this one is spectacular), cream and white, with lighter colors in the belly area and on the inside of the legs.
They have their tail folded over their back, so they have a majestic appearance, and their ears are very curious, small and fat.
The blue tongue is another of those characteristics that immediately makes us notice this breed , with the palate and lips being the same color. Their standard says it has to be like this, and so far there is no explanation for this case, which can be seen in other Asian races.
Character of Chow Chow
If its appearance is particular, its character is no less so, since there are those who say that it is the ideal dog for those who like cats.
Any dog will go out of its way to please its owner, but the Chow Chow does not and they do not submit. So much so that it can be said that they go about their business without paying attention to anyone and are reserved with humans and other dogs, although they may attack if their territory is invaded.
Because they protect what they consider to be theirs, they are excellent guardians, although we must be careful so that they do not cross paths with other dogs that they will almost certainly attack.
On the other hand, they have a very developed hunting instinct , so it is difficult to let them loose, since when we do there is a very high probability that they will not heed the call.
It is not the best breed to live with children, since although it is calm 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 his character, we realize that education is not simple. In fact, it is not at all a breed that can be recommended to someone with little experience dealing with dogs.
He has a tender look that will soften our hearts, but to which we must not give in, educating him in a firm and non-aggressive way, although it is best to put him in the hands of professionals .
It is such a special breed that we cannot leave our dog to just anyone, but we must find a dog trainer who has experience with the Chow Chow, the more the better.
Once he has gone through a training school, it is good to know that he will never obey willingly , but rather he will do it his own way and sometimes it is possible that he will decide that he will continue doing his thing without paying too much attention to us.
Chow Chow Health
Its health is normal, but as in most current breeds, it is predisposed to suffer from some diseases.
For example, it is not uncommon to have skin inflammation and also eczema , something that fortunately is not difficult to avoid, since they almost always have to do with an inadequate diet.
They also usually have two diseases known as ectropion and entropion. Both affect the eyelids, and while in the first they bend outwards, in the second they bend inwards, having to operate in both situations.
They are no strangers to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia , although this has more to do with their size than their breed, and in order to prevent it as much as possible you should always go to a trusted breeder.
Chow Chow Care
We start with exercise, since he needs at least an hour outside daily, although he is not an animal that will ask us to go outside all day, and in fact, he will be happy in a house with a garden.
We can prepare a cool place in the shade for him and he will be part of his life there, as he prefers to be calm and undisturbed as long as it is not too hot.
As for food, we must forget about cheap feed. These will cause skin problems and you should always give them one of very good quality, although despite this they may still have redness, itching or inflammation.
If this happens, you must consult with the veterinarian to give him a hypoallergenic feed that will put an end to skin diseases.
You also have to pay a lot of care to your hair. Here it is advisable that we brush it thoroughly daily so that the hair does not become matted, something that is difficult to solve if it happens, so much so that we will have to use scissors.
Another option is to acquire a short-haired Chow Chow, which gives us a somewhat different appearance, but without us having to worry so much about caring for the coat.
Regarding the bathroom, there are different opinions. Among them are those who say that it is not advisable to bathe them, but the truth is that their hair appreciates it if we do it with a quality shampoo .
In addition, there are shampoos that hydrate his skin and help prevent some problems, so we are going to bathe him when he is dirty, always keeping in mind that if we do it in the cold months it will take a long time to dry him if he has long hair. .
Adopt a Chow Chow
When adopting a Chow Chow, it is best to do a Google search, since there are even Facebook groups specialized in this breed, which compile all those that are up for adoption nationwide.
Of course, you have to be willing to spend an amount of money on him, which can sometimes be high , since he needs a high-quality feed that is not the cheapest on the market, and the occasional visit to the vet for his skin problems. .
We have to know its character, which we have already seen is not the most affectionate among dog breeds, so we have to admit that it is independent and goes about its business without paying attention to us at all hours, as happens with other dog breeds. dogs.
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