Chow Chow
Having a disposition similar to cats, Chow Chows are aloof, independent and reserved in nature. They will rarely get aggressive or even shy despite an apparent scowl in their looks. They get along well with their human companions.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
varies
24-35 kg
9-15 years
China
pure
non-sporting
Characteristics of the Chow Chow
Coat
With a coat composed of very dense fur and undercoat, the chow chow is still not very well adapted to the Indian climate. This is the reason why some of its owners end up making “changes” in their hairstyle. It is common, around here, to see fully clipped chow chows, but doing this with the machine is not recommended for the breed. Ideally, when trimming their hair, the entire process is done with the use of scissors. The technique, in addition to leaving them well "rounded", can also prevent the pet from having skin problems and blackening of the region due to the use of the clipping machine. The most common Chow Chow is golden, but there are other variations such as Black, Blue, Cream and a kind of Lead that is very difficult to see. They can come in two coats, rough and smooth. Rough coated Chows Chows are the most common while the smooth coated ones can be seen with a hard, dense, smoother coat as well.
Pet Profile
Best Dog Food For Chow Chow
During the ancient days, the ancestors of Chow Chow consumed a diet consisting of grains and vegetables just like Sheep, Cattle and Pigs that we see today. These dogs also ate soy and fish occasionally as well. Due to this reason, the modern Chow Chows cannot properly digest high levels of protein and it the over-consumption of it leads to skin problems as well. Regarding the best foods, rice is one of the diets you can feed Chow Chows as it is easier to digest and supports healthy skin and coat as well. You can also add Olive or Fish oil to your dog's meal as it supports healthy skin and coat as well. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery help reduce teeth problems like Plaque and Tartar. Other best food options are frozen peas, beans, blueberries etc. which provides the Chow Chows with super antioxidants that endows them with excellent immunity. A plain, low-fat yogurt can also boost the digestive health of Chow Chows significantly.
Grooming Your Chow Chow
Before you learn about their grooming, you need to first understand about their coat types. Chow Chows come in two types, rough and smooth, though both have an undercoat as well as a top coat. Rough coated Chow Chows have an abundant coat that stands off from the body while the smooth coated ones lack it entirely. This is where the grooming requirements differs in Chow Chows. One with the rough coat should be brushed every other day while the smooth coated one only needs to brushed weekly. However, both of them shed heavily twice a year where their hair will come out in handfuls. When it comes to bathing, the requirements are not extensive although a warm bath followed by a thorough blow-drying can help remove the shedding coat. Rest of the grooming needs are very basic. You can trim their nails as needed and brush their teeth frequently for ensuring excellent dental health.
Taking Care of a Chow Chow
The Chow Chow needs special care regarding its socialization and the way it is educated. Working on his docility and encouraging him from a young age to live with different people and animals of another species is essential to create a balanced dog that can be with his family at different times. It is necessary to brush your chow chow frequently, as it can lose a lot of hair and even get “tufts” stuck on its body, leaving a different appearance than expected. Pay attention to the "folds" of your face: they should not be damp and need to be cleaned with specific products daily.
History of Chow Chows
Chows Chows are one of the oldest dogs in history as they are believed to be the direct descendants of the ancient Tibetan Mastiffs. These dogs' main homeland in China and there are also depictions of his ancestors in the Han Dynasty that portrays him as a hunting dog. These dogs used to hunt games owing to its incredible scent ability and alertness. Unfortunately, many people at that time used to keep these dogs for their fur and meat as well. Their name "Chow Chow" comes from the fact that they were often part of a ship's cargo, and sailors used to a miscellany of items, from knickknacks and curios to dogs.