Do you Have Experience with the Chow Chow Breed? ...

If not, no worries. Here is a little information about this wonderful Breed.

Below, we will cover the basics but we HIGHLY recommend that each individual

does their own research to make sure this breed is a good fit for their lifestyle.

HISTORY and APPEARANCE:

The Chow Chow is a dog breed originally from northern China. Used for Guarding/protecting, hunting and dog sledding. The Chow Chow is a sturdily built dog, square in profile, with a broad skull and small, triangular, erect ears with rounded tips. The breed is known for a very dense double coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick in the neck area, giving it a distinctive ruff or mane appearance. The coat may be shaded in these colors: red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream. They originate from the Spitz family and usually possess a blue/black tongue.

TEMPERAMENT:

Most commonly kept as pets, Chow Chows tend to display discernment of strangers and can become protective of their owners and property. Some owners have attributed a cat-like personality to the Chow Chow.

Chow Chows are not excessively active, meaning that they can be housed in an apartment. However, a Chow Chow living in an apartment will need daily exercise to prevent restlessness and boredom.

This breed of dog has many strong LOYAL bonds with friends and family, but the Chow Chow dog CAN be overly fond of one or two main family members but not always. It is in the breed's nature to be quiet and well-behaved, but it is also resistant to training. Chow Chows become very stubborn and attach to certain individuals as they age. This makes training them when they are puppies crucial, because they gain respect for those who care for them. To avoid a dominating attitude and over-protectiveness as an adult, continuous socialization as early as possible could allow the dog to adjust better in their older years. When a Chow Chow reaches adolescence it rejects authority from any owner who failed to earn its admiration. A dominating attitude can be one distinctive behavioural characteristic in this

breed. While some are of a dominating nature, many are known to be easy-going in nature – sometimes adopting an aloof disposition to individuals other than their owners. A dominating attitude, when it does appear, is often towards other dogs of the same gender, especially Chows. Due to their strong hunting instincts, it is recommended that these dogs stay fenced, leashed, and away from cats and small dogs. If you already have other small pets, introducing a Chow Chow is best at a very young age - allowing them to grow up together and create a close bond. This is why it is crucial that they are socialized early and consistently to act appropriately with strangers. At first, Chow Chows are very hesitant in interacting with strangers. However, this problem can be avoided if the owners train the Chow Chow at a young age.

GROOMING:

The Chow breed will heavily shed their fur in the seasons of spring and autumn, which requires more grooming attention than other seasons. It is important that owners use the correct tools to avoid harming the skin and facilitate grooming. Three kinds of brushes that owners can use on their Chow Chow are a rake brush for the larger parts of the body, a slicker brush for smaller areas, and a pin brush to maintain the longer strands of hair. Chow Chows are known to have either a smooth coat, or a rough coat. Both create a thick woolly layer, as it gets closer to the skin. They should be brushed two to four times a week; however shedding seasons may require daily grooming. Also, a spray conditioner can help avoiding breakage and tearing to the thick coat of hair. It is recommended that a monthly bath is required to avoid fleas and keep a clean coat of fur, however, sometimes because of stress, anxiety or rough housing, Chows may need more than what is recommended. As long as you use a shampoo that will hydrate the skin and fur and won't cause breakouts, I believe bathing 2-3 times a month is perfectly fine.