Chow Chow dogs are known to be very proud and have an independent spirit that many people describe as cat-like. These dogs can be very distant so if you are looking for a dog that you can cuddle with, this breed may not be perfect for you. Even though they are very suspicious of strangers they can be the perfect company for the right man.
Highlights
Chow Chow dogs are very distant and independent and they require an owner who is completely aware of these things and respects them but won’t let the dog take control.
As long as they get plenty of exercise, Chow Chow puppies can be raised in a condo or apartment.
Chow Chows may connect with only one person or their close family members. They don’t trust strangers at all.
While the Chow Chow is still a puppy the owner should introduce it to new dogs, people and situations to make sure it will be safe and relaxed in the adulthood.
To keep its fur in perfect condition the owner should brush the Chow Chow at least two times a week.
Because Chow Chows have deep set eyes their peripheral vision is not great. The best way to approach these dogs is by standing right in front of them.
To make sure you will get a healthy pup don’t buy it from a pet store, puppy mill or any other breeder that can’t provide you with health guarantees. You should search for a trusted breeder that tests the dogs to be sure they don’t have any genetic diseases.
Size
Chow Chows are around 20 inches tall (at the shoulder) and weigh 40 to 70 pounds
Personality
Some people describe this breed as being cat-like: these dogs are very reserved, aloof, dignified, independent, stubborn and intelligent.
Despite their frowns, a Chow Chow should not be shy or aggressive. They don’t usually start fights and they mind their own business. A Chow Chow will play with its people but it doesn’t have much interest in other individuals unless they’re closing in on its home without the owner’s permission. If strangers come near the home of a Chow Chow without permission from its owner, the dog will challenge the intruder. Despite being very suspicious of strangers, the Chow Chow will let them pet him if his owner introduces them.
In order of having a relaxed and safe adulthood, the Chow Chow puppy must be constantly socialized. While still a pup, it must be introduced to new dogs, people and situations.
Health
These dogs are generally very healthy, but just as all dog breeds, they can suffer from different health conditions. Not all dogs will get all or any of these diseases but it’s very important for the owner to be aware of them.
Make sure to ask the breeder to present to you health clearances for both of the puppy’s parents before buying it. These are proof that the dogs have been tested for health problems. You should ask for clearances when you buy a puppy from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to make sure its parents don’t have any hip problems and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation for the eyes.
Clearances aren’t issued, however, to dogs under 2 years old because some problems don’t appear until the Chow Chow is fully mature. Search for a breeder that doesn’t breed young dogs.
These are two problems that aren’t very frequent in this breed but you should be aware of them if you are planning to purchase a Chow Chow puppy as it may be affected by them.
Entropion makes the eyelid roll inward, which injures the eyeball. Both eyes may become affected of this disease. If the dog has entropion, it may start to rub its eyes.
Canine Hip Dysplasia is a condition in which the thighbone doesn’t perfectly fit into the joint. Arthritis may develop as the dog ages. This is a hereditary disease but can be aggravated by other factors such as injuries caused by falls and rapid growth.
Care
This dog breed can adapt to various homes, from apartments to huge palaces. However, they should always be kept indoors with its family. They don’t really endure heat that well so make sure to keep them indoors.
Like all other dogs, in order to keep your Chow Chow happy and healthy make sure it gets daily exercise. However, this breed will be happy with a few daily 20 minutes walks or just a longer one. Chow Chows aren’t wanderers but you should still put up a very secure fence in your yard. This will help to protect your dog against strangers and traffic.
They are very easily house trained and crate training is highly recommended. This will make house training a lot easier and will keep the dog from chewing stuff when you are away. However, the crate is only a tool and shouldn’t be made into a jail in which the dog will spend very long periods of time. The Chow’s best place is around you.
In most cases verbal correction is the only thing that’s required to discipline these dogs. You shouldn’t hit any kind of dog, but in this breed’s case it’s particularly counterproductive. Chow Chows are very independent and proud and won’t react to physical abuse. Earn its respect with intense persistence and you won’t have any problems while training the dog. Don’t let the puppy do whatever it wants because you’ll be facing problems when you will try to train it.
Feeding
How much the dog eats depends on its metabolism, activity level, build, age and size. Dogs, just as people, are individuals and won’t eat the same amount. The quality of the dog food is also very important. The better it is, the more it will nourish your dog. Keep your Chow Chow in good shape by feeding him only twice a day and always measure the amount of food you feed it.
Interactions
Chow Chows are good with children but won’t put up with a lot of abuse from a very young child. They are best in a family with older children that realize how to treat a dog. Always teach your children how to interact with the dog and supervise them to avoid any biting or unpleasantries.
Chow Chows that are well trained and socialized will get along with cats and other dogs. However, they tend to prefer opposite sex dogs as they can start fights with dogs with the same sex.
Chows usually reach the age of 13 or 14 if treated right.
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