Chow Dogs

In many aspects, Chow Dogs are not like most other popular breeds of dogs. Although these dogs look very cute and are generally easy-going, they are not easy to train and therefore are not recommended for young dog lovers. The dog has been around for at least 2000 years, and from the very beginning, he was intended for hard work, such as hunting, guarding and sled pulling. These dogs have very strong guarding instincts; therefore they are naturally protective.

Chow Chows do not like it when someone forces them to act against their own desires. Using rough methods of training is absolutely ineffectual and hence inadmissible, because it may result in aggressive behavior or protracted depression, which, in turn, can make him less predictable. Chow Dogs are naturally strong-willed, self-assured and protective, and it takes a great deal of determination, consistency and patience on the handler’s side to find common ground with such a dog. Chow Chows are very dominant by nature, so the owner must be dominant too. It is absolutely imperative that the owner asserts his alpha position in the family “pack”, and this is not always easy. Failure to do so will result in overprotective behavior and disobedience.

The Chow Chow is a medium-sized dog, measuring 18-22 inches high at the shoulder and weighing 45-70 lbs. These dogs are very strong. They have very profuse coats, forming distinctive ruffs around the neck. This gives them their unique lion-like appearance. The dog has a broad head, with small and rounded ears, small eyes and a broad muzzle. The limbs are muscular, and the hind legs are very straight. The tail is densely coated and is carried over the back. The Chow Dog comes in five colors: black, cinnamon, red, cream and blue. The coat can be of two types: rough coat and smooth coat.

Although Chow Chows are well accustomed to outdoor environment and are capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, they do okay indoors and do not require large acreage. However, daily exercise is a must, because it plays an important role in the formation of the dog’s behavior. Chow Dogs are not very active indoors and sometimes they even seem lazy. However, lack of physical activity often leads to serious behavior problems.

Chow Chows are genetically predisposed to a number of diseases. Not infrequently, they suffer from entropion and ectropion – the malformation of the eyelid, which can be corrected surgically. Hip dysplasia is a frequent occurrence. For this reason, Chow Chow puppies and their parents require regular X-ray scanning. Chow Dogs have a life expectancy of about 15 years.