Chow Chow

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Chow Chow

Chow Chow Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Chow Chow Breed Information

Breed Group: Non-Sporting

Weight: 45-70 lbs

Height: 17-20 inches

Color(s): solid red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream

TEX AKC #52

Chow Chow

$750.00

TEX AKC #36

Chow Chow

$750.00

Overview

The Chow Chow is an ancient breed that originated in China more than 2000 years ago. They were an all purpose breed used for hunting, herding, pulling, and protection. They are commonly referred to as "the Chow", and are now used primarily as a companion.

Character

The Chow Chow is a true masterpiece of dignity and beauty. They possess the unique characteristic of having a blue-black tongue. They are keenly intelligent, have an independent spirit, and display a dignified demeanor. The Chow is extremely aloof and discerning.

Temperament

The Chow Chow is most generally polite and patient. They are very loyal and friendly with their family, but exceedingly reserved with strangers. They most often will become attached and overly protective of one particular member of the family. They are bossy, serious, and obstinate. The Chow Chow is a very dominant breed that requires a dominant owner. They are stubborn and have a mind of their own. They are not good with other pets unless they have been raised with them from an early age. They get along well with older well-behaved children. The Chow expects to be treated with respect.

Care

The Chow Chow requires daily brushing. Proper grooming is essential to keep their coat in peak condition. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. They are prone to such health issues as entropin, heat prostration, allergies, skin problems, and hip dysplasia. They have a very low tolerance to anesthesia. The Chow does not do well in warm climates.

Coat

The Chow Chow has an abundant and profuse double coat that comes in two different varieties: smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick around the neck area and resembles a lion's mane. The outer coat is coarse and is supported by a dense under coat. The most common coat colors are red, black, blue, tan, and gray. They are never parti-colored. The Chow is a heavy seasonal shedder.

Training

The Chow Chow requires intense, extensive, and ongoing training in both socialization and obedience. They are relatively easy to housebreak. However, they will only perform tasks that make sense to them. They need to be taught at an early age as to who the master is or they will take over. They require firmness, fairness, and consistency. They do not respond to harshness or a heavy-handed approach and will become aggressive if treated in a disrespectful manner. The Chow is highly talented as a watchdog or guard dog.

Activity

The Chow Chow has a tendency to be lazy. They prefer to stay indoors where they are relatively inactive. They enjoy a small securely fenced yard, but cannot remain outside for extended periods of time in hot weather. They benefit from short daily walks. The Chow is well suited for apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise.

Ask a Question Chow Chow Questions & Answers

QUESTION: just bought a 2month old chow-spitz. she seemed ok at first but when we got home she's already sneezing a lot and i think i heard her cough :( why is that so? what med can you recommend? vitamins maybe? thanks.

Anonymous - 5/21/2012 4:10:34 AM

Respond to Question

You need to take her to the vets. I cant hear her cough. I also dont know where you acquired her, she could have kennel cough., or it could be nothing as dramatic, you should have your vet check her out!

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:16:28 AM

QUESTION: How many times in a week should a chow-chow take a bath?

Anonymous - 5/19/2012 9:42:27 AM

Respond to Question

Once every few MONTHS!!! Your chow has a double coat, and unless she is properly dried, you run the chance of her getting hot spots. Please don't bathe your dog weekly!!if she is getting into something, get rid of that something. Also I would recommend talking to a groomer, and if she is well socialized taking her to one!I owned three Chows that all lived to be 12-14 years old:)

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:19:36 AM

it should be once every few weeks at most, especially if it's not being shown. bathing your chow more often than this will dry out the skin.

Anonymous - 5/21/2012 2:07:18 PM

QUESTION: Do all chows tails curl?

Anonymous - 5/16/2012 7:36:37 PM

Respond to Question

yes, it should always curl.

Anonymous - 5/21/2012 2:07:35 PM

QUESTION: do chow-chows like other pets? i have a cat and a dog (yorkie)

Anonymous - 4/7/2012 1:42:59 PM

Respond to Question

I feel it depends on the dog, I had a cat and two other chows, my dogs and cat all got along fine with each other.

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:20:25 AM

not particularly, but they can if introduced properly.

Anonymous - 5/11/2012 1:05:24 PM

QUESTION: hi, i went on vacation for 2 weeks and left my 6 month old chow with my babysitter. when i came back he was a totally different dog. he started biting and snapping at my clothes. he has NEVER EVER done that before. i mean i expected my cute little hunter to be nice and behaved ( like he always is) but instead i was met with a dog that bit my clothes. what can i do? my mom's running out of thread. is there a cure? i mean he bit my jeans and then he ws totally fine for 2 days and then it started again today. is there somrthing wrong with my babysitter? should i call cesar millan?

Anonymous - 3/28/2012 5:48:16 PM

Respond to Question

Your chow is upset you left her! You need to now spend the time she needs to get her trust back. Yes you have to be the alpha leader, very important with chows, but it was 2 weeks, it also sounds like she wasnt given enough attention.

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:22:48 AM

well that depends... is your chow getting the proper leadership it needs? being the "pack leader" needs to be a 24/7 thing with everybody it will be having any contact with. a well trained dog under proper leadership will not do this.

Anonymous - 5/11/2012 1:08:29 PM

QUESTION: I have a 6 week old chow/shepherd or possibly chow/st bernard mix puppy. His tongue is still pink, and I am wondering at what age chow puppy tongues change color?

Anonymous - 3/13/2012 2:47:54 PM

Respond to Question

Also check the roof of your your dogs mouth, because its a mix, it might only get spotted as opposed to the whole tongue being purple, which, as a person who bred Chows I cant believe I dont remember if they were born that way or not, I'm pretty sure they are, and dont just turn purple, but if they do it was super young, like before 14 days old.

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:25:36 AM

I have 2 pure bred black chows. Their tongues are purple from the day they are born and stay that way. If its not a pure bred, the tongue will stay pink or purple with pink spots..

Anonymous - 5/11/2012 11:30:06 AM

ARE YOU SURE IT ISN'T ALL CHOW, BECAUSE I ALSO HAD A CHOW SHEPHERD MIX, AND HER TOUNGE WAS PART BLUE AT TEN WEEKS OLD. SO I AM GUESSING AROUND TEN WEEKS IF IT IS PART CHOW.

Anonymous - 3/20/2012 7:05:14 PM

I have a 3 month old lab / chow and his already changed. He has the blue purple chow tongue with a pink cirlce in the middle

Anonymous - 3/20/2012 1:39:02 PM

QUESTION: Does the chow chow maine get longer the older they get? Because we have a puppy

Anonymous - 3/6/2012 6:44:42 PM

Respond to Question

YES IT DOES, AND CHOWS SHED ALOT. SO GET READY TO FOLLOW HIM/HER WITH A VACUUM.

Anonymous - 3/20/2012 7:06:38 PM

QUESTION: is it possible to raise a chow chow in sri lanka?

Anonymous - 2/27/2012 3:46:45 AM

Respond to Question

Why wouldn't it be? Do they have Laws forbidding this? You need to call your Embassy there and find out.

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:26:52 AM

QUESTION: My chow puppy is almost 5months now, and she poops a lot. About 4-5 semi formed poops, is it normal? I'm worried. :(

Anonymous - 2/23/2012 1:23:47 AM

Respond to Question

NO, TAKE HER TO THE VETS.

Anonymous - 3/20/2012 7:07:57 PM

QUESTION: do chow chows make a good pet

Anonymous - 2/6/2012 3:18:20 PM

Respond to Question

yes chows make terrific pets. i keep my chow on a rope when she goes running in the backyard. they are ultra protective and loyal. they get thirsty easily

Anonymous - 3/24/2012 8:41:51 PM

Definitely...chows are one of the best pet dogs..they generally are patient, loving and gentle they can also be very playful at times, but they are lazy and prefer to stay indoors under sofas and beds of course because they dont like hot weather they cannot sustain staying outside for long. Drinking water should always be within their reach so with their food it is their nature not to finish their food at a time. They take time eating...chows also have the tendency to dominate his master that's why at an early age authority should be exercised. They are very talented but disobedient at times. If you have other pets, better raise them together to keep them in harmony...I love chows they are the sweetest pets on the planet...

Anonymous - 2/11/2012 2:23:33 AM

QUESTION: how can i determine if a chow chow dog is pure bred?

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 9:59:08 AM

Respond to Question

I have had several chows and one of females bred with a german shepherd. Some of their puupies had pink tongues, some had all blue tongues, and some even had spotted tongues, so it really depends on what they are bred with.

Anonymous - 4/25/2012 3:57:50 PM

if the tongue is blue it's a full chow. my 2 chows have blue tongues ( they're full chows ) whereas my friends chow is a mix with a lab her "chow" has a pink tongue.

Anonymous - 2/19/2012 9:13:07 AM

QUESTION: My female chow was accidently bred with my 6 year old male chow. She is 14 years old. Is there any possibility she is pregnant

Anonymous - 1/27/2012 6:07:42 PM

Respond to Question

very unlikely, but why isnt your 14 year old fixed by now?

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:28:06 AM

QUESTION: my 1 year old chow likes to climb on my neighbors picnic table how can I stop him from doing this

Anonymous - 1/23/2012 9:29:32 PM

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QUESTION: Do all chow chows have the blue-black tounge?

Anonymous - 1/23/2012 3:07:36 PM

Respond to Question

yes all pure bred chow chow's have blue tongues

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:29:00 AM

it depends.if your chow is full blooded it has a blue/black tongue. if its a mix and it has a blue/black tongue you should see the vet.

Anonymous - 2/19/2012 9:44:28 AM

QUESTION: My Chow bit my son not once but 3/4 times - why?

Anonymous - 1/19/2012 4:28:08 AM

Respond to Question

If your son is very playful that he hurts your dog. Especially if your son is really young, some chows hate kids (Age of 1-3) like mine. Also, they love to play with their owner, so sometimes they bite you to force you play with them. (Just an opinion)

Anonymous - 5/19/2012 9:52:03 AM

First. how old is your son and what was he doing that got him bit?

Anonymous - 1/26/2012 2:26:34 PM

QUESTION: what are you doing with the older chow parents that cannot breed any more. please email back.

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 3:48:35 AM

Respond to Question

you pamper them until their time comes

Anonymous - 2/19/2012 9:45:44 AM

QUESTION: How long do chows live?

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 11:48:58 AM

Respond to Question

Larger breeds have a shorter life span, the larger the dog the shorter the life, I'd say a good AVERAGE is around 10 years, even though mine lived to be older, a lot dont, so I averaged it.

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:31:57 AM

I've had a 3 females that lived to 9, 13, and 17. And I've had 4 males that lived to 10, 14, and 16

Anonymous - 4/25/2012 3:59:34 PM

I had a female chow that lived to be 17 years old!

Anonymous - 4/22/2012 11:31:00 AM

I had a chow that lived 12 years.

Anonymous - 2/4/2012 1:01:46 PM

QUESTION: I have girl lab 6, boy chow 5, and a boy chow4 - they are all fixed. I cannot make the 2 male chows get along. They fight to death. They cannot even go in the fenced in yard together without killing each other. I tried to lasso a noose over one because I cannot seperate them the young one turned on me and permanately injured my wrist and hand help!!

Anonymous - 1/3/2012 9:39:53 AM

Respond to Question

I agree totally with Anonymous 1-26-2012, and Good luck!

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:33:42 AM

are they neutered? if not NEUTER THEM IMMEDIETLY!! or just mate them.

Anonymous - 4/17/2012 7:11:58 AM

The chows are fighting because they are trying to dominate each other to be the Alpha. There can only be 1 Alpha, which should be you. I see you have 2 choices, 1) take them to a dog obedience course or 2) one has to go before someone else (kids or your other pet) becomes seriously injured.

Anonymous - 1/26/2012 2:36:11 PM

QUESTION: how do chow-chows do with other pets if the chow-chow is about 10 years old?

Anonymous - 12/30/2011 4:14:33 PM

Respond to Question

The short answer is it depends! It really, really depends on the chow's temperament. My 10 year old female was an aggressive, "alpha" type dog and we moved in with my parents while our home was being built for a few months last year, which meant she got to live with another chow, a 9 year old male chow. It was only tolerable because he was of the opposite sex and was not an alpha. They never became best friends but they didn't kill each other! As she got older she didn't really have the energy to develop new friendships. I've heard that from others too, that say they will probably ignore the new pet.

vjernigan - 1/1/2012 11:09:58 AM

QUESTION: what would be the best brand of dog food for a chow chow

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 1:57:22 PM

Respond to Question

i gave my dogs blue buffalo

Anonymous - 2/19/2012 9:14:15 AM

I have a full blood blue chow. He was 2 in Aug 2011. I had a lot of problems with his skin. I put him on Blue and his skin cleared up and his coat is beautiful. You have to watch out for all the bi products in most dog food, it is not good for any animal. Go www.bluebuffalo.com and check out their site. I will never feed my Chang anything else. It cost more but he is worth it. My Vet is who told me about this product.

Anonymous - 2/4/2012 1:10:22 PM

QUESTION: What is the coldest temperature that Chows who live outdoors can tolerate?

Anonymous - 12/19/2011 7:52:30 AM

Respond to Question

Chows shouldnt live outdoors! They are pets!!!! The coldest they can put up with is the same as your child could if you let him/her live out doors.

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:35:36 AM

about 20 degrees farenheit

Anonymous - 2/19/2012 9:15:09 AM

QUESTION: We thought our 7 month old chow chow had her first season last month, she was bleeding slightly and peeing around the house again after being house trained. But she has started bleeding again this month and there is considerably more blood and she is peeing around the house again and it has a fishy odor. She seems ok in herself otherwise, can you throw any light on this.

Anonymous - 12/19/2011 6:15:59 AM

Respond to Question

Agreed probably a Bladder infection or UTI, especially if she is peeing around you, shes trying to tell you something is wrong! I am a L.V.T. State and nationally licensed.

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:37:16 AM

this is more than likely a bladder or urinary tract infection. please take her to the vet asap

Anonymous - 12/31/2011 4:39:51 PM

Bitches first season is normally really light. Take her to the vets if the odor doesn't clear up

Anonymous - 12/22/2011 9:55:22 AM

QUESTION: I'm thinking of getting a chow chow so we can be best buds at my apartment. I noticed that there are two kinds; the smooth and the rough. I want a really furry bear looking chow chow. Which one should i get? and also is there a way to differentiate between a rough or smooth chow chow puppy?

Anonymous - 12/13/2011 1:11:00 PM

Respond to Question

I have 2 chow chows rough coat. A rough coat is like the ones with lion heads. A smooth one has no lion's head

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 9:46:05 AM

QUESTION: My chow is 4 and she HATES the groomers. I trained her as a guard dog and she is exeptional at it but the groomers she can't stand. All the way to the fact where my dad has to pay extra money to put her to sleep and the groom her. Is there a cure????? I love my dog deeply and want her to be clean but if she can't be good for the groomer how am I supposed to deal with that?????? Plus, she can't stand the hose. Advice PLEASE!!!!!!!

Anonymous - 12/7/2011 7:28:31 PM

Respond to Question

I have a 2 year old male chow and we have to have him muzzled and put to sleep to be groomed at the vet. When I bath him at home in the bath tub I also muzzle him because he does not like it. I use an oatmeal shampoo 4 in 1 that cleans, deodorizes, conditions and detangles which makes it very easy to brush him while wet and in the tub. He is also trained to be a guard dog so I don't take a chance on getting bit if he does not like the bath or time it take to groom him. I take him to the vet in the summer to get him cut because it is too hot here in Texas and he really love that.

Anonymous - 2/4/2012 1:23:29 PM

First of all you shouldn't have "trained" your chow as a guard dog...she will do this instinctually! As far as hating the groomer, try grooming her yourself. This is not meant to be harsh, but grooming can be a nice bonding time for the two of you. I just bath my chow in my own tub and she loves bath time (she'll jump right in the tub on her own). I can get away with brushing her about once a week. As long as you are consistent grooming doesn't require a lot of time.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 8:13:42 PM

My 11 year old Chow is the same way. Unfortunately when she goes to the groomer every 6 weeks, we just deal with the extra cost of sedating her. Good luck!

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 9:09:16 PM

QUESTION: I fell in love with a 2 1/2 year old Chow at the animal shelter last weekend and I really want to bring him home with me. I have a 4 year old mutt at home. I'm a first time Chow owner, so I want to make sure I am making the right choice. Can someone give me some advise, please?

Anonymous - 12/6/2011 9:09:23 AM

Respond to Question

sure chows are really socialable. but you might want to take your mutt to the shelter next time with you to see the chow. see how they get along

Anonymous - 12/6/2011 4:27:02 PM

QUESTION: Can a female Chow Chow from a first litter breed with a male from a second litter of the same two breed parent of the male and female but from different litters

Anonymous - 12/3/2011 6:09:41 AM

Respond to Question

You are not line Breeding if that's what you are asking, you are inbreeding which never goes well, don't do it, or stop doing it,hosts of genetic problems can occur this way!

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 2:39:50 AM

THAT IS NEVER OKAY!! They are still siblings no matter which litter they are born into. That just means that they are different ages. Would you have your son and daughter have sex with each other just because they aren't twins? I don't think so! Well it's pretty much the same concept!

Anonymous - 12/14/2011 5:46:10 AM

i have no idea what you are asking. please rephrase

Anonymous - 12/6/2011 4:45:01 PM

QUESTION: What group are chow chows in?

Anonymous - 11/24/2011 1:53:59 PM

Respond to Question

non-sporting

Anonymous - 2/19/2012 9:17:35 AM

QUESTION: do chow chow puppies start with spoted tongues

Anonymous - 11/23/2011 3:35:42 PM

Respond to Question

IF THE TONGUE IS SPOTTED IT IS NOT FULL BLOODED CHOW

Anonymous - 12/9/2011 1:31:19 PM

No chows start out with pink tongues that later turn to black/blue.

Anonymous - 11/28/2011 6:04:18 PM

QUESTION: how much does a chow and a rednose pitbull worth?

Anonymous - 11/21/2011 7:30:27 PM

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QUESTION: I just bought a 2 month old chow....is it normal that it doesnt bark? She has been with us for 24 hrs yet she hasnt made a single noise.

Anonymous - 11/13/2011 1:00:12 AM

Respond to Question

Our Chow Chow does not bark unless she has a darned good reason. And when she does bark we listen!

Anonymous - 12/9/2011 1:32:34 PM

Chows do bark. My 3month old chow only barks when he's left alone. My 4 year old chow only barks at strangers and when she's super excited, but mostly chows aren't non-stop barkers.

Anonymous - 12/5/2011 7:15:12 PM

None of my Chow Chows bark unless someone comes close to the house when they are inside. Not even when they are in the fenced in back yard unless someone pulls up into the driveway or if they hear something in the neighbors yard they will bark.

Anonymous - 11/28/2011 6:06:11 PM

Pretty much Chow we had only barked when she had something to let us know about! Otherwise she was very quite, not to worry and enjoy your new family member!

Anonymous - 11/17/2011 8:38:25 PM

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