All About Chow Chows

Entropion is common in both face types of chows, those who tell you otherwise are only saying it for their gain. No matter if both parents are entropion clear, their offspring can have it. It occurs in upwards of 30% or more in the chow chow breed. The chow chow breed is expensive in general, along with very high maintenance. It will do you well to research the breed before making a commitment to buy one. 

Open faced chow chows tend to be more protective and less tolerant of strangers than the closed face chow chows. Their are exceptions for both face types (as is in any breed) but a lot of temperament issues occur more in the open face variety. Closed face are very friendly and loving. Shelters are full of chow chows, however you will rarely, if ever, find a closed face chow in any shelter. 

Here you will find everything you need and want to know about the Chow Chow breed. I have provided links to every page that provides all the information for your research. 

Please note. Chow chows are to never be fearful or aggressive. If a breeder tells you that it’s normal, it’s NOT! They are confident, aloof with strangers, never biting out of fear or aggression. 

History

The Chow Chow, among the world's most singular and possibly oldest breeds, is depicted in artifacts of China's Han Dynasty (c. 206 b.c.), but evidence suggests Chows go back much further and are progenitors of other spitz-type breeds-from the burly Norwegian Elkhound to the dainty Pomeranian.

Chows have played many roles during their long history. At times, they were the lordly companions to Chinese nobles. An emperor of the Tang Dynasty, circa eighth century, was said to have owned a kennel facility that housed some 5,000 Chows and a permanent staff of twice that number. But over the centuries they also earned their keep as guarders, haulers, and hunters. Their ancestors were even a food source in the distant past of their densely populated, protein-starved homeland. An ancient breed nickname is the Edible Dog, and a theory behind the origin of the name Chow maintains that it derives from the Cantonese word for "edible."

A more popular explanation of the breed name concerns 18th-century trading ships of the British Empire. At that time, the pidgin-English expression "chow chow" described the small, miscellaneous items within a ship's cargo that weren't itemized. "Chow chow" was simply another way of saying "etcetera," and the odd-looking dogs British traders acquired in China were included on the ship's manifest under the catchall "chow chow."

In the 1820s Chow Chows were exhibited at the London Zoo as the "Wild Dogs of China," but they didn't really catch on in the West until Queen Victoria, an inveterate dog lover, acquired one later in the century. Chows were first exhibited in America in the 1890s.

Here is a very good website to check out. It has everything you could possibly want to know about the Chow.

https://chowtales.com/chow-history-overview/

About the Chow Chow

Chows are powerful, compactly built dogs standing as high as 20 inches at the shoulder. Their distinctive traits include a lion's-mane ruff around the head and shoulders; a blue-black tongue; deep-set almond eyes that add to a scowling, snobbish expression; and a stiff-legged gait. Chows can have rough or smooth coats of red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream.

Owners say Chows are the cleanest of dogs: They housebreak easily, have little doggy odor, and are known to be as fastidious as cats. Well-socialized Chows are never fierce or intractable, but always refined and dignified. They are aloof with strangers and eternally loyal to loved ones. Serene and adaptable, with no special exercise needs, Chows happily take to city life.

CHOW COLORS - https://id3426.securedata.net/chowwelfare/cciw/chowcolor.htm

Chow Chows are often referred to as the "lions of the dog world" due to their majestic appearance and unique personality traits. Beyond their fluffy exterior, these dogs possess a distinct set of characteristics that make them intriguing and enigmatic companions.

 In this article, we delve into the intricacies of Chow Chow personality traits, shedding light on their independent nature, loyalty, dignified demeanor, territorial instincts, reserved behavior with strangers, and intelligence combined with independence.

Independent Nature

Chow Chows have an innate sense of independence that sets them apart from other breeds. This trait can be traced back to their history as guard dogs in ancient China. They were bred to be self-reliant and capable of making decisions on their own. While this independence can make them confident and strong-willed, it also requires a patient and understanding owner who knows how to balance their need for autonomy with appropriate guidance.

Loyalty and Bonding

Despite their independent nature, Chow Chows are incredibly loyal to their families. This loyalty is a testament to their deep connection with their human companions. Whether it's guarding the home or providing unwavering companionship, Chow Chows exhibit a level of devotion that is truly heartwarming.

Dignified Demeanor

Chow Chows are known for their dignified and regal demeanor. This elegance is a reflection of their unique appearance, which includes a lion-like mane and a distinct blue-black tongue. Their dignified behavior can sometimes be mistaken for aloofness, but it's essential to recognize that beneath their reserved exterior lies a loyal and affectionate heart.

Reserved with Strangers

Chow Chows tend to be reserved and cautious around strangers. This behavior is part of their nature and serves as a defense mechanism. To foster positive interactions, it's important to introduce them to new people gradually and in a controlled environment. With time and patience, they can develop trust and form connections with individuals beyond their immediate circle.

Intelligence and Independence

Chow Chows are intelligent dogs that possess problem-solving abilities. Their independent nature, however, means they might not always obey commands without questioning their purpose. Training a Chow Chow requires a patient approach that respects their intelligence while establishing clear boundaries. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successful training sessions.

ORIGINS

The Chow Chow, or Chow, is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence today. His ancestors can be traced back to the eleventh century BCE, with DNA studies suggesting that it is one of the world's most primitive breeds to have been developed in the world. DNA evidence also suggests that the Chow was first developed in the high mountains of either Siberia or Mongolia, and was later brought to Tibet and Mongolia and used to guard sacred temples. When Mongolia invaded China, legend has it that the Mongolians were accompanied by large, fierce, black-tongued war dogs that resembled lions.
Once the Chow's ancestor's reached China, it was kept from the outside world for thousands of years. In China, it was developed as a general purpose breed, whose duties included that of a guard dog, a herding dog, a hunter, a draft dog, as well as a source of food and was considered a delicacy. The first Chows were not exported outside of China until around the late 1700s, which is when they were initially smuggled out of the country.
Queen Victoria was an admirer of the Chow Chow breed and kept a number of them as companions. It is rumored that the first teddy bear was modeled after her pet Chow, and the stuffed animal was designed so she could keep a Chow next to her even when her dogs were elsewhere. Today, with his fluffy coat, small ears, and black tongue, the Chow is one of the most easily recognized dog breeds throughout the world.

https://ckcusa.com/breeds/chow-chow/