I am considering buying a puppy and love the look of Chow Chows. I am just wondering if they have any sort of health problems that I should be aware of, what their temperment is like, etc?
2006-12-15 02:25:25 · 14 answers · asked by leighton b 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You seriously need to do research on Chow Chows before getting one, because they tend to be independent, stubborn, and often very "one-owner" oriented, which can be a problem in a family setting. They can be domineering, and need to be properly socialized.
They can be absolutely marvelous dogs. They require a lot of grooming, and because there are some ill-bred Chows out there who have temperament issues, they are included in some breed bans and homeowner policy rate increases.
Yes, they're adorable puppies. Unfortunately too many people get them because they're adorable puppies without having a clue what they're getting into.
http://www.chowwelfare.com/cciw/hello.htm for some basic breed information, including temperament, and how to buy a puppy. (Please consider Rescue!!)
http://www.westtexaschowrescue.homestead.com/
http://www.chowwelfare.com/cciw/states.htm
2006-12-15 02:53:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Leighton b's !!!
An ancient breed of northern Chinese origin, this all-purpose dog of China was used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home. While primarily a companion today, his Working Group origin must always be remembered when assessing true Chow type. A powerful, study, squarely built, upstanding dog of Arctic type, medium in size with strong muscular development and heavy bone.
They are lovely dogs, clothed in a smooth or an offstanding rough double coat, the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty, dignity and naturalness, unique in his blue-black tongue, scowling expression and stilted gait.
Regular brushings of the long coat is important to maintain the lifted, standing-out look. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder and extra care is needed when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. Dry shampoo when necessary.
Chow chows arent known as being the most social animals in the world and have a more standoffish temperment.
The Chow Chow will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Sensitive to heat, but can live in or outdoors.
This very dominant breed requires a dominant owner. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm person who is naturally fair and firm. With such a handler, the Chow Chow can develop well. Don't expect great obedience from them. They are born stubborn and with minds of their own. The dogs can learn because they are certainly not stupid, but they must see the point of your command.
Any dog can be a great pet as long as they are socialized properly and trained well. They are perfectly fine with people but have a natural bred in aggression towards other dogs. This can be controlled with proper training but if the dog were ever in a fight...you can bet that that pit bull is gonna fight to the death.
Jason Homan
2006-12-16 03:15:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can research the breed to find out more about what their temprament "should" be like. However, that doesn't mean that the chow you get will have this temprament: a lot of factors, including breeding and training, influence what a dog's temprament is really like.
But what I can tell you from experience, and the akc site won't help much with this, is that they SHED. A LOT. You have to brush them. A LOT. You could always shave the dog down if you don't want to deal with this, but then you won't love the look of your chow anymore.
2006-12-15 10:29:21 · answer #3 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Almost 100% of the dogs I had as a child were Chow-mixtures with wonderful non-aggressive gentle temperaments (blue tongues). However, my sister-in-law's purebred Chows were just the opposite! They were very aggressive and dangerous to strangers. My dogs did not have any health problems at all and I do not know about hers.
2006-12-15 10:42:30 · answer #4 · answered by Ariel 128 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chowchow.htm
Chow Chows have earned themselves a bad reputation I'm afraid. I had a Chow/Border Colli mix for 15 years and he was an exceptional combination of both breeds. Best dog I've ever owned.
2006-12-15 10:33:13 · answer #5 · answered by KJ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pros - they are one of the cutest dogs on earth!!!
Con's - they have a tendency to be mean and very territorial
but...as w/ any tempermental dog if you train it right from the get go, then it'll be ok!
they are soooooo cute
with there little blue tongues.
2006-12-15 10:31:14 · answer #6 · answered by Sara S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was given one when i was 3 i owned him till he died. he was a great guard dog when he had to be but was also a great compainon. i know they can be aggressive but onlt if made that way. i guess the cons would be grooming because they have a lot of hair.
2006-12-15 11:38:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dog's trainer told me the worst dog to get is a Chow. They are adorable, but she has never come across one that does not have aggression/behavioral problems.
2006-12-15 10:36:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋
I heard they can be mean, so if you have kids be careful. AKC info here: http://www.akc.org/breeds/chow_chow/index.cfm
2006-12-15 10:31:19 · answer #9 · answered by LORI P 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
God! That's not a dog! Get a Great Dane! Now that is a dog!
2006-12-15 11:02:52 · answer #10 · answered by colliedug111060 3 · 1⤊ 8⤋