Dog information?

Question

Alot information about chowchow please!!

(chowchow is a dog)

Answer 1

lol - just gave this answer a bit ago to someone who wanted to know about ife with a chow. You have several great responses above about breed standards, so here are some personal observations of the pros and cons of living with a chow.


I love mine. IMO - this is the best breed I have ever had. But if you decide to get one, please do a LOT of research. Having a chow live with you is not the same as having other breeds. While having my babies has been a wonderful gift, there are many things to think of when looking to have one of these ancient breeds.

The pros to living with a chow:
VERY loyal to their family - a chow is a life long friend. They will usually gravitate towards one person more than another, but love the entire family.

A great family pet. With the proper training and the right owner, your chow will be a wonderful addition to your family. As long as he is around kids from the time he is a pup, he will be very gently with them and a good friend to them.

Very smart - scary smart sometimes :)

Independent nature - for some this is a positive, for others it is not. Chows are a lot like cats in this respect. While he needs love and attention, he does not need it constantly like some other breeds. He is always happy to have your love.

Quiet - chows have a very distinctive bark - they don't generally have a full voiced bark like most dogs. They "uff". It's a quiet sound. However, if they suspect danger, they can let loose with a pretty ferocious full voiced bark. They don't bark often, they seem to be silent observers until they have assessed the situation and determine if their family is in danger. The biggest bonus to this is that you know if your chow is barking, you need to investigate.

Protective - when trained properly, he will be protective without being aggressive.

Beautiful. Properly groomed, they are gorgeous! They have the look (and the heart!) of a lion.


Cons
HAIR - hair everywhere. I have found hair in the oddest places! The grooming is expensive (around $60 - $80 a visit once a month with regular brushings by you in between) and very time consuming or if you decide to do this yourself, average of about 4 hours a session once a week. If they are not properly groomed, they develop terrible mats and more importantly hot spots. These are sores that will develop on their skin that are painful to the dog. The one bonus is that they shed in clumps so there is not a million single pieces of hair floating around.

One of the ways to deal with this issue though is to go with the smooth coated chow. Their hair is much shorter, but they still have the undercoat to deal with. As far as any other differences with this variation, I can not help you as I do not have any experience with them.

Medical problems - chows are prone to eye, ear and hip problems. The eye problem, called entropion, is caused by an eyelid abnormality where their eyelids can turn in. This will usually require surgery to repair; the ears require long term medication. Otherwise, they are a healthy, hardy dog

Behavior issues - Chows must be socialized from day one, and they require lifelong socialization. They are an aloof, dominant dog, and without the proper socialization, they may become territorial. They are very suspicious of strangers, and may take quite a bit to warm up to new people. From day one, take your puppy as many places as possible and constantly introduce new people, places and things. (This is usually pretty easy as they are adorable pups and most people will gravitate toward them)

Chows are stubborn and strong willed. While very smart and able to learn commands and tricks, they are not like other dogs that are always eager to please their people. Some days, your chow may not feel like doing his tricks, and he won't :) Other days, he will perform to perfection. Just like most of us, some days he just doesn’t feel like working lol

I don’t want to dissuade you from getting one of these great dogs, but I also want you to be aware of what you are getting into. I could go on for hours about the pros and cons of living with chows. I love them. But I have seen so many dogs come through rescues because someone got that cute puppy that looks like a cute little bear, and then he grows up and is now a strong willed dog and the person doesn’t know how to handle them.

Please remember that for thousands of years, these dogs were bred to guard the royal palaces of China and to hunt. Breeders are now trying to breed some of the dominant traits out of them, but they have all those years that have already been bred into them to contend with

Make sure if you decide to get a chow, that you do your homework on the breeder. Make sure that the parents have been certified and are registered. Make sure they have been temperament tested. Also, if the breeder does not grill you to the point where you almost want to say forget it, then I would be concerned. Any responsible breeder knows how badly things can go with these dogs in the wrong hands. The owner needs to be more strong willed and stubborn than the dog, so they are going to want to make sure that their dog is going home with someone who will be able to handle them.

Answer 2

The Chow is a stocky dog with broad skull and small, rounded ears. The breed has a very dense coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick around the neck, giving the distinctive ruff or mane. The coat may be one of several colors including reddish-brown (described as "red"), black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Not all these color varieties are recognized as valid in all countries. Individuals with patchy or multicolored coats are considered to be outside the breed standard. Chows are distinguished by their unusual blue-black/purple tongue and very straight hind legs, resulting in a rather stilted gait.


Temperament
While commonly kept as a companion dog, the Chow has a reputation for being a willful and independent breed that is sometimes difficult to train. They can be very aloof and wary of strangers. They often do not get along well with other dogs unless properly socialized. Chows are extremely loyal to their own family, though they may be less friendly to strangers.


Health
Like many heavy-set dogs, the Chow may be prone to hip dysplasia. They may also be susceptible to entropion, an eye irritation caused by an eyelid abnormality. Their average lifespan is about 15 years.

History
The Chow is a unique breed of dog thought to be one of the oldest recognizable breeds. A bas-relief from 150 BC (during the Han Dynasty) includes a hunting dog similar in appearance to the Chow. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog that probably originated in Siberia or Mongolia, used as temple guards.[1] Later Chow Chows were bred as a general-purpose working dog for herding, hunting and guarding. Chows are also known to be one of the many dogs in China fattened up and eaten by peasants living in sparse, rural lands.

Answer 3

We get a goodmany Chowsand Tons ofChow mixesinto theShelter Where I work...I'm not a hugefan..The long haired ones need alot of brushing and dematting..They seem to me to be a bit standoffish and alot of them act likethey would bite..Itwouldnt be a breed Iwould bring in as a family pet unless I raised it myself..Met both parents and checked out their temperments,,They must have some problems because nextto Labs they are the second most NumerousBreeds we get into Shelters Yet I dont know very many people who own them..There is a Lab owner on every corner..They are just overbred...I would read everything I could , Go to a shelter and meet some...They will be there ...Good Luck!

Answer 4

you may no longer breed a doubtlessly aggressive animal. this can maximum probably bypass on to her offspring. nerve-racking about spending an excellent type of $$? Please.... have you ever considered how a lot money it truly is going to value for pre-natal care of the domestic dogs? did you comprehend the way a lot an emergency cesarean section is?? plenty. and do not tell me 'oh she will be able to no longer choose one'. YOU by no ability comprehend! What about being concerned for the domestic dogs once they have arrived? De-worming, examine ups, first vaccinations?? this can all upload as a lot as more effective or less $3,000. Spaying expenses about $2 hundred-$three hundred. Oh, and there's no such ingredient as 'breeding college'. :)

Answer 5

Chows are smart, stubborn, require a lot of grooming if you have one that is not smoother coated..
Here's a website with all kinds of info about Chows.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/faq/chowchows.html

Answer 6

The breed? Start with dogbreedinfo.com.

Answer 7

Chow Chow Breed Standard
Non-Sporting Group

General Appearance – Characteristics – 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 origin must always be remembered when assessing true Chow type. A powerful, sturdy, squarely built, upstanding dog of Arctic type, medium in size with strong muscular development and heavy bone. The body is compact, short coupled, broad and deep, the tail set high and carried closely to the back, the whole supported by four straight, strong, sound legs. Viewed from the side, the hind legs have little apparent angulation and the hock joint and metatarsals are directly beneath the hip joint. It is this structure which produces the characteristic shorter, stilted gait unique to the breed. The large head with broad, flat skull and short, broad and deep muzzle is proudly carried and accentuated by a ruff. Elegance and substance must be combined into a well balanced whole, never so massive as to outweigh his ability to be active, alert and agile. Clothed in a smooth or an offstanding rough double coat, the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty, dignity and naturalness. Essential to true Chow type are his unique blue-black tongue, scowling expression and stilted gait.

Size, Proportions, Substance


Size--The average height of adult specimens is 17 to 20 inches at the withers but in every case consideration of overall proportions and type should take precedence over size. Proportions-- Square in profile and close coupled. Distance from forechest to point of buttocks equals height at the highest points of the withers. Serious Fault Profile other than square. Distance from tip of elbow to ground is half the height at the withers. Floor of chest level with tips of elbows. Width viewed from the front and rear is the same and must be broad. It is these proportions that are essential to true Chow type. In judging puppies, no allowance should be made for their failure to conform to these proportions.

Substance--Medium in size with strong muscular development and heavy bone. Equally objectionable are snipy, fine boned specimens and overdone, ponderous, cloddy specimens. In comparing specimens of different sex, due allowance must be made in favor of the bitches who may not have as much head or substance as do the males. There is an impression of femininity in bitches as compared to an impression of masculinity in dogs.

Head
Proudly carried, large in proportion to the size of the dog but never so exaggerated as to make the dog seem top-heavy or to result in a low carriage. Expression essentially scowling, dignified, lordly, discerning, sober and snobbish, one of independence. The scowl is achieved by a marked brow with a padded button of skin just above the inner, upper corner of each eye; by sufficient play of skin to form frowning brows and a distinct furrow between the eyes beginning at the base of the muzzle and extending up the forehead; by the correct eye shape and placement and by the correct ear shape, carriage and placement. Excessive loose skin is not desirable. Wrinkles on the muzzle do not contribute to expression and are not required.

Eyes dark brown, deep set and placed wide apart and obliquely, of moderate size, almond in shape. The correct placement and shape should create an Oriental appearance. The eye rims black with lids which neither turn in nor droop and the pupils of the eyes clearly visible. Serious Faults Entropion or ectropion, or pupils wholly or partially obscured by loose skin.

Ears small, moderately thick, triangular in shape with a slight rounding at the tip, carried stiffly erect but with a slight forward tilt. Placed wide apart with the inner corner on top of the skull. An ear which flops as the dog moves is very undesirable. Disqualifying Fault – Drop ear or ears. A drop ear is one which breaks at any point from its base to its tip or which is not carried stiffly erect but lies parallel to the top of the skull.

Skull The top skull is broad and flat from side to side and front to back. Coat and loose skin cannot substitute for the correct bone structure. Viewed in profile, the toplines of the muzzle and skull are approximately parallel, joined by a moderate stop. The padding of the brows may make the stop appear steeper than it is. The muzzle is short in comparison to the length of the top skull but never less than one-third of the head length. The muzzle is broad and well filled out under the eyes, its width and depth are equal and both dimensions should appear to be the same from its base to its tip. This square appearance is achieved by correct bone structure plus padding of the muzzle and full cushioned lips. The muzzle should never be so padded or cushioned as to make it appear other than square in shape. The upper lips completely cover the lower lips when the mouth is closed but should not be pendulous.

Nose large, broad and black in color with well opened nostrils. Disqualifying Fault – Nose spotted or distinctly other color than black, except in blue Chows which may have solid blue or slate noses.

Mouth and Tongue – Edges of the lips black, tissues of the mouth mostly black, gums preferably black. A solid black mouth is ideal. The top surface and edges of the tongue a solid blue-black, the darker the better. Disqualifying Fault – The top surface or edges of the tongue red or pink or with one or more spots of red or pink. Teeth strong and even with a scissors bite.

Neck, Topline, Body
Neck strong, full, well muscled, nicely arched and of sufficient length to carry the head proudly above the topline when standing at attention. Topline straight, strong and level from the withers to the root of the tail.

Body short, compact, close coupled, strongly muscled, broad, deep and well let down in the flank. The body, back, coupling and croup must all be short to give the required square build. Chest broad, deep and muscular, never narrow or slab-sided. The ribs close together and well sprung, not barrel. The spring of the front ribs is somewhat narrowed at their lower ends to permit the shoulder and upper arm to fit smoothly against the chest wall. The floor of the chest is broad and deep extending down to the tips of the elbows. The point of sternum slightly in front of the shoulder points. Serious Faults Labored or abdominal breathing (not to include normal panting), narrow or slab-sided chest. Loin well muscled, strong, short, broad and deep. Croup short and broad with powerful rump and thigh muscles giving a level croup. Tail set high and carried closely to the back at all times, following the line of the spine at the start.

Forequarters
Shoulders strong, well muscled, the tips of the shoulder blades moderately close together; the spine of the shoulder forms an angle approximately 55 degrees with the horizontal and forms an angle with the upper arm approximately 110 degrees. Length of upper arm never less than length of shoulder blade. Elbow joints set well back alongside the chest wall, elbows turning neither in nor out. Forelegs perfectly straight from elbow to foot with heavy bone which must be in proportion to the rest of the dog. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are parallel and widely spaced commensurate with the broad chest. Pasterns short and upright. Wrists shall not knuckle over. The dewclaws may be removed. Feet round, compact, catlike, standing well upon the thick toe pads.

Hindquarters
The rear assembly broad, powerful, and well muscled in the hips and thighs, heavy in bone with rear and front bone approximately equal. Viewed from the rear, the legs are straight, parallel and widely spaced commensurate with the broad pelvis. Stifle Joint shows little angulation, is well knit and stable, points straight forward and the bones of the joint should be clean and sharp. Hock Joint well let down and appears almost straight. The hock joint must be strong, well knit and firm, never bowing or breaking forward or to either side. The hock joint and metatarsals lie in a straight line below the hip joint. Serious Faults Unsound stifle or hock joints. Metatarsals short and perpendicular to the ground. The dewclaws may be removed. Feet same as front.

Coat
There are two types of coat; rough and smooth. Both are double coated. Rough In the rough coat, the outer coat is abundant, dense, straight and offstanding, rather coarse in texture; the undercoat soft, thick and wooly. Puppy coat soft, thick and wooly overall. The coat forms a profuse ruff around the head and neck, framing the head. The coat and ruff generally longer in dogs than in bitches. Tail well feathered. The coat length varies markedly on different Chows and thickness, texture and condition should be given greater emphasis than length. Obvious trimming or shaping is undesirable. Trimming of the whiskers, feet and metatarsals optional. Smooth The smooth coated Chow is judged by the same standard as the rough coated Chow except that references to the quantity and distribution of the outer coat are not applicable to the smooth coated Chow, which has a hard, dense, smooth outer coat with a definite undercoat. There should be no obvious ruff or feathering on the legs or tail.

Color
Clear colored, solid or solid with lighter shadings in the ruff, tail and featherings. There are five colors in the Chow: red (light golden to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to deep cinnamon) and cream. Acceptable colors to be judged on an equal basis.

Gait
Proper movement is the crucial test of proper conformation and soundness. It must be sound, straight moving, agile, brief, quick, and powerful, never lumbering. The rear gait shorter and stilted because of the straighter rear assembly. It is from the side that the unique stilted action is most easily assessed. The rear leg moves up and forward from the hip in a straight, stilted pendulum-like line with a slight bounce in the rump, the legs extend neither far forward nor far backward. The hind foot has a strong thrust which transfers power to the body in an almost straight line due to the minimal rear leg angulation. To transmit this power efficiently to the front assembly, the coupling must be short and there should be no roll through the midsection. Viewed from the rear, the line of bone from hip joint to pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the speed increases the hind legs incline slightly inward. The stifle joints must point in the line of travel, not outward resulting in a bowlegged appearance nor hitching in under the dog. Viewed from the front, the line of bone from shoulder joint to pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the speed increases, the forelegs do not move in exact parallel planes, rather, incline slightly inward. The front legs must not swing out in semicircles nor mince or show any evidence of hackney action. The front and rear assemblies must be in dynamic equilibrium. Somewhat lacking in speed, the Chow has excellent endurance because the sound, straight rear leg provides direct, usable power efficiently.

Temperament
Keen intelligence, an independent spirit and innate dignity give the Chow an aura of aloofness. It is a Chow’s nature to be reserved and discerning with strangers. Displays of aggression or timidity are unacceptable. Because of its deep set eyes the Chow has limited peripheral vision and is best approached from the front.

Summary
Faults shall be penalized in proportion to their deviation from the standard. In judging the Chow, the overall picture is of primary consideration. Exaggeration of any characteristic at the expense of balance or soundness shall be severely penalized.

Type should include general appearance, temperament, the harmony of all parts, and soundness especially as seen when the dog is in motion. There should be proper emphasis on movement which is the final test of the Chow's conformation, balance and soundness.

Disqualifications
Drop ear or ears. A drop ear is one which breaks at any point from its base to its tip or which is not carried stiffly erect but lies parallel to the top of the skull.
Nose spotted or distinctly other color than black, except in blue Chows which may have solid blue or slate noses.
The top surface or edges of the tongue red or pink or with one or more spots of red or pink.