chow chows and children?

Question

we have just been offered a chow dog and she is a couple of years old.I have a 4 month old and a 4 yr old.does a chow make a good family dog?

the family that offered us the dog love the dog and say she is good and they do have a baby ,the reason why they offered is because their neigbour has been kicking up a fuss over the dog barking

Answer 1

I wouldn't risk it. Chow Chows can be a challenge to own, especially an adult you did not train from puppy hood.
Unless this dog can be temperament tested by a professional who is familiar with the breed. I'd look elsewhere for a different dog. They also have poor peripheral vision and can be startled easily (and may bite) if a child approaches out of their line of vision.
I must admit I am a bit biased. I have seen far many more aggressive or shady Chows than I have nice, sweet ones. At our hospital, everyone groans when they have to take care of a Chow patient because they are wary of getting bit.

This site has some cool info about which dogs are good with kids:
http://www.petsandpeople.com/breedsgoodwithchildren.htm

This site talks about breed history and problems:
http://www.animalforum.com/dbreed/nschow.htm

Answer 2

The other family is getting rid of the chow because of barking!!!! What is this telling you? Do you want a dog that barks alot when outside so your neighbors can complain. Yet, they have a baby and that is no problem. Sounds a bit much don't ya think. Don't take the chance on this adult dog. If you really want a Chow, get a pup that can grow up with your children. They can take a real big bite, and aren't used to you.

Answer 3

It all depends on how this dog was raised when it was a pup? Was it raised with children? Do your research before adding this dog to your family.

http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/chowchow.htm

They are quiet, independent and mostly a one-person dog. They can be aggressive with other dogs, stubborn, and difficult to train. Early obedience classes and socialization with adults, children, and other animals are very important. The Chow Chow tolerate children when raised with them but is not really playful

This breed can be quite a handful, but it is otherwise polite and patient. Some do not accept leashes and collars easily, while others do not seem to mind. Most Chow Chows like to dominate other dogs, but in contrast, they are quite good with children. If they get to know cats and other household animals when they are young, they will get along with them when they are adults. They must be extensively socialized when very young to combat potential over-protectiveness as an adult. They need firm training right from the start. Their personality is mainly due to their past treatment. In China the Chow Chow was used for guarding things and for pulling carts. Its flesh was eaten and there was a market for its fur. This sad history, plus the lack of a single master (due to being a working dog) has dampened the personality of this extremely beautiful dog. It thus sometimes appears introverted, detached, and indifferent. Breeders have been working very hard to breed a Chow with a "family" temperament and with some success too. A well-bred and well-socialized Chow Chow can be just that - an excellent family dog.

Answer 4

Not all chows are mean like their reputation. I've known several chows that have been super friendly, but just be prepared for other parents to be leary to let the children come over and play. The dog should be fine especially since it's coming from a family with children.

Answer 5

Chows have a tendency to be aggressive with people. Often they will bond with one person and be indiffereent/agressive with others. Without knowing more about the specific individual dog I would advise against it. Personally I wouldn't get a chow if I had kids (even if the chow is great with the kids they can get aggressive if friends come over to play).

Why are the current owners getting rid of the dog? How well do you know the dog? This is what I'd want to know before giving more conclusive advice.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

No! Don't risk it - this is the ONE breed everyone I worked with at the vet agreed was the least trustworthy. There may be other reasons these people are trying to get rid of this dog that they are not saying...I would not risk it. This breed tends to bite without the typical warning signs, and bite hard. Just put "Chow" in the search bar on this site alone & read. Enough said.

Why don't you wait until this child is older & get a dog he can play with? Having a new baby and a dog is very hard, and the dog always loses when it gets too hard to deal with both....

Answer 7

We have a 6 yr old chow that was 6 mths old when our kids were 5 and 9 years old. He is incredible. But, they are not all like this. Unfortunately, many pet owners don't raise animals with the best of intentions. The sooner you can get a puppy, the more control you have over their disposition. Also, what are the parents like of the puppy - this will speak volumes.

Answer 8

I don't think it would be a good idea to introduce a strange dog into your home with children as young as yours. A puppy would be a better idea. The dog you are talking about is already two years old. He is used to his other family and taking him away from them might be stressful on him. If your children have not been around dogs very much, they might not know how to react to the dog at first. I have known dogs of the chow chow breed to be very loyal to one person but turn on them unexpectedly. especially if they are upset. I am not saying that chows are bad dogs. I am just saying that with children as young as yours, you have to be very careful. You might want to try a collie or golden retriever. They are very good around children. Even with these breed, it would be best to get a puppy so that the dog and the children could grow together.

Answer 9

Chows can be very mean, one tried to attack my puppy one time and i have almost been bit before. It depends on the family that raised the dog. I have seen pit bulls that are the most loving dog in the world. And i have seen golden labs that want to bite your head off.

Answer 10

I wouldn't take a chance adding a mature Chow to a fimaly with children this young. It would be different if the Chow came from a house with small children.