Is acquiring a chow chow as a house pet worth it?

Question

Most dog sites claim that the chow chow makes a loyal companion, but my folks say that it's vicious. I can't make up my mind about getting one because I can't help but fall for that teddy dog yet at the same time I'm afraid that getting one would do more harm than good in my household. I've already prepared my home (I'm living by myself and my lifestyle's pretty laid-back) before considering the possibility of getting a canine companion. Help! =(

Answer 1

if you want one, be sure to carry extra insurance just in case. I've met a couple of nice ones, but only when they were in the hands of people with Chow experience. Also, to make grooming easier, I'd suggest getting smooth coated one, so that you can groom it yourself with more ease than if you got a Rough coated one. As a groomer, I personally do not accept chows. They have a face that is nearly impossible to read, and have a tendency to not give warning before they snap.

Answer 2

No such thing as a vicious Chow Chow if raised properly.

You should definitely go to your local shelters & rescues and see if you can find a Chow Chow (or mix thereof) that you can provide a loving home for.

They're big teddy bears, and make GREAT companions as long as you're willing to insure he/she has proper socialization with other animals, and with people.

Never met a vicious Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Chow Chow, etc.

Most ''vicious'' dog I've met, was actually a Cairn Terrier, believe it or not.

Don't judge a dog by it's breed, judge the dog for who that individual dog is.

Answer 3

Chows are very stubborn, do not tolerate children or strangers well and CAN become mean & vicious if not socialized early on. When I first got married my new hubby brought me home a furry, black chow baby I named Tasha. She was about 4 months old. She didnt listen, didnt train well, and hated everyone that came over although she was ok with my older step-children but NOT with the little girl I babysat for who was 4. Tasha has to eventually be put down because the mail man wouldnt even deliver our mail if she was in the front window cuz she hit it so hard it seemed as if she would go right thru it!!! She had to be muzzled to take her to her "appointment" cuz our vet knew she was unstable with our prior vet visits. She was a sweetie to me and I loved her so and still feel bad to this day that I had to have her put down before she hurt someone. Good link below with chow info

Answer 4

I grew up with Chows. I loved my dogs very much but I as an adult would never get one. While they are very loyal to their owners they never really take to others. They can be somewhat aloof and temperamental. In some areas they are considered vicious dogs and you have to carry extra insurance for them. They also require constant daily grooming and cleaning. I know from experience its hard to find a groomer that will accept Chows.

I recommend you go to your local library and get a book on dog breeds that goes into such topics as temperament, exercise and grooming needs for each.

Answer 5

chows can be very nice dogs. and if rasied right or handled by a firm person they should be fine.
if you have not trained i would recommend taking the dog to classes. and socialize the dog lots. some are a bit stanger wary. and a funny little note is if they are upset and barking some spit!... one of the sweetest dog was an injured chow chow that would let me rub his broken leg..NEVER any aggression.

nastiest dog i ever met was a peki. she hate me and lots of other workers...nasty little critter.

Answer 6

In my experience, they are definitly one person dogs. And really should be with an experienced owner.
They do require alot of grooming. I will not groom Chows, and know lots of other groomer who also will not take them in. ..you may find it difficult to find a good groomer who does. In my 20 years of grooming, I have only had ONE Chow not try to bite me, or lunge at me.
But that's just my experience with them as a groomer.

Answer 7

a chow is a good breed of dog in the right hands. you have to be firm with them and make sure they know who is boss but they ARE very loyal and loving...however..the HAIR would be horrendous in the house, it would take massive amounts of time and grooming for it even to be manageable, they are a beautiful,intelligent dog, but be sure youre ready for alot of work to keep one in the house

Answer 8

I suggest that you get your chow from a breeder,see his or her dogs and once you get the dog make sure you and the dog go for training.

Answer 9

I have never had one but I had a neighbor that had 3 of them. Even though they were great t o the owners they never were friendly to anyone else. I didn't even like walking outside in the dark because of them. The neighbors always let them run loose.