ChowChow:A Tough Defender

By Aasheesh Jain
Bred about 2100 years back in Mongolia, the ChowChow makes a great companion and an excellent watchdog. It’s a medium size dog which has thick fur coat and appears as a living, growling teddy bear. These dogs are normally solid black in color but also come in shades of brown and red. Unlike other dogs, they have black tongues and black noses, and even the inside of their mouths is black.
To look at, the ChowChow is cute, cuddly dog but has a lordly attitude, which is why it is considered to be a tough and mean dog, which is true in part. Some of them are grouchy and downright mean, while many are playful and indifferent. They are, in general, aloof and haughty.
One thing that stands apart is the ChowChow’s fierce loyalty towards its owners. They are tough defenders and would defend their families to the last of their breath. This is what makes them great watchdogs. Put him on and not a fly could pass.
Any unknown person is not allowed near any of his things, and if you mess with it, you’ll have some part of your body in his mouth in a jiffy.
They are quite choosy when it comes to bonding. So, a ChowChow would find a person of his choice in the family and would obey him or her at all the times. Not that he is intolerant of others. He can bear them but obedience comes for a price. If anyone else wants him to obey, he could offer a treat, after which obedience might be considered.
However, that doesn’t mean that even the outsiders can bribe the dog. This offer of treat-for-obedience is valid only with respect to the family members, and any outsider trying it may get a bite-treatment from the dog. This also means that if you want your neighbor to come and watch the house while the dog is in, the dog would ignore the fellow and do whatever it likes though it is unlikely that he would harm the person.
In other words, you can sit and watch, but do not command, as your commands will fall on a deaf ChowChow’s ear and will be ignored altogether.
They need strong human masters, for they are themselves quite strong willed, and needs to be told that the man is the boss. So you need to be affectionate and firm consistently and your ChowChow will grow into an obedient, good boy.
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Grooming Tips for ChowChows

By Gary Chow

Grooming an important part of your ChowChows health. Start grooming your dog as soon as you take him home and don’t worry even if he is as young as eight weeks. ChowChows may encounter many types of diseases if they are not groomed properly.

Basically grooming activities consists of maintenance of coat, nails and ears. The maintenance of the coat mainly consists of enrichment measures like proper bathing, combing, drying of skin by dryers, and more. Dog need not be bathed daily and this helps to protect the skin’s characteristics like insulation feature. Normally ChowChows are bathed once a week. Use conditioners and shampoos that are meant for dogs, brands like Tomlyn, Bio-Groom, etc are good products.

Combing needs to be carried out with a soft brush meant for use in case of dogs. There are varieties of brushes available and depending on the type of breeds, one can use the concerned brush. This grooming of the coat by a comb needs to be carried out daily and the fallen hair if any needs to be placed in dust bin always. Otherwise, when the dog owners switch on the fan, the hair will fly and may enter the nostrils of persons. Use wire slicker brush that has teeth slightly bent so that it can clean ChowChows coat and removes scales. Get a fine-toothed comb with a handle for the legs, feet, and face, removing shedding and dead hair. Finally you need a well balanced grooming shared about 7” long. Maintain it well so that it remains sharp and has a good balance.

Always don’t clip too much your ChowChows because this may lead to injuries of nail always. Similarly, you need to carry all the materials required for the clipping with you before the start of the procedure. Use a sharp nail clipper designed for use in case of dogs, called “Quik Stop”. Live nail areas can be easily clipped away and are always light colored than the reddish area of the nail in the higher position. During the holding of your dog's feet by you, always have a firm grip. If not, the dog will take an upper hand during the clipping and some injury may occur.

Ear canals are to be checked up frequently and sterile cotton may be used for cleaning purposes. You’ll have better control of your ChowChows table by choosing surface grooming table with non slip.

ChowChow Puppy Healthy Life – http://chowchowpuppy.net

ChowChow Puppy And Dog Information

By Mitch Endick

The ChowChow is a beautiful protective dog who has a bit of a mind of her own. She can stand very cold weather because of her double coat. She can live in an apartment as long as she gets frequent walks but might prefer a fenced enclosure for exercise. She can tend to be a one person dog and she needs a firm hand to be her master.

Good With Children?

She is generally good with children in the family as long as she has been socialized. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Good With Other Pets?

She may do ok with other pets as long as she is socialized with them at an early age.

Training ability

Very high in intelligence and very trainable but may lack in obedience. She is very strong willed.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the ChowChow is 18 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 45 to 70 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the ChowChow is no exception. Look for Entropion, (hereditary disorder where eyelid, usually lower one, rolls inward and irritates the cornea and can cause visual problems. Surgery can correct this condition but may disqualify the dog from shows), canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), ingrown eye lashes and hot skin spots. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The ChowChow comes in two kinds of coats, rough and smooth, both coats are double coated. She should be brushed regularly. She is a seasonally heavy shedder so brushing will help control excess hair, help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The ChowChow can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The ChowChow is a northern Chinese ancient breed. She was an all purpose dog used for hunting, pulling, herding and protection. Some were even used for foog and pelts. In fact, ChowChow is Cantonese for food. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1903.

Some Registries

• ChowChow Club Inc.
• UKC United Kennel Club
• NKC National Kennel Club
• CKC Continental Kennel Club
• APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
• AKC American Kennel Club
• FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
• NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
• KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
• ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
• ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size

3 to 6 ChowChow puppies

Category

Spitz, Non Sporting

Terms To Describe

Dignified, strong willed, alert, powerful, sturdy, squarely built, intelligent

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

• Good watch dog.
• Good guard dog.
• Highly intelligent.
• She demands respect.
• Very good in cold climates.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

• Not good for hot climates.
• Can be very strong willed.
• She can be a one person dog.
• May need an experienced handler.
• Can not stand too much heat because of her double coat.

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. PetPages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

The ChowChow - Intelligent and Independent

By Carol Stack

The ChowChow is one of the varieties of dogs that come from China. Other China dogs include the Shar-Pei and the Pekingese. Each is very different and very unique.

Chows range in weight from 45 to 75 pounds and are about 17-21 inches at the shoulders. They have the strength and will to be an excellent protector of family and home.

They are one-person or one-family dogs and need to be socialized at an early age to understand that you are the boss. Since Chows are hunters, unless they grow up with a cat they might view cats as game. Other than that, they usually get along with other family pets.

ChowChows are very easy to housebreak, are very rarely destructive of household furnishings, and are not diggers or barkers. When they do bark, it is wise to investigate. They are by nature guarddogs, are very alert watchdogs, and suspicious with all strangers.

They do not do well with young children but do quite well with older and considerate children. If cornered or in a strange situation they will bite, which often happens at animal shelters. The shelter personnel often don't understand this reaction and euthanize the dog.

Even though they are devoted to their family, ChowChows are highly independent and will often retire to a corner of the house that is out of the way. They are not for people who want an overly affectionate lapdog. Anyone who desires a dog that needs to be with the owner at all times should not get a Chow.

Chows do need to be with their family for socialization. These dogs, like most, should not be locked outside alone. Dogs are companion animals and need interaction with people.

Chows shed heavily once a year and require frequent, thorough brushing. There are actually two different type of Chow, the rough coat and the smooth. The rough coat Chow has longer fur and needs brushing every other day year-round, and every day during the time of heavy shedding. The smooth Chow needs to be brushed once a week.

They do not require a lot of exercise and do very well in apartments. They are quiet, clean, and can be reserved.

Since they have a heavy coat and they do not do well in hot climates but do very well in cold. Some Chows have extra skin in the back of their throats that causes them to become stressed from heat, exercise and excitement.

If they become stressed, this extra skin in their throat can put a strain on their heart so it is very important to provide these dogs with air conditioning during hot weather, and not exercise the dog in the heat of the day.

The ChowChow, rather than specializing in one thing, is good at a variety of jobs. These include hunting, herding, pulling and protecting.

Overall they are a wonderful dog for families with older children, and for people who do not want or need a dog that is always at their side. They are a devoted dog breed with the strength to be good protectors of their family and home. Perhaps this is the dog for you.

Discover tons of information about dogs, dog training, http://breeds.christysdogportal.com/, and dog care at http://www.christysdogportal.com, created by two dog enthusiasts. Carol Stack has been working with dogs for more than three decades. She and her daughter, Christy, have produced this Web site especially for dog lovers.

Is a ChowChow the Right Dog Breed for You?

By Andy Matthews

The ChowChow originally comes from China, where it was bred as a guard and hunting dog. Chinese merchants arrived in England with these dogs towards the end of the 18th century, and their exotic good looks quickly found a host of fanciers.

Their popularity soon spread to the United States, and the American Kennel Club classified the Chow as a member of the Non-Sporting group. The ChowChow weighs between 45 to 70 pound and stands 17 to 20 inches high. Some people have commented that its down turned lips can give this breed an almost angry appearance.

Combine this with its lion like mane, and it would be easy to jump to the conclusion that this dog is somewhat unfriendly. But the truth is, that they are often devoted to their families, and usually adore children, but they can have a bit of an attitude problem towards strangers, or other pets.

The ChowChow has a profuse, thick double coat. Red, is the most common coat color, but blue, cream and cinnamon are also popular. They need regular grooming to keep that fluffed up look that is so characteristic of this breed. Your going to need strong wrists, as the Chows dense undercoat is quite difficult to brush out.

Chows are not a particularly active breed. Apartment life suits this breed. They can be rather lazy, so you need to be prepared to take him for a brisk, daily walk, even if you have a fenced yard that he can explore. If you are taking him to the park, be wary of letting him run off of the lead, since Chows are a dominant breed, they can be aggressive towards other dogs.

The ChowChow is probably not a good choice for the 1st time dog owner. If you decide that this breed is for you then you should concentrate on training your puppy right from day one. Check out a dog training method that works. Puppy obedience classes can be a very good method to socialize your puppy. Meeting new dogs and people will definitely help your Chow become a well-balanced adult. And give you the opportunity to meet newbie owners and their puppies.

Chows are inclined to be aloof towards people outside of their immediate family. Independent and often willful, they also have a tendency to dominate people if they are allowed to. Inexperienced dog owners can find themselves being bullied, so it essential that you are firm, but fair with your Chow. Consistency is paramount with this breed.

Since they are not a high activity breed, Chows do not need lots of food. Just feed your Chow a nutritious puppy food, and move on to a good adult dog food as he grows older.

ChowChows can suffer from hip dysplasia and often have problems with their knee joints. Summer heat can be a problem, as their dense coats do not protect them from heat sensitivity.

Yes, Chows are a unique breed. They can be very loyal and loving family pets. So, if you think that you can handle a dog that needs to be thoroughly socialized, and well trained, then the beautiful ChowChow might just be the right breed for you.

Andy Matthews is the best friend of Suki, a 2 year old Cocker Spaniel, who has tirelessly built from scratch http://www.top-dogs-names.com. Check it out it’s kind of unique!