The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed that is probably best known for its bear-like appearance and "lion's mane." Back in the day, these Chinese natives were used for hunting, though the breed is now in the non-sporting group. Sadly, it is believed that the Chow was once used as a food source and its coat was used for clothing. Today's Chow is a beautiful, regal dog that exudes independence and stoicism.
Most of my experiences with Chows were in the veterinary world, where they have a reputation for being not-so-friendly. However, I have also seen plenty of perfectly well-behaved Chows both within and outside of the clinical environment. The truth is, these dogs are almost cat-like. Think of them like this and it's a bit easier to understand them. With proper training and socialization, this breed can fit in in nearly any household. Chows may seem aloof at times, but they are are also loyal and very intelligent dogs that form a deep bond with their owners. Interested in this breed? Read all about the Chow Chow to learn more. Are you a Chow Chow enthusiast? Tell us about your experiences.
Photo © bfishadow on flickr
Comments
Interesting!
I wouldn’t say I’m an enthusiast, but I am impressed with the Chow Chow. When I was about 6 I was going home through a (shortcut) neighbor’s backyard. I had 2 or 3 toy guns pulled up sideways against my chest. Not pointed at the Chow. So, the dog barks and then charges. I didn’t move as taught. I received a minor bit on a leg. The dog backed off , barked and growled. I was alright, but I still pause a little bit when I see a Chow. It was all my fault and the Chow was not “overly aggressive”.
I once had a large breed Chow given to me as a gift by my husband. She looked like a small black bear by the time she was 8 months old. She was loving, loyal, protective, obedient, and beautiful. Unfortunately, she needed more exercise than I had time to give her and she was slightly destructive from being bored. I think we could have worked through that, but our landlord did not like Chows (or any other large breeds) and we had to give her up to another family. I still love Chows, but never had the pleasure of owning another one.
I guess my family loved chows way back into the late 60’s she was a red one Tanya, beautiful dog she lived until she was 17 my brother and I love the breed he has one female Duchess, and he bought a male puppy recently Simba they are both black. I had a cinnamin one named Niome she was such a loyal dog. Then I bought another one Mullan she was black infact I had to put her down it will be 2 yrs. ago tomorrow. We love the breed they are loyal and tend to pick one person in the family that they get close too. They must be socialized especialy with other animals. If I were not renting I would get another one. My brother and I love them.
My husband and I adopted a chow back in 1991. He was about 3-5 yrs old at the time.. He was a beautiful, large blonde chow. He was truly gorgeous and he was a loving gentle giant. He was not a lap-dog, but his loyalty was unquestionable. He loved us both and was very protective. I felt a kinship with him that I’ve truly never felt with any other dog. Sadly, he passed away in 1999. At that point, we decided on a smaller breed, only because our home has a lot of stairs and when our chow, Yogi, became ill during the last year of his life, it was very difficult for us to carry him around (he weight 75 lbs). We now are the happy owners of pugs. Very loving and affectionate breed.
I would strongly recommend a chow to a home without children, as they do tend to bond with only 1 or 2 members of the family. If you want a loving, loyal and protective dog, a chow is a great choice. Please be sure of proper breeding. So many horrible people try to turn chows into mean fighting dogs. Beware of that.
We have a Rottweiler/Chow mix breed, I can see the best of both breeds in him. He’s very affectionate and loyal to my husband and me. He has no fear and would protect us to the end. He’s a character playing with his stuffed toys, and enjoys play time with his younger Yellow Lab brother. He came from a no-kill animal shelter and was the only dog sitting calmly in his pen, which is why we selected him; he was just waiting for us to take him home.
Chows most definately the BEST. They are born virtually house broken ( the hardest part of training a puppy).When they pick their spot outside, they return there every time. I bred chows for several years til I got too ill to carry on.When I was younger I owned a kennel where I raised Dobermans and German Shepherds. I did obedience training, guard & attack, and drug detection, grooming etc…..
It wasn`t til I re-opened my kennel years later and was breeding chows that I found the dog that ruled my life. You do not own chows…..they own you LOL!
I really can`t imagine my life without having one( at least)
Eight months ago, I purchased my 6th chow; an 8 wk old cream whom I named “MoJo”. Having had several maltese pups when I was young and eventually finding out that I am not a “little dog” person, (sorry, but it’s not just “cat people” or “dog people”, it’s “big dog people” and “little dog people”), I purchased my first chow, a beautiful black little girl named “Bear Sheba” and soon after that, we purchased a little shaded red male and named him “Aslan” as he looked more like a lion than anything we’d ever seen. Years later, we got a beautiful cream and named him “Boaz”. He lived to be 14 and practically raised my grandkids. Now at 67 and living alone in a townhouse with 30 steps, I was afraid to get another because of the steps, my age and having to walk him several times a day, but I took a leap of faith and now I realize that he is so much more than a good companion and watch dog, he gets me out and makes me stay active and engaged. He patiently waits for me to climb the steps up the hillside and watches over me constantly. In short I have decided that life without a chow is simply not worth living. : )
This is to Ga Mtn Chowgirl……… you are very right ,,,,, it is not only cat people & dog people ! LOL ! Quite frankly I would not own a small breed dog, not because I don’t love them, but because it is a personal preference ! There are several small breeds that I think are fabulous but would not own. Don’t get me wrong……. if someone told me that if I didn’t take a small dog it would be euthanised, I would take the dog & love it. I just preferr a larger breed , one that you can see coming at you LOL !
Have a great one !
Cat
I never wanted a dog, didn’t want a big dog, and didn’t want a chow. Now I’ve a beautiful (finished) male, and a gorgeous red female that I couldn’t be without. I now understand the bond that people and their dogs share. Hopefully some puppies will be on the way soon!
I adopted along with my two daughters a mixed rott-chow puppy.We noted how intelligent he was at the kennel. Now I must admit he could be in the movies. He turns his head to listen to conversation. He is the Bomb is how my kids classify it. You can ask if he wants a biscuit? He will show you his teeth. He continues to amaze us with his smarts,but tonight took the cake. Its been bad weather here lots of snow. Somehow he got loose of his chain. I think he has help but Anywho? He let me know it was cold by turning over the cedar chips in the gurber cage. LAID DOWN ON THEM. I watched him do this and could not believe my eyes! That’s my story of our Rocky-Chow/Chow. RAMBO is amazing.