Chow Chow

Facts

Care and exercise
The Chow Chow does not have a particularly high exercise requirement, being quite happy with an occasional walk or potter around the backyard. The rough-coated variety, does, however, need a fair bit of regular work on its jacket. This is a very profusely-coated breed, with a harsh, stand-off outer coat and dense, woolly undercoat. Daily brushing and combing are necessary to control mats and tangles and to keep dead hair coming out, particularly at the twice-yearly moult. Bathing a Chow Chow is not the easiest thing to do, because of the amount and thickness of coat, and drying can be a long process. It also makes keeping it free of grass seeds, burrs, etc, a difficulty if the dog spends a lot of time in the yard.

Suitability
A natural guard and one-person (or one family) dog, the Chow Chow is not suitable for everyone, but it has been said that “once you have owned a Chow you will never have another breed”. They can be obstinate and self-willed, so early in life their ground rules need to be clearly set. As with any dominant breed of dog, it is vital with the Chow Chow that its owner is established as the pack leader, right from day one. While their need for exercise is minimal, the grooming requirements are high, and this must be taken into consideration before choosing a member of this extraordinary oriental breed.

This addible breed is well known for their teddy-bear qualities. With a loving soft nature and minimal exercise requirements, the Chow is sure to be your next four-legged best friend.

Now, this is a most interesting breed, for several reasons. One, it was bred in China centuries ago for its meat as well as its guarding and hunting ability, two, it has a blue tongue, three, instead of the usual happy doggy expression, it wears a scowl and its straight back legs give it a unique stilted gait. The Chow Chow is also rather inscrutable and aloof, very much a one-person dog. Behind that rather impassive, thoughtful face, seemingly indifferent to its surroundings, is a personality all its own. Devoted and loyal to the extreme, the Chow can be at times over-protective. It is not a breed to leave running in your front yard. Likened by some to a bear, it is actually more like a lion, with its large head, profuse mane and very solid, strong build. The Chow Chow is most commonly seen in the rough-coated form, but there is also a smooth variety with a short coat.

Average height is around 46-48cm, and weight about 25kg. Both varieties come in a range of solid or shaded colours — black, red, blue, fawn, cream or white.

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