El Chow Chow It is a breed of dog with plush look that you want to pet. Fortunately, it's a living being that can become your furry best friendbecause he is very loyal and calm.
Would you like to know what a Chow Chow dog is like, what care it needs, and what its personality is like on a daily basis? Don't miss this article .
Chow Chow physical characteristics
The Chow Chow It is a large dog, with a weight between 25 and 30kg and a height at the withers of 48 to 56cm in the case of the male and 46 to 51cm in that of the femaleIts body is robust and well-proportioned, covered with long or short, solid-colored fur. Its ears are small, its muzzle elongated, and its mouth wide; the optimized, broad skull and strong jaw enhance its compact appearance. The tail is set high and carried curled over the back.
It's a canine of compact and muscular bodywith a broad skull and small, triangular ears, erect and slightly rounded at the tips, which are usually somewhat tilted forward. Its eyes are small and almond-shaped, generally in dark tones ranging from brown to black, which gives it a serious and somewhat distant look.
The Chow Chow's nose or truffle is usually totally blackAlthough a slightly lighter nose is acceptable in cream or white specimens. In blue or fawn Chow Chows, a nose color matching the coat is permitted, but black remains the standard. most valued in the breed.
The snout is wide, with a strong jawIts legs are notable for their unique shape. The hind legs have very little angle, giving the Chow Chow a characteristic gait, almost as if it were walking on stilts. When walking, it usually bring the legs together in parallel, two by two, which gives it a very recognizable step.
Its fur is very dense and can be rough or smoothIn the long-haired variety, the coat is thick and woolly, accumulating more around the neck, creating a kind of mane or mane Similar to that of a lion. The coat can be red, black, blue, or cream; there are no spotted or multicolored Chow Chows, although these colors may appear on the belly, the backs of the thighs, and the tail. slightly lighter areas.
One of the most striking features is its tongue of a blue-black or purple colorThis dark tongue is a dominant genetic trait, very rare in the canine world, shared only with a few breeds of Asian origin. It often surprises those who see it for the first time.
This magnificent animal is currently considered a service dogBut it's also suitable for guarding as long as it's with the family most of the day and not chained up. It has a strong territorial instinctTherefore, it can perform the role of a guard dog well if it is properly trained and socialized.
Origin and curiosities of the name Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a very old breed whose Its origin is located in Asia.Especially in areas of China and nearby regions where it has coexisted with humans for thousands of years. Historically, it has been attributed with multiple functions, from hunting large game and guarding property to working alongside hunters and monks.
His reputation as a brave dog led to his being used in clashes with wolves and other predatorsand also as a protector of the home and flocks. In some places it was even used for tasks such as searching, tracking or locating food such as truffles, taking advantage of its good sense of smell and its concentrated nature.
An interesting fact is that the name “Chow Chow” is not of Chinese originbut English. British sailors who traded with Asia, when buying a wide variety of luxury goods (porcelain figurines, ivory, jewelry and other exotic objects), used a generic expression to refer to that whole set of products.
Instead of listing each item they were carrying individually, many ship captains preferred to write something similar to the following in their logs: “chow chow” to group all that diverse cargoOver time, these goods also began to include dogs of this breed, which traveled to Europe as yet another exotic item from the East.
Little by little, the expression that initially referred to assorted luxury items It ended up being used specifically to name these striking dogs. That's how the term Chow Chow went from ships' cargo lists to becoming the international name of the breed as we know it today.
Types of Chow Chow according to coat
Within the breed, the following are primarily recognized two varieties according to the type of coat, which share standard size and character but differ in coat texture and length.
- Smooth-haired Chow ChowIt has a shorter, very dense coat with a soft texture. The overall appearance remains fluffy, but the body is somewhat more defined. This variety usually requires a slightly simpler brushing and it's somewhat more practical in hot climates.
- Rough-haired Chow ChowIt has a long, thick, woolly coat, with a very pronounced mane around the neck that gives it that lion appearance so characteristic. In this variety, hair care demands frequent brushing to avoid knots and keep the skin in good condition.
In both cases, the undercoat is very dense and protective, so the Chow Chow is well adapted to cold climatesHowever, during hot weather it is essential to provide shade, fresh water, and avoid the hottest hours of the day, as excessive heat can cause [disease/problem]. heat hits easily.
How is your character?
Although its appearance says otherwise, in reality is an independent dog that can be a bit stubborn. It is necessary that he is educated from a puppy using the methods of positive training so that he becomes a dog with whom everyone can enjoy his company.
Chow Chows are often described as dogs dignified and independentThey tend to be somewhat reserved with strangers and may keep their distance until they feel safe. They aren't usually effusive with people they don't know, but with their family they can be very affectionate. very loyal and affectionateenjoying the tranquility of home.
Furthermore, It is important, not only in the case of the Chow Chow but in that of all dogs, to treat it with respect and affectionOtherwise he will grow up in fear and it would be very difficult for us to earn his trust. We cannot forget that each animal has its own pace of learning, so we must be patient with it.
The samples of extreme shyness or aggressiveness These are not desirable traits in the breed when the dog has been properly socialized from puppyhood. However, it does maintain a strong sense of ownership and a marked territorial instinctTherefore, it needs continuous socialization and guidance to learn how to manage visits, noises, and new stimuli.
It's not a particularly active breed, so can adapt well to life in an apartment provided it gets its daily walks and the opportunity to explore its surroundings. Although it may seem calm or even somewhat lazy indoors, it needs a moderate exercise routine to maintain a balanced temperament.
It is recommended to offer at least two daily walks of about 30 minutes Each one is adapted to their age and physical condition. These outings not only meet their physical needs, but also provide them with mental stimulation, something essential to avoid boredom and unwanted behaviors.
Chow Chows can be good companions for other animals If proper socialization is carried out from an early age and the individuals with whom the dog will live are carefully chosen, a gradual, supervised, and positive introduction is key to building a stable relationship with other dogs or pets in the household.
Puppy stage and early training
Chow Chow puppies are especially fluffy and adorablewith an appearance reminiscent of a small teddy bear. During this stage they usually show a lot of energy and curiosity, making it an ideal time to lay the foundations for their adult behavior.
From a young age, it is crucial to start with the early socialization To prevent them from developing an overly reserved or territorial temperament, it is recommended that they be exposed to different people, other well-balanced dogs, urban noises, and varied environments, always respecting their well-being and without forcing situations.
These puppies tend to be stubbornTherefore, they need firm but kind training. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods, based on prizes, games and reinforcements When they do something well, avoid physical punishments or shouting that only generates distrust.
Furthermore, they are quite dogs intelligent and observantTherefore, it is highly recommended to provide them with interactive toys and scent exercises that allow them to work their minds. patience and perseverance These are key to raising a balanced Chow Chow puppy that is well-adjusted to family life.
If you are considering adding a puppy to your home, it is important to always consult responsible breeders or reputable adoption centers that provide information about the puppy's health and, when possible, about the parents. A good professional should offer health guarantee and an up-to-date veterinary history.
Chow Chow Health and Basic Care
As with many medium-to-large breeds with a compact build, the Chow Chow can be prone to certain hereditary diseasesAmong the most frequent are joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasiaas well as patellar dislocation, which can affect your mobility and cause pain.
It also shows some vulnerability to endocrine conditions such as thyroid diseases, dermatological problems like pemphigus foliaceus, and some eye disorders relatively common in the breed, such as entropion and ectropion, which require veterinary evaluation and, in some cases, corrective surgery.
Therefore, before acquiring a Chow Chow, it is essential to ask about the parents' health status and request tests or certificates when available. A responsible breeder should provide you with as much information as possible and help you understand the breeder's practices. veterinary checks that have been carried out in the breeding line.
As for its day-to-day needs, the Chow Chow needs periodic veterinary check-upsUp-to-date vaccinations, internal and external deworming, and a balanced, high-quality diet adapted to its age, weight, and activity level. Keep it in a Healthy weight It is key to protecting your joints.
Coat care deserves special mention: due to its abundant coat and dense undercoat, a frequent brushingBrush your dog several times a week to prevent matting, remove dead hair, and promote skin ventilation. During periods of heavy shedding, you may need to increase the frequency of brushing.
Otherwise, if you're willing to have a furry friend to take long walks with, dedicate time to its training, and enjoy having a magnificent animal at home, the Chow Chow might be the dog you're looking for. Its combination of spectacular appearanceHis calm nature at home and strong bond with his family make him a very special companion for those who understand and respect his independent nature.