Chow Chow Dog Breed | Chow Chow Facts | Dogs 101 Chow Chow
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Chow Chow - Dog Breed
The Breed History
In China about 150 BC, art depicts a Spitz type dog such as this, but it is likely the breed developed earlier in time. History records the presence of these types of dogs during the Tartar invasion of China about 1000 BC. Perhaps the Siberian Husky and Tibetan Mastiff were the breed progenitors or were offshoots from this breed. The name chow chow is a generic shipping term for "such and such" in the cargo hold, also chow may derive from chou, Chinese for edible. Whatever the real meaning, the dogs were given this nickname. They were first brought to England in the year 1880. The AKC admitted the breed in 1903.
Breeding for Function
The Chow has fulfilled many roles over the centuries including hunting by scent for pheasant and other game, companionship, livestock guard dog, pulling loads, producer of fur for clothing, and in China, as a food source.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: 17-20" (43-51 cm)
Weight: 45-70 lb (20-32 kg)
Coat: The double coat is present in two varieties: a short smooth coat and a longer rough coat that stands out. The latter is much more common. Short-coated dogs have a distinct undercoat and the outer coat is dense, hard, and smooth in texture and no feathers or ruff are evident. Colors are solid to solid with shading. Colors accepted include red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream. Whites are very rare. Longevity: 11-12 years.
Points of Conformation: The Chow has an arctic type with a square strong broad build and compact conformation. The blue tongue and compressed scowling face characterize the breed. The bone is also heavy, muscling moderate and the haircoat is profuse. The head is broad and flat, and the muzzle is blocky. He possesses a high head carriage, and the oblique almond-shaped eyes are deep and wide set with dark brown color. They have tight darkly pigmented palpebral margins. Ears are pricked, small and the leather is moderate in thickness, with slightly rounded tips. On the face, one sees a moderate stop, brows well developed, and the large black nose has well opened nostrils. A slate nose may be present in blue coat colored chows. Lip margins, and all oral cavity membranes are black and the tongue is blue-black. The neck is full, well muscled and arched, the topline is straight and level, and ribs are well sprung. Limbs are straight, dewclaws may be removed, and feet are compact and sit on well-knuckled toes. A broad pelvis is evident. The tail is well feathered. The long rough coated dogs possess a well-developed ruff, especially in males (sometimes referred to as lion-like). The tapered tail is set high and carried over the back and covered with a profusion of hair. The normal gait is stilted due to the conformation of the rear limbs (straight through both tarsus and stifle).
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported attributes of the breed include: Independent, dignified, confident, willful, high intelligence, can be aggressive to other dogs and small pets, aloof with strangers and may attack due to their guarding heritage. Overall, on average have dominant personalities. Their eye placement may trigger defensive responses due to their inability to access the full visual field; may be snappy and will bite if provoked, can tend to be a one-person dog. Early obedience is important, and early socialization is essential to discourage the aforementioned tendencies in some dogs. Should be raised with children or socialized thoroughly and children should be taught how to treat the dog. They need daily grooming to maintain a good coat. These are high shedding dogs. They have moderate exercise needs and are easily housebroken, and have a low doggy odor. They are considered good alarm barkers. They do not tolerate heat and humidity well.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Lip margins, and all oral cavity membranes are black and the tongue is blue-black.
A study in the UK shows 28.1% of litters are born via C-section.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow arthritis. OFA reports 47.6% affected. Found at a higher incidence than reported by the OFA in South Africa. Reported 16.6x odds ratio for fragmented coronoid process, 13.3x odds ratio for ununited anconeal process forms of elbow dysplasia, and 108.8x odds ratio for elbow osteochondrosis versus other breeds.
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. Reported 5.4x odds ratio versus other breeds. OFA reports 19.6% affected.