A powerful, sturdy dog of Arctic type, medium in size and muscular with heavy bone, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed of northern Chinese origin. While the breed was originally a working dog, he primarily serves as a companion today and is seen in show rings across the country. This lion-like, regal breed comes in five colors - red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream - and is known for its blue/black tongue and stilted gait. Their coats can also be either rough or smooth.
A Look Back
The true origin of the Chow is unknown, but the breed as it is known today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 22 A.D.). An all-purpose dog used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home, some scholars claim the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian and Keeshond.
Right Breed for You?
Affectionate and devoted to family, the Chow is reserved and discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some kind of exercise daily. Regular grooming and bathing is a must to maintain their double coats.
Affectionate and devoted to family, the Chow is reserved and discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some kind of exercise daily. Regular grooming and bathing is a must to maintain their double coats.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: Chows come in 2 varieties; the rough and the smooth, both of which are double coated. Grooming is essential every 4 – 8 weeks with brushing in between. Grooming a Chow is more than owners expect if this is their first time owning one. Grooming a Chow puppy is very important to get it used to the process at a very young age as well as start the socialization process with strangers.
Common Problems: It is common for Chows to have eye problems and need flushing. Ears, even though erect need cleaning regularly, the thick coat holds in dirt and moisture. Hot spots, since Chows are sensitive to heat should be checked for every time they are brushed and or bathed.
Paws: . Paw Balm should be used weekly as well, paw pads that are soft and pliable are less likely to dry and crack
Eyes: Eyes should be flushed with Optisoothe daily to weekly for those dogs who have congenital problems. Facial Foaming Cleaners can be used as often as daily if needed to help keep tearing under control.
Bathing: The first bath is for general cleaning to take off the dirt and grime. Any of the Classic Care or Professional Care products are ideal. Follow up with the second bath and target the need of the dog.. Chows with an oily coat may need Espree Energee Plus Shampoo. Chows are prone to skin problems and a good scrubbing with Luxury Tar & Sulfa Shampoo may be needed. Chows with normal skin and coat can be bathed with any of our wonderful Scent Renewal products for long lasting fragrance. Be sure to end the bath with conditioner or a deep moisturing with Luxury Remoisturizer. This will help with brushing out your pet and keep the coat hydrated to protect against harsh weather conditions. . Simple Shed shampoo and treatment during the spring and fall shedding season will help release undercoat so the seasonal coat can come in properly.
Coat Care: Never brush a dry coat, this can cause breakage; use Aloe Hydrating Spray, Simple Shed Spray or Quick Finish Spray will help the comb to slide through the hair after brushing. Be sure to completely blow dry the coat after each bath. Moisture left deep down in the coat can cause hot spots and other irritations. Shave the hair around the hot spot and apply Hot Spot Foam to the area to dry it out.
Show Dog Tips: Quick Finish Spray during the drying process to help with drying time and help get the comb through the coat. Boost! Volumizing spray while fluffing the coat to add volume where needed.
Tools: A good brush and a metal comb are a necessity. Show handlers and show groomers use a pin brush before combing. If you do not brush daily or weekly a slicker brush before combing might work better for you. An undercoat rake during seasonal shedding will really help you pull out the dead coat. For the smooth variety a shedding blade is a good option. Clip nails monthly to keep feet from splaying, medium to large nail clippers should be used.
