There are a lot of interesting and spectacular dog breeds on the planet. Some are special but very specific. Of all dog breeds chow chow is probably the most specific and if we can add special. Below we will explain all the things you need to know about this breed. You will probably want one in 5 minutes.
Basics Facts To Know About Chow Chow
There are not a lot of dogs out there that look like chow chow. Of all dog breeds, chow chow is probably the most interesting to newbies. These are medium-sized pets. A dog can weigh between 45 and 75 pounds. The same weight is present in male and female dogs. They usually live between 9 and 15 years. The height is between 17 and 20 inches. We must add that this breed has legs that are very straight hence gait is stilted in some form.
These dogs have curled tails and broad skulls. The ears are erect. One of the most interesting characteristics is a tongue that is black and blue in color. This is something most people know first when it comes to chow chow. Other than this, we can see that the dog is strong, especially for his size. There are two coat types. One is a straight coat that makes him look like a teddy bear. The second is a smooth and short coat. Don’t forget that both variations have a very dense undercoat.
Additional facts you may want to know about chow chow is that these are clean dogs.
Owners claim that they are the cleanest dogs in the world and this does make sense.
They are a dignified and refined breed. This also means that there is no a lot of doggy odor that can be an issue for some people.
There is no need to add that this breed comes from ancient China. They are still popular dogs in the country but we can see them all over the world. People just love their ruff around the neck and head. This is one of the best-known characteristics and the one we like as well.
Some of the even more interesting facts include that chows chows were used as hunting dogs during the Han Dynasty which was active between 150 and 200 BC. Martha Stewart has several chows chows and you can see them in her morning show.
5 Caring Tips For Chow Chow: All You Should Know
When you care for a dog you have a responsibility. This is not something you will do when you can. It is something you will do all the time. Some even say that having a dog is the same as having a toddler or even a baby. When it comes to caring about chow chow, there are a lot of things you need to know. We will explain those things below.
1. Grooming
Yes, chow chow needs a lot of grooming, twice a week. They have massive coats and undercoats which makes grooming mandatory and more important than you may believe. During grooming, you will want to inspect the skin of your dog. If you notice any issues, take him to a vet. If you see fleas or ticks, deal with them as soon as possible. Don’t allow them to spread and multiply.
2. Health
These dogs are generally healthy. But, as with all other dog breeds, they do have a few health issues that are commonly seen here. Chow chow health issues may include:
- Eyelid entropion
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Allergies
- Thyroid function
If you adopt a pet who has healthy parents and DNA screening was done, he is at a much lower risk of developing one issue. Keep in mind that regular controls are mandatory. Health tests such as Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, and also Thyroid Evaluation are mandatory and all professionals recommend these.
3. Exercise
This breed is not well-known for the massive amount of energy or exercise it needs. In general, 20 minutes per day of moderate activity is all your dog needs. You should walk him 4 or even more times per day if you like. Moderate or slow walking is the best option here. These dogs do not need rough play nor they can withstand exercises at high temperatures or high humidity. This form of activity will make the bond even stronger which is something all dog owners need and like.
4. Nutrition
There is no need to worry about some special diet your pet needs. Chow chow can eat all the foods for dogs you can give to him. But, they shouldn’t eat a lot of table scraps and should avoid treats that can contribute to his weight. As always, you will have to learn which foods are not good for your dog. Some ordinary foods like garlic and onions are toxic. Chocolate is toxic as well so keep these away from your dog.
5. Training
Training your chow chow is not easy. These are very smart dogs. But, they are very stubborn as well which makes training a bit more difficult. Positive training is the only way here. Harsh training is very ineffective and can cause a lot of issues and problems. It is something to avoid. As you can assume, patience is something you will need, a lot. Honestly, it may be better to allow professionals to train your dog.
Try to remember that chow chows are not great with strangers. They don’t like other dogs either which can be an issue. Early socialization is more important than you can assume and it will help your pet later in life.
The Final Word
Of all dog breeds, chow chow is the one that looks special, interesting, and appealing. These dogs are popular due to a reason. They are great pets in the lack of a better word and they are loyal, smart, and clean. Caring for one is not as difficult as you may believe. Basically, you will want one and you will want him as soon as possible. After all, these dogs are perfect.