Chow Chow

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

The Chow Chow belongs to the Spitz Family of dogs, most of which all developed in the Arctic Circle regions. The Country of Origin for the Chow is Mongolia/Northern China

MOST SUITED AS The Chow Chow had various roles in the past, including herding, hunting, pulling, and guarding. Today, it is a loyal and protective companion that needs to be part of the family.

SIZE
In most countries, the height at the shoulder is expected to be between 46 cm (18 inches) and 53 cm (21 inches) for both dogs and bitches

COAT

The coat comes in two lengths? The rough Coat and smooth Coat? The rough coat is somewhat longer and most specimens are characterized by a mane (more full in the males) and longer hair (feathering) on the tail and backs of the legs. The smooth coat has a uniform, shorter coat all over, lacking the mane and feathering on the tail and legs.

CARE REQUIRED

Typical of the Spitz breeds, the Chow's coat is a double coat, with a short, fine undercoat and a rougher, protective and longer outer coat. This is a coat that requires weekly combing and brushing. Both the Smooth and Rough coats require a similar amount of care.

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTIC
The Chow Chow has a solid blue black pigmentation of the entire inside of the mouth, including the tongue.

CHARACTER
This is an attentive dog with a mind of its own, that is peaceful and noble, independent, rea­sonably active, dominant, vigilant, brave, quite demanding of itself, and full of character. It responds best to a fully integrated family life and to positive reinforcement types of training. It is not a dog that does well being forgotten in the backyard.

TRAINING
The Chow Chow calls for a hand­ler who is calm, equable, and exudes natural authority. It is asserted that the shorter-haired variety is more active and learns faster than the longer-haired family member.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Most Chow Chows can be fairly dominant towards other dogs. In contrast, they are quite good with children. Provided they are acquainted with cats and other household animals early in their lives, problems can be prevented. In the com­pany of strangers they are.