Chow Chow
Overview
The chow chow is a medium-sized breed of dog, native to northern China, one of the oldest known. Its name comes from a tangerine expression that means diverse merchandise, and which in English is translated as chow chow. Chow chow has been known in China for more than 2000 years, but it was not known outside the Chinese borders until about 1800. In his country of origin, he had various utilities, among which he stood out as a shepherd, guardian and hunting dog, although for a long time it was also consumed as food. Subsequently, the practice of eating them was banned, and it became highly prized as a companion animal.
It is difficult to determine its origins concretely by the age of the breed. It is believed that it could derive from an already extinct species that had characteristics of dog and bear, known as Hemicyon. Subsequently, this species gave rise to Simicyon, an animal that was smaller in size, between a fox and a small bear. It is known that the current chow chow has some characteristics similar to those of these animals, such as the same number of teeth, the type of tongue, the short snout and the square-shaped body.
Even the first known facts about the chow chow say it was used by the tribes of Tartars and Mongols in the battles to invade China, whom they called war dogs because of their lion appearance and ferocity. They also served for hunting because of their good smell, strength and intelligent tactics to hunt their prey. All these characteristics, they soon became dogs appreciated by emperors and the upper classes. It is easy to find paintings from thousands of years ago with representations of chow chow very similar to the current one, in addition to other testimonies that have endured in history and that speak of specimens with recognizable characteristics and with colorful reds or blacks.
To get to the chow chow as we know it now, you have to arrive until 1895. After the first copies arrived in Europe and began to attract the attention of Europeans, a group of English fans decided to form a club of the race, to which the breed standard was set.
Characteristics
The chow chow is a medium-sized dog, very compact in its body and well proportioned, with a short and robust trunk. It has a lionlike look, reminiscent of a small lion, but always well balanced and balanced. It has the tail bent on the back and straight and strong legs, which give it a unique and harmonious appearance when walking.
Especially striking is his head, quite large compared to the body, very wide and wide, and covered with that coat that gives it such an attractive and peculiar appearance. The snout is short and not very pronounced, wider than long, but strong at the same time. It also has a wide black truffle, which may vary slightly in color. The eyes are dark and small, with oriental lines, which sometimes seem to hide between the folds of skin. The ears are small and have a triangle shape, and they remain erect on the head, forming a unique expression in the breed when it is alert.
Temperament
The chow chow has many good qualities, among which calm and balance in its temperament. On the other hand, it is a type of independent dog, which in turn puts a great passion in every task it performs. In family, it is a faithful and affectionate animal, but it can be a little distrustful and unfriendly with strangers. It is very important in this breed to make correct socialization as a puppy because this way you will be less shy as an adult and you can enjoy better relationships with other people and animals.
He has a strong territorial instinct, so it can be a good choice as a guard dog, although it is not made to live alone abroad because he needs to be in contact with his family. Also, they are very loyal to those who consider their owner, so it is especially difficult for them to adapt to a possible change of ownership. It also has strong primitive psychology, which inherits directly from its ancestors, so it has very developed aspects such as survival, reproduction, hunting or defense of its territory. It is an animal trained to seek life alone, which does not mean that it does not value being in the family.
Shedding And Lifespan
The average life of a chow chow is 12 to 15 years. These dogs are usually healthy but how all breeds can have some health problems. They can suffer from glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, gastric cancer, and skin melanoma.
Breed Information
| Popularity: | 2018: #76 2017: #76 2016: #74 2015: #73 |
| Origin: | China |
| Breed Group: | Non Sporting (AKC:1903) Northern Breeds (UKC) |
| Size: | Medium |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Life span: | 13-15 years |
| Temperament: | Aloof Independent Loyal Quiet Intelligent Protective Detached |
| Height: | 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) |
| Weight: | 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) |
| Colors: | Black Blue Cinnamon Cream Red |
| Litter Size: | 3-6 puppies |
| Puppy Price: | Average $600 - $800 USD |
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Dog names
| Rank | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bear | Chloe |
| 2 | Milo | Penny |
| 3 | Dexter | Zoe |
| 4 | Harley | Nala |
| 5 | Marley | Maddie |
| 6 | Ollie | Dixie |
| 7 | Loki | Holly |
| 8 | Bo | Harley |
| 9 | Thor | Winnie |
| 10 | Peanut | Trixie |
| 11 | Rudy | Katie |
| 12 | Koda | Cleo |
| 13 | Brutus | Mimi |
| 14 | Maverick | Sally |
| 15 | Mickey | Lucky |