Chow Chow?

The Chow Chow is an old Chinese breed, kept as a domestic, guarding and hunting dog. This dog was also kept for its flesh and coat. He was also the protector of temples, where he was not only a watchdog but also a chaser of evil spirits. For this task the scowl and the blue-black tongue were of great importance.

Characteristics

Country of origin: China

Also known as: Chow Chow Longhair, Chow, Chowdren.

Body build: Compact, dignified without being heavy

Weight: 19 - 25 kg

Height: 46 - 56 cm

Health risks: Entropion (curling the eyelids inwards), Knee ligament problems, Skin and coat problems

Colour

The coat consists of long, upright hair. Solid red, black, blue and cream are the most common colours, Chow Chows have a blue tongue and blue pigment. The Chow Chow needs to be well brushed regularly, especially in places where tangles can develop.

Approach to training

A Chow Chow will only obey when he understands the necessity or reason of the command (doing the boss a favour can also be a good reason). If the Chow Chow is being trained, a lot of patience is required. This is because most Chow Chows don’t learn very fast and have their own opinion. The basic commands can be taught to every Chow Chow. However, if you would like to learn your dog more advanced commands then this really depends on the individual dog.