Chow Chow Puppys are a unique breed that requires special care and attention.
Their thick double coat sheds heavily, especially during shedding season, which can be a challenge for new owners.
Chow Chow Puppys are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Chow Chow Puppys are known for their independent nature and can be stubborn at times, making training a bit more difficult.
They thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization.
Chow Chow Puppys are naturally protective of their family and territory, but they can be wary of strangers.
Early socialization is crucial to help them become confident and calm in new situations.
Chow Chow Puppys are generally quiet dogs, but they can be vocal at times, especially when they want attention.
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They are relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Chow Chow Puppys are suitable for families with older children, as they can be gentle and patient, but may not be the best fit for very young children due to their independent nature.
Care and Maintenance
Chow Chow puppies require at least an hour of exercise each day, but it doesn't have to be strenuous. A leisurely walk around the neighborhood or a wander around the yard is perfect.
Chow Chows are too independent to be allowed to roam near traffic, so a well-fenced yard is a must. They don't generally enjoy swimming, nor are they built for jogging.
Mental exercises like trick training or nose work are great additions to the daily routine. These activities will keep your Chow Chow's mind engaged and happy.
Chow Chows come in two coat types: smooth and rough. The rough coat is thick and dense, while the smooth coat is hard and dense. Both types require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
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Brushing should be done at least twice a week for smooth-coated Chow Chows and daily for rough-coated ones. Use a stainless steel Greyhound comb with medium-coarse teeth, a medium-size slicker brush, and a medium pin brush to keep their coat in good condition.
During shedding periods, extra attention is needed to prevent loose hair from accumulating on clothes and furniture. Regular brushing also helps prevent doggie odor.
Chow Chows are heavy seasonal shedders, so be prepared for cleaning up hair around your home. Extra care and more brushing will be needed during moulting season (usually spring and autumn) to keep their coats in top condition.
Here's a quick rundown of the grooming needs for Chow Chows:
Don't forget to check their ears for infections caused by wax buildup and clean the skin folds, especially around their necks, to avoid skin infections.
Chow Chows are fastidious and clean, but they still need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Brush their fur at least twice a week and trim their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth regularly.
After a bath, use an air dryer on the "cool" setting to thoroughly dry their coat. Regular grooming will help establish a good foundation for their grooming routine and make vet exams and other handling easier when they become adults.
Temperament and Personality
The Chow Chow temperament is a unique and fascinating aspect of this breed. They are extremely independent and can be stubborn at times.
One of the most striking characteristics of Chow Chows is their aloof nature. They tend to keep to themselves and avoid causing trouble, but they do enjoy playing with their family members.
A well-bred Chow Chow should never be aggressive or shy, despite their scowling appearance. With proper socialization, they can grow up to be safe and relaxed adults.
Chow Chows are extremely loyal and form incredibly strong bonds with their owners. They can be quite devoted and loving companions.
However, they can be wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs, which is why they make such excellent guard dogs. Early socialization is crucial for this breed to ensure they grow up to be confident and relaxed around new people and situations.
Here are some key characteristics of the Chow Chow temperament:
- Independent and stubborn at times
- Aloof and reserved, but loyal to their family
- Good with other household pets, including cats
- Excellent guard dogs due to their wariness of strangers
- Require early socialization to grow up confident and relaxed
Overall, the Chow Chow temperament is a unique blend of independence, loyalty, and guarding instincts. With proper care and socialization, they can make wonderful and loving companions for the right family.
Health and Wellness
Chow Chows are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.
Elbow dysplasia is similar, affecting the elbow joint and causing lameness and joint pain. Entropion, a condition where the eyelids roll inward, can cause irritation and discomfort to the eye.
Chow Chows can be at risk of bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Skin allergies and food sensitivities can also be common, leading to skin irritations, itching, and ear infections.
Here are some common health concerns associated with Chow Chows:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Bloat
- Allergies
- Cataracts
Feeding
Feeding is a crucial aspect of your Chow Chow's health and wellness.
The recommended daily amount of food for a Chow Chow is 2 to 2 3/4 cups, divided into two meals.
Measuring food is essential to ensure your dog is getting the right amount.
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You should feed your Chow Chow twice a day instead of leaving food out all the time.
The quality of dog food matters; better-quality food provides more nourishment, and you'll need to serve smaller portions.
To check your dog's weight, perform an eye test and a hands-on test.
When looking down at your Chow Chow, there should be a visible waistline.
You can also check your dog's weight by placing your hands on his back with thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward.
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Health
As you consider bringing a Chow Chow into your family, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues they may face. Chow Chows are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues.
One of the most common health concerns associated with Chow Chows is hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. This can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility.
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Elbow dysplasia is another hereditary condition that affects the elbow joint, causing lameness and joint pain. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has had their breeding stock tested for these conditions.
Entropion is a condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing irritation and discomfort to the eye. Regular eye exams with your veterinarian can help catch this issue early on.
Bloat is a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This can happen to any deep-chested breed, including Chow Chows.
Allergies are common in Chow Chows, leading to skin irritations, itching, and ear infections. Keeping an eye out for these symptoms and working with your veterinarian to develop a plan can make a big difference.
Cataracts can affect a Chow Chow's vision, so regular eye exams are crucial. If you notice any changes in your dog's vision, consult with your veterinarian right away.
Here are some common health concerns associated with Chow Chows:
- Hip Dysplasia: a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly
- Elbow Dysplasia: a hereditary condition that affects the elbow joint
- Entropion: a condition where the eyelids roll inward
- Bloat: a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself
- Allergies: skin allergies and food sensitivities can be common in this breed
- Cataracts: can affect a Chow Chow's vision
Breed Information
If you're curious about your Chow Chow puppy's breed, you're in luck because there's a way to find out.
The Chow Chow is part of the Breed Group, which can be discovered with the help of a DNA test.
Chow Chows are a unique breed, and understanding their ancestry can be fascinating.
You can check out Wisdom Panel's DNA tests to see if your dog is a purebred Chow Chow or has any mixed breed ancestry.
Understanding your dog's breed can also help you provide the best possible care for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Chow Chow puppy worth?
A well-bred Chow Chow puppy typically costs between $1200 to $2000, with prices increasing for champion bloodlines or rare coat colors. The price may vary depending on the breeder's reputation and location.
Is Chow Chow a good family dog?
Chow Chows can make good family pets, but they're best suited for families with older, more gentle children. They require experienced owners who can handle their strong will and physical strength.
How long do chows live?
Chows typically live for 11-12 years. With proper care, they can enjoy a long and healthy life.
Sources
- Vetstreet - Chow Chow (vetstreet.com)
- United Kennel Club - Chow Chow (ukcdogs.com)
- The Kennel Club - Chow Chow (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- A-Z Animals - Chow Chow (a-z-animals.com)
- Dog Breed Info - The Purebred Chow Chow (dogbreedinfo.com)
- PetMD - Chow Chow (petmd.com)
- WebMD - What to Know About Chow Chows (webmd.com)
- Chow Chow Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- most famous Chow Chow owners (chowchowcommunity.com)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- stress, high temperatures, dental problems, allergic reactions, or nausea (vets-now.com)
- Chow Chow Rescue of Central New York (chowrescuecny.org)
- Chaps Chow Rescue (facebook.com)
- Chow Chow Rescue Society (chowchowrs.com)
- Chow Chow: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (petplan.co.uk)
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/chow-chow (vcahospitals.com)
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