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Breed Information: Chow Chow

By Ellen Brown

Breed Description: The Chow Chow has a broad, flat skull, small triangular ears and a thick double coat suitable for harsh weather. This dog breed has a strong personality and is usually loyal to only a select few people. Two of the breed's most distinctive features are its nearly straight hind legs and its bluish-black tongue.

Group: Non-Sporting group.

Purpose of Breed: Guard dog and pulling carts

Country of Origin: China

Average Size: Chow Chows average 18 - 22 inches tall and weigh 45-75 pounds.

Color(s): The Chow Chow comes in five different colors: red (light golden to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to deep cinnamon) and cream.

Coat Type: Chow Chows have either a rough or smooth coat. The rough coat is most common and has a longer and coarser outer coat. The smooth coat has a shorter and sleeker outer coat. Both types are double-coated and have a dense, wooly undercoat..

Grooming: This breed is susceptible to eczema, so the coat requires regular grooming-especially the mane around the collar. Extra brushing is needed during shedding season and standard care should be exercised for ears, pads and nails. The eye should be monitored closely for signs of trouble.

Exercise Needs: Chow Chows need lots of daily exercise and attention to maintain a healthy mental and physical state. This dog has a highly independent nature and should live in a house with a fenced yard.

Temperament: This breed is intelligent, independent and tends to be extremely loyal to only a few people. This breed is not easily dominated and if not properly trained, the Chow Chow can be unfriendly toward people and very aggressive toward other dogs. The owner of a Chow Chow needs to be a consistently calm and assertive leader. Chows are best acquired as puppies and need to be raised with a loving and patient, but firm, hand.

Common Ailments: Highly susceptible to eye disorders, skin disorders and also prone to hip dysplasia.

Life Expectancy: Averages 8-12 years.

Trivia: Martha Stewart owns Chow Chows and often featured them on her show.

More Information: Chow Chow Club, Inc.

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