Dog Breeds: The Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is loved for its versatility. He has natural sports ability but also can become a fighter in a second's notice. His warrior attitude comes easily, but a Chow Chow does not provoke the fighting.

 

This breed enjoys the outdoors. He is sweet, great with children and a loyal companion. He can be quite scowling toward strangers who come across his path but doesn't set out to fight.

 

The Chow Chow's ancestor's roots come from China. Though in his own country he is regarded as working-class animal, he is not considered a mutt.

 

This faithful and brave dog packs a lot of strength in its compact, 40-pound body. A luxurious fur coat and feathery tail enhance the muscular build. Its straight legs and cat-looking feet reveal an alert and powerful balance.

 

The Chow Chow remains a no-nonsense-type of dog with a typical scowl-look. But owners of this breed feel the animal shows a lot of kindness.

 

Though the Chow has many great assets, the perfect Chow has not yet arrived.

 

Dog show judges believe dark red is the right color for the Chow. On the other hand, if an owner only wants the animal as a pet, don't be deterred if parts of the animal are white or cream. Those markings come naturally.

A Chow's tongue should be the color of blue, never black. Its muzzle remains broad but moderate in length. The black nose spreads out large and wide in comparison to its small dark eyes.

 

This breed of dog appears lively, compact and short but is well put together on its frame. The tail curls well over the dog's back. The coat of the Chow feels dense, straight and rather coarse but can have a soft, wooly undercoat.

 

The sloping shoulders and broad, deep chest give the dog its powerful stance along with a strong, full neck.

 

Ears should be small, pointed and erect. The placement of ears well in front of the eyes gives the dog its signature scowl expression.

 

Judges will disqualify a Chow Chow in dog shows if it has drop ears, a red tongue, a tail not curled over back, white spots on the coat and/or a red nose, except in yellow or white specimens.

 

The female version hits the scale at 30 lbs., while the male dogs can weigh in at nearly 50 pounds.

 

 

Leighton, R. (2004). Dogs and all About Them. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dogs and All About Them Web site: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10991/10991.txt.