Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed of Chinese origin. Dogs of this breed are known for their dense, woolly coat and blue-black tongue. They are also calm and faithful animals.

General details

The Chow Chow is a medium-sized and compact breed. In terms of weight, males weigh between 25 and 32 kilograms, while females weigh between 20 and 27 kilograms. Regarding their height at the withers, males measure between 48 and 56 cm and females between 46 and 51 cm. Their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. In addition, they belong to Group 5 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups Spitz and primitive type dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Chow Chow is an ancient breed believed to have originated in China about 2,000 years ago. Although their history is uncertain, it is believed that these dogs were used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, protection and transporting cargo. They were also used for food, and their fur was valued for making coats. During the Han dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD), these dogs were prized by royalty and were considered a status symbol. However, during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, many dog breeds were persecuted and nearly became extinct, including the Chow Chow. In the 19th century, some Chow Chows were taken to Europe and North America, where they became show and companion dogs. Today, the Chow Chow remains popular as a pet and is known for its distinctive appearance and independent personality.

Breed characteristics

The Chow Chow is a breed of dog that stands out for its furry and majestic appearance. Its head is broad and its skull is flat and broad, with a black, slightly sunken nose between the eyes. Its ears are small and triangular, and are erect in an upright position. Its eyes are dark and deep-set, with a serious and calm expression. The body of the Chow Chow is robust and compact, with a straight, muscular back and a tail curled over the hips. The Chow Chow's most distinctive feature is its thick, shaggy coat, which is composed of a soft undercoat and a thick, curly outer coat. Their coat can be of various colors, including black, blue, red, cream and fawn. They often have a black and bluish tongue, which is also a distinctive feature of the breed. The temperament of a Chow Chow is characterized by calmness, independence and loyalty. They are dogs that can be somewhat aloof with strangers, but form strong bonds with their owners and are willing to protect their family. It is important to provide them with proper socialization and consistent education so that they can develop in a balanced and happy manner.

Common health problems

Some of the most common diseases in the Chow Chow breed of dog are hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends a cardiac and eye screening examination.