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Non-sporting breeds: Chow Chow
Origin
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed of northern Chinese origin. The Chow Chow is one of the oldest recognizable types of dog. The Chow Chow can be seen on pottery and sculptures of the Chinese Han Dynasty dating from 206 BC to 22 AD. Some other artifacts denote that he was even a much older breed and may have come originally from the Arctic Circle, migrating to Mongolia, Siberia, and China. In the T'ang Dynasty, 700 AD, it is said that one Chinese emperor kept 2,500 of them to escort his 10,000 hunters.
It was believed in ancient times that the dark mouth of the Chow-Chow, exposed when barking, helped to ward off evil spirits. Another tale states when God was painting the sky blue he spilled some paint and the Chow Chow happily licked it up, giving him a blue tongue.
The term Chow Chow applied to the large variety of items carried by trade ships, and this is where the breed got its name.
In the 1930s, when President Calvin Coolidge kept his Chow, Timmy, in the White House, the breed was brought to the attention of the public and rose in popularity. Sigmund Freud also kept and raised Chows. Anna Freud, his daughter, continued to keep his Chows as well as raise her own after his death.
General description
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 35-75 pounds
Color: There are five colors in the Chow: red (light golden to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to deep cinnamon) and cream. Unique in his blue-black tongue.
Grooming requirements
There are two types of coat; rough and smooth. Both are double coated. The rough-coated Chow Chow requires daily brushing. The smooth requires less brushing but still requires weekly brushing. Other general care is ear cleaning and nail trimming. Both types will require a slicker brush and a metal comb in order to properly groom them. Problem areas are the ears, hind quarters, bib and neck. The grooming demands of the rough-coated Chow Chow is large. You must remain attentive to the grooming regime to avoid matting. Their skin is susceptible to rashes if they are left unattended in grooming for too long.
Health considerations
The Chow Chow is prone to behavioral abnormalities, such as aggression and panic disorders. They are also prone to cataracts.
Breed characteristics and personality
Because of its deep-set eyes, the Chow has limited peripheral vision and is best approached within the scope of that vision. Keen intelligence, an independent spirit and innate dignity give the Chow an aura of aloofness. It is a Chow's nature to be reserved and discerning with strangers. The Chow Chow is a wonderful companion for adults who will take the time to care for them properly. Breeders have been working very hard to breed a Chow with a "family" temperament.
Uses
The Chow Chow was used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home. Today, he is primarily a companion in the hands of a responsible owner.
Web links
AKC Chow Chow page
Chow Chow Club Inc.
Online Chow Chow Resource Guide
Wisconson Chow Chow Rescue
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