History
The breed has been popular in China now for more than two thousand years. The Huns, Mongols and Tartars used the breed in was, for hunting and as a draft and guard dog. The breed first appeared in Europe in 1865 when Queen Victoria was given a magnificent specimen.
Description
Compact, medium with a distinctive lion like appearance and a blue tongue.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: Requires regular grooming & bathing, coat should never be clipped off & must be dried completely to avoid skin disorders.
- Coat Type: Smooth – notably shorter in length. Rough – outer coat is rather coarse in texture, softer woolly under coat. Both types are weather proof, being harsh and straight.
- Moulting: Slightly throughout the year & “Blow” their coat twice a year with climate changes.
- Exercise Needs: Adaptable to the type of exercise you prefer. Excessive exercise should not be undertaken in dogs under 12 months to allow their growth plates to fully develop.
- Average Life Span: 10 – 12 years.
Behaviour
- Family: Loyal & adaptable to all family situations – single person or large families of all ages.
- Temperament: Often aloof to strangers, they take offense to being approached by strangers, once introduced & accepted are fine.
- Trainability: Have been known to be stubborn & somewhat cat like in their approach to obeying commands. It is important that they attend puppy classes and continue with training if the new owner is a novice. They are very clean dogs and are therefore naturally house trained.
- Sociability (Other Pets): Can be overbearing with other dogs, puppies must be exposed to other dogs so that they can learn good dog manners. Have a strong prey drive, but if introduced early they can live with many other pets including cats & birds.
- Barking: Tend not to bark however will alert you to approaching strangers.
Talents
Excel in obedience, agility, endurance and sledding also a great family protector.
Notes
Chows are adaptable to all weather conditions including warmer climates.