Is it a teddy bear or a dog? These are the questions many ask when deciding on bringing home the fluffy bear-like Chow Chow. One of the oldest breeds in the world, Chow Chows are big, lovable, and certainly fluffy. These confident dogs are unlike any other breed and some characteristics make them prone to joint issues. But first, learn why we love them, what makes them unique and what celebrities have these big beauties in their homes.
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest breeds, dating back thousands of years ago in China. They were considered all-purpose dogs that would help with hunting, herding, working in the fields and as protection for their owners. The Chow Chows of today are known to be highly intelligent dogs that have become part of a family.
Chow Chows are becoming a more popular breed, mostly because of their fun, fluffy hair and the fact they look like a friendly version of a wild animal. Their sweet dispositions and fluffy good looks have made them more popular as time goes by.
These dogs have many names: Chow Chow is the official name, but some call them simply Chows. Other names are Chowchow, or Chow-chows Dog.
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Sadly, no, Chow Chows may look a lot like a lion or a teddy bear. However, they have no connection to these animals. There are some similarities in their thick coats, with all that extra fur in their double coats that keep them warm. Chow Chows have been compared to panda bears as well. If you are feeling extra fun, you can get your Chow Chow an adorable haircut to make him look like a lion. While bears and lions are fierce, the Chow Chows remain loveable, huggable creatures.
Chow Chows are great family dogs! If you are hoping for a dog that is more needing of attention, a Chow Chow may not be for you. People often compare Chow Chows to the cats of the dog world. They live on their own rules and are more aloof, like a cat. They may not greet you at the door when you walk in, but they are the ones that hang around to observe all the excitement. If you love independent personalities, a Chow Chow is for you.
They also are adorable puppies and who doesn't love a great Chow Chow puppy picture?
No. Sadly, Chows are not hypoallergenic dogs. If you are allergic to dogs, their thick mane is not for you. Plus, Chows are seasonal shedders, and they do most shedding in spring and fall. If you are allergic to dogs and are around a Chow, your best line of defense is to brush their coats daily to remove dead hair and dirt.
One of the most interesting breeds out there, the Chow Chow has a few unique features including its lion-like thick mane and blue-black tongue and gums.
Here are your Chow Chow questions answered:
The glorious mane of the Chow Chow is their most unique feature. These dogs have two types of coats: rough and smooth. While both are double coated, the difference is in the rough coat, the outer coat is thicker and denser, with a fuller, fluffy look that feels course to the touch. Underneath, they have a soft undercoat that is thick and wooly. For the Chow Chow dogs with rough coats, it is not recommended to trim them. However, some dogs do get haircuts that make them look more lion-like. As long as your dog is willing to sit for its haircut, then you might indulge. Just realize it will be a big endeavor with what might seem like endless amounts of hair.
The second type of coat for the Chow Chow is smooth. While the smooth coat Chow Chow still has a lot of hair and it comes with the double coat, the texture and quantity are slightly different. Smooth Chow Chows have a tad less hair than the rough Chow Chows and the texture is still dense, but smoother and silky to the touch.
With all this hair comes shedding. Expect to brush your Chow Chow at least three times a week to prevent the matting and knotting of their thick coats. The good news is Chows do not have a doggie odor that some dogs do, even when their thick coat gets wet.
The Chow Chows have one unique characteristic that is unique to this dog breed. They have blue or black tongue and gums. We’ve already mentioned this as an interesting fact about the breed. The blue or black tongues are uniquely Chow Chow. The entire tongue, gums and lips of a true Chow Chow are different hues of blue or black.
Just as a Dalmatian is not born with spots, the Chow is not born with blue or black tongues. The coloration of the tongues happens around 2 or 3 months of age. If the tongue does not change color and remains pink or has any spotting of pink or red, it is not said to be a purebred Chow. This only matters if you are showing at an AKC-sanctioned dog breed show. Any coloration of Chow’s tongue different than black or blue, or even spotting of red or pink, will lead to disqualification.
Another characteristic of Chow Chows is the stilted gait they are known for. Because of this characteristic, these dogs are more likely to have hip dysplasia in dogs and elbow dysplasia in dogs.
This is due to the “pendulum gait,” which is hundreds of years old. The Chow Chow is built differently than most dogs. It’s body must support much of its weight towards the front in its broad shoulders, so the center of gravity is placed too far forward. This means more weight and stress are placed on elbows and hips, both when standing and in movement. The result is weaker/softer joints that often contribute to poor elbow health and strain on the joints.
Chow Chows are large, healthy dogs. However, because of their physical characteristics, Chow Chow dogs can have serious health issues. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic. There are a few conditions most notable that impact in this dog breed you should be familiar with if you have a Chow Chow. Of course, this does not mean your dog will have these problems; it only means they are more at risk than other dogs. They are:
Could your dog have arthritis? Take this quiz to find out!
Because of Chow Chow’s thick coats, be cognizant of the temperature of your dog. Extreme heat and the double thick coat of the Chow Chow do not mix well. Chow Chows can easily get overheated if you are exercising in hotter temperatures. This breed has more incidents of heat stroke than any other breed. Be sure to keep your dog well hydrated and go out when the temperatures are more moderate, such as at sunrise or sunset, if your schedule permits.
Some important things to consider in caring for your Chow Chow:
Chows are very healthy dogs. However, because of their gait as described earlier combined with their size, they can run into joint-related health problems. Chow Chows are an ideal dog candidate to protect and strengthen their joints safely and naturally by adding an all-natural joint supplement like Glyde Moblity Chews to their daily routine. Joint supplements can promote joint health and cartilage development which keeps dogs active and youthful, longer.
Parnell Living Science is the expert on osteoarthritis (OA) or arthritis in dogs. Glyde Mobility Chews Joint and Hip Supplements for dogs uses natural, gluten-free, natural ingredients to promote joint health and normal cartilage development. Glyde contains proven levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, elements of joint tissue that help maintain normal joint function. This specific formula also contains New Zealand green-lipped mussel, the only natural source of ETA, a potent Omega-3 fatty acid, that helps relieve occasional joint stiffness and maintains youthful mobility. Glyde is the only nutraceutical that contains proven levels of three key components that work to relieve the painful signs of arthritis:
Protecting a dog’s ability to run and play is key to preserving the quality of life. That’s why early recognition and treatment of osteoarthritis (or arthritis in dogs) is so important. 20% of dogs over the age of 1, and 80% of dogs over the age of 8 will shows signs of OA. Glyde can help protect your dog from signs of aging through arthritis.
Here are a few famous owners of Chow Chows you would be in good company with:
Hopefully, this information provides you with the tools you need to care for your Chow Chow if you have one now, or are considering adding one in the future!
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