Interesting Information on Chow Chows and Their Breeders

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the chow chow is the full furry coat that makes them look like the regal lion. And although their tongue will be pink at birth, it will slowly become blue-black. The first chow chow breeders existed in the Mongolian section of China thousands of years ago. These medium-sized dogs were used to hunt, guard and herd. Their fur coats enabled them to work in the harsh winters pulling sleds.

Chow chows are unique compared to most other dogs. Although they are intelligent, they can be hard to train because they do not have the need to please their masters. More like the independent nature of a cat, they want to do whatever they want to do. The chow chow breeders will tell you that, although they will be a devoted member of the family, they may not stay in the same room with you, preferring instead to stay at the front door to protect you from approaching strangers. Chow chows do not require the vigorous exercise that other hunting dogs demand, making them suitable for apartment living. A daily walk should be sufficient.

It seems that each time a breed becomes popular, as chow chows were in the 1980s, irresponsible and back-yard breeders want to cash in. Not knowing the breed, erroneously assuming that chow chows are supposed to be mean, they bred dogs that responsible chow chow breeders would know to be inappropriate. Then, as these irresponsibly bred dogs gain an unfounded reputation, it gives all dogs of that breed a bad name. You will recognize responsible breeders when you talk to them; their honesty about their love for the breed and the length of time that they have been breeders are good clues. And they have probably already started your puppy’s socialization.

Chow chows, like many other breeds, are susceptible to certain genetic conditions. It has been estimated that 50 percent of the breed may have hip dysplasia. However, reliable chow chow breeders will have their breeding stock x-rayed beforehand, doing the most possible to ensure that this trait is not passed down. These breeders may give you a two-year guarantee that your new charge will be free of this trait. Entropin (an eye condition where the eyelid folds back on itself) and skin conditions are also inherited. Ask the chow chow breeders to see the parents; look to see that their eyes are clear and free of discharge, and that they have thick coats of fur.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask the breeder for referrals from other adopters.