Chow Chows

[RD]

They can be a difficult breed at times, but they're one of my favorites.. So loyal.

They're another breed that really doesn't deserve the reputation. A lot of them ARE snappy, but it's a result of poor training and no structure in the house.. Speaking of chows...

Chewy (http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=3238486&adTarget=468doggeneral&SessionID=411ae3015cbcbcce-app1&display=&preview=1&row=50&tmpl=&stat=)
My possible new foster baby! I go to meet her tomorrow! :D :D

[Renee750il]

Chewy's a lovely girl. I can't help but wonder, though, how did she get that name? (lol) You might want to be sure you've got some good chew toys ready for her!

A friend of mine used to raise Chows. Her little girl learned to walk hanging on to the mama dog, and it wasn't unusual to find her curled up with the puppies next to mama for a nap. Pam was the only one allowed to touch that child when she was with the dog! Pam's Chows were some of the sweetest, most loving and steadiest dogs I've ever been around.

I've met a few Chows that fit the other side of the coin, but their dispositions could be laid squarely at the door of their owners. For some reason, these morons got the idea that the Chows were supposed to be big, bad, overly aggresive guard dogs. Anyone who's ever watched Martha Stewart when she's had her dogs on the show can see what a Chow Chow is really all about.

[nicco]

I don't know how many people will get upset when I say this (and I'm sorry) but I KNOW THAT CHOWS ARE VERY MEAN DOGS.Maybe the owners are getting a hard time training them and so they give up but do you want to know why I say this?It's because I'm a canin hair stylist and believe me that almost all the chows that I've seen are very mean.And I don't think it's a coincidence.I don't know....Maybe the owners are not envolved enough in their education.But one thing is for sure.That chows have a great personality and they are very stubborn dogs.I think they are a lot like the shar-pey (both of the breeds, I think, have the same origins)...

[shredhead (DOG LOVER)]

I don't know how many people will get upset when I say this (and I'm sorry) but I KNOW THAT CHOWS ARE VERY MEAN DOGS.Maybe the owners are getting a hard time training them and so they give up but do you want to know why I say this?It's because I'm a canin hair stylist and believe me that almost all the chows that I've seen are very mean.And I don't think it's a coincidence.I don't know....Maybe the owners are not envolved enough in their education.But one thing is for sure.That chows have a great personality and they are very stubborn dogs.I think they are a lot like the shar-pey (both of the breeds, I think, have the same origins)...

That is the owners fault. We can't blame a dog because its been raised wrong. They don't know any better. Even the nicest of dogs can become little devils if raised wrong.

[RD]

I second shredhead's post..

Chows typically have an aversion to strangers... Top that with being very intrusively handled, like in grooming, then yes, they do seem mean.

Most of the chow's aggression problems lie with both the breeder & the owner. I'm not denying that there are 'bad dogs' out there, but those are poor examples of the breed & shouldn't be what the breed is judged on.

Renee-- I think Chewy's adoption is pending! :D

[Renee750il]

It's necessary to remember, too, that Chows were never originally bred to be particularly friendly dogs. They were, after all, a primary source of food.

[RD]

They weren't meant to be indoor dogs, that would sit on their owner's lap and be stroked. I kind of like the cat-like temperament, they're not demanding but they show their affection in different and sometimes odd ways.

My Shiner used to bring me 'gifts', whether it was dead things that she had caught for me, or her favorite ball. (She was very picky about who she allowed to take her ball) That was how she best showed her affection. She'd sit tolerantly while I would pet her, but she would have rather been playing ball.

[pitbulliest]

True.. chows were used as a source of food in certain countries..which is just really disgustingly wrong...but anywho..
They were also used for dog fighting if I can recall reading it.... which would explain the animal (not human) aggression. That's something you can't train your dog to quit... its something owners should be extremely careful and aware about...its like getting a pit bull..if you don't know anything about the breed beforehand, you're gonna be in for a few surprises and you may just be in over your head..

I can't stress this enough for anyone....research research and research before you get any type of dog

[RD]

Hehe, I like you pitbulliest. You're very wise.

The thing about chows, compared with pit bulls, is that chows are more likely to be human aggressive. Pit bulls generally have a more affectionate temperament. Not to say that there isn't a 'tough one' in there, I'm sure there are plenty, but Chows, with their aloofness, are harder to handle & motivate. Still, all in all, very rewarding dogs.

[FaceZ Of DeaTh]

chow chows are stupid and hard tp train they also arent affection they are horrible

[pitbulliest]

facez of death..I hope you never buy a dog..you honestly don't deserve one... get a goldfish..

[RD]

facez of death, I disagree with you more than anyone I've ever seen on a dog site..

Please stop being such a hypocrite. You have a Rott mix. Rottweilers are made out to be killing machines, but because you own one, you know what they're like.

How many chows have you met and played with, hm? Very few I'll bet. What you just said was a sterotype, not an accurate description of the breed.

Try this novel idea: appreciating dogs for what they are, instead of picking holes in breeds just because of what someone tells you.

[becca_4321]

Although this is an older post I would like to tell about our 1 yr old Chow. My husband use to raise Chows, this is my first. She was in need of a good home, very shy. We have our business so we started her right off with taking her to work with us everyday. It wasnt long and all her fears had left her. She loved everyone and acted as if people had come just to see and play with her. Our granddaughter who has just turned a year old loves Princess. It is as if Princess knows she has to be extra gentle with her, rushes to her aid if she hears my granddaughter cry, allows her to sit on her and climb on her, even tries to share her doggie toys with her.
We have recently adopted a cat, Princess loves her. Every chance she gets will give poor Kat a bath. When Kat does not want to be bothered with she hisses, Princess will lay down, cry, then go off to find something else to do.
Our vet said Princess is indeed the friendliest, sweetest and most social Chow she has ever seen, the dog groomer said the same thing about her. When we first brought Princess home my husband said a Chow must be socialized. It has paid off because we couldnt ask for a better dog. Until recently we didnt know if she would protect us if ever we needed her help but then one night while on vacation we stopped at a rest area, while in our car someone started hanging around the car. Even though she would warn him with her barking and growls he would keep returning. We took Princess serious. If she is reacting this way to someone then we must take her warning to heart. She is a true 100% people lover and animal lover.

[Renee750il]

Thanks for that post, Becca. Once again, it's not the breed, it's the owner.

[pitbulliest]

Rip's...I just read your earlier post..thanks for correcting me..you are right..they do tend to be more human aggressive than dog aggressive...but I swear I read something about them being used as fighting dogs later on...to be honest though, I don't know all that much about chows..they're quite a mysterious breed to me so I don't think its wise that I really say anything about them in the first place lol

[Rose's Gal]

chow chows are stupid and hard tp train they also arent affection they are horrible

Don't even get me started on that. I've got to learn to controll my temper when it comes to one fo my favorite breeds so I'll start with you.
Chows are NOT stupid. They are very smart and loyal. They are also very stubborn and independant, so yes, they are hard to train. They act like cats. You don't say cats are stupid just because you can't train one. Cats are very smart IMO. They just don't see the need to please your every whim. Same goes with the Chow.
Chows aren't reallly affectionate either. They have a loyalty like no other but they don't demand affection from you. NOT a cuddly, fuzzy, teddy bear. And they are NOT horrible. They aren't for every person in the world to have. Only a few have the skills required in raising them and trianing them. It is just the people that aren't one of these few that make the Chows bad. Don't judge a breed just on the poor represenitives. Also look at all of the Chows out there that are good.


(I thought I held my temper back pretty good.....if I had said the things I really want to say...well......let's just say I'd be in trouble ;) )

[pitbulliest]

Well said :) *claps* great representative of the breed you are!

[Rose's Gal]

Well said :) *claps* great representative of the breed you are!

*blushes* Thanks..... :) I've stocked up on breed info of all of the breeds I like because most of the breeds I like, everybody thinks are evil and will eat them. I've had lots of practice telling people that Pitties, Chows, Rotties, Mastiffs, etc. aren't Monsters and it is the irrisponsible owners and irrisponsible breeders that are making the breeds human aggresive.
(And also remember reading somewhere that because of the way Chows eyes, hair, and head are shaped they have tunnel vision so sudden movements startle them because they can't see to the sides very well. Is this true? I think it is, but I'm not sure.)

[gell914]

hey i got a half chow dog too ..(the pics in my profile) i'm not sure if its half chow yet but it looks like one cuz his mom is a german shepherd. they really are hard to train but they are soo adorable!

[dawnell]

facez of death---sounds like an ignorant little kid who wrote that.

I'm currently dog sitting for a family who has 3 month old chow and a 4 month old german shepherd puppy. Talk about ~cute~ !! The chow is the cuttest thing I think I've ever seen. He looks like a fuzzy fat piglet with the softest thickest brown hair. The shepherd pup is cute too! The chow was a bit shy at first but has grown to know me and is very sweet.

[Buster]

Chows arent stupid and yes they are hard to train but that is because they arent as quick to let you assume the alpha role. Neither are they "Mean". They are protective. Which once again comes down to choosing the correct breed for you. The problem with any breed really is the lack of responsible ownership. It amazes me that this statement gets said over and over and over again but yet everyone seems to nod there head and move onto the next dog or breed to chastize. I love all dogs but yet there are breeds that I wouldnt own because they are not right for me. We just need to get people educated but the general public like to believe "If it was on TV it has to be true." But anyway good luck with Chewy!!

[becca_4321]

My husband and I have our own business so we started right off taking our Chow puppy to work with us daily. We took her nearly everywhere we went. It was unreal how many people would say "Chows are mean dogs!" or "train her to be a guard dog, they are excellent guard dogs". Even my kids would visit and complain that we'd have such a mean, untrustworthy breed. A untrainable dog.
My husband use to raise Chows, this was my first. I spent alot of time researching the breed to try to understand her better. She is a year old and is so sweet. She loves everyone, and all animals. Potty training her was no problem, she sits on command, stays (but whines about it). I have noticed the stubborn behavior. If she doesnt want to do something she will whine but she will finally give in to my command. When she goes out to play in the yard and I think she should come in, I will call her to come in but if she isnt ready to come in she will sit close to the door, look at me and whine! My hardest task with her has been trying to get her to not jump on people when they come. She just gets so excited, she grabs a toy and jumps begging them to play with her. Once she gets it out of her system she is fine. Its been quite the battle but I see a big improvement with that. One daughter has changed her mind about Chows after seeing how great she is with my granddaughter.
I love the Chow attitude, the stubborness, the personality. She doesnt have a mean bone in her body. We have fostered dogs of mixed breeds that we quickly found out where mean and unstable. Hopefully we've changed a few minds on Chows with our baby going to work with us so people can see for themselves Chows dont have to be 'mean'.

[RD]

Hrm, I was hoping to have forgotten about FOD. This place is much nicer without him/her.. (I can't help but remember the flood of trolls several months ago)

Again, I'm with Pitbulliest.. People need to research, research, research before you get ANY dog. Chows are wonderful, but a very small percentage of the people who are interested in them, have the experience and knowledge it takes to own one, and raise it into a pleasant dog. Becca, you are a very responsible Chow Chow owner, and it sounds like your girl is a fantastic representative of the breed. :)

[Renee750il]

What really frosts me is all the Chow (and other breed owners) who constantly tout that their dogs are such great fighters and are so aggressive. What idiots! They also usually have a somewhat skewed idea of their dogs' weight, too - lol! I've had to listen to people tell me about their 150 pound Chows that can whip any dog that comes around - and of course, these poor animals are generally kept tethered in the yard, day in day out, fair weather or foul. Yeeesh! :rolleyes:

There's nothing inherently wrong with any of the dog breeds - but the people who own some of them are another matter entirely!

[Grab]

I have a nearly 9 yr old Chow Chow whom I've had since he was 9 weeks old. For the first two years, he was in constant classes, and he's gone lots of places for socialization. Because of this, he is a stable dog with a wonderful temperament. Aggressiveness, regardless of breed, can be prevented when the dog is owned by a responsible owner. Stupid isn't a word I'd even contemplate using to reference them. I never found him especially hard to train either, but then I also own a Basset (and titled her in Obedience competitions) so maybe I'm just used to finding ways to convince them that learning is fun :p

[sharpeilover]

my mum use to own a chow chow many years ago and would luv to own one now, but have two dogs, and it would not be appriopraite for another dog 1 spcae, 2 jack the boxer not keen on other dogs, he has gone for many breeds including the staffie, gsh and more, not because we wanted him to but becaue wen he was a puppy he was attacked, so now i think he thinks that hes got to get to them first before they get to me. That is the only problem we have he is getting better but will properly never b able to b of lead with other dogs.

This doesnt make him mean at all its just cos dogs look at things differently, they dont know that not all dogs are like that like we do. Its just a shame as he is such a sweet dog.

I am also interestede in the chow chow and thing they are lovley, yes they use to be used for fighting, like many breeds- shar pei mastiffs many, unfortunalyt dog fighting still goes on in many countrys and should be stoped, but in my opinions there is far to much nasty ppl in the world for it to stop.

sorry makes me mad that ppl thing dogs should be used in this way.

[oriondw]

I've had nothing but bad experiences with Chow's I dont want to offend anyone, but the one's near my really have screws loose. They can be good dogs then explode out of no where. They are aloso very dominant for their small size and dont know where to stop.

[Rose's Gal]

I've had nothing but bad experiences with Chow's I dont want to offend anyone, but the one's near my really have screws loose. They can be good dogs then explode out of no where. They are aloso very dominant for their small size and dont know where to stop.

Well, as long as you understand that not all of the Chows out there are evil I don't think anybody will be jumping down your throat. ;) And I sure do know what you mean about a certain breed of dog having there screws to loose.....I swear that all of the Aussies and Aussie Cattle Dogs around hear are out for blood. I don't think the Aussies would hurt a person, but they sure are evil with other dogs, and the Cattle Dogs.....not so sure about them when it comes to people....they've feaked me out a couple of times...

[puppyluva4life]

:mad: the saying that chow chows are mean dogs is not true to the least bit! it is all the owners fault. unfortunatley, my 14 year old chow chow named Pow Pow (i know i know odd name, but we got him as a pup from some1 living in an apartment) and i had since the day i was born ( i am still a kid) in HIS WHOLE LIFE HE HAS NOT BITTEN ANY FAMILY MEMBER. he was my pillow, my blankey for when i was sad. he was a special dog, he had a long snout, not a bll dog type face. to all people he was affectionate, not cuddly like rubbing against u and not hyperactive. but when i was on the couch he would jump up and rest his head on me.

R.I.P~ POW~ THE BEST DOGG EVER, I NOW HAVE A YORKIE/MALTESE AND I LOVE HIM TO DEATH BUT NO DOG CAN COMPARE TO POW POW, WHO WAS THERE FOR ME FOR THE DEATH OF MY AUNT, MY LITTLEW COUSI, AND MY BEST FRIEND.
I MISS U ALL SOO MUCH :(

[puppyluva4life]

and also...he knew how to sit, lie down, come, stay on command ect. withOUT ever being to an obediance class

the only thing my dog hated...other dogs...out of protection and pure jealousy

[becca_4321]

Thats funny because this evening we was outside talking to one of our neighbors. She was saying how surprised she was with Princess being a Chow that she is so sweet and friendly. She always knew Chows to be such mean dogs.
Princess is not perfect but maybe some of that is her youth. She's full of energy, hyper as can be. But she loves everyone, she loves other dogs, she knows sit, lie down, come, stay, she can jump hurdles (we just started working on that). She is a very social dog. But she is stubborn, she at times hears what she wants to hear and blocks out all comands, she's whinny, and when she gets mad at something she finds a paper and rips it up (?). Its all in how they are raised. Personaly, I've found myself more afraid of small dogs than I am larger breeds. The tiny dogs I swear can be more aggressive than the largest of dogs!

[Ash47]

Becca,
I have a Chow-Black Lab cross. (Precious in my siggy.) Anyway, I have never had to defend her to any ignorant people. But she is the most happy playful and gentle dog. I just love her to death. And I agree with you on the little dog thing... They must compensate for their size, therefore, they have a mean bite. And attitude to go with it. LOL

[puppyluva4life]

ONE MORE THING,............CHOWS ROK MY SOX~!!! :p :p :p

[Tbecker48]

I have a Chow/Sherpherd. She is a total sweetheart. But I think because people see how much she loves me and my family that she is going to be this outgoing friendly dog to them as well, which is not the case. She's not mean to anyone but it's almost like she could care less about you if you're not part of the family.

[gaddylovesdogs]

I've never been much of a Chow person....my neighbors had two, and they were nice enough, but I was still a bit weary of them. I was also almost attacked by one, which doesn't make me enjoy them any better. I don't think they're bad dogs, but they aren't one of my very favorite breeds.

[puppyluva4life]

i know what you mean, it's just lke me and Boxers. I dont hate them, bbut i keep my distance. When i was little, i got chased by one is a community park and i needed to get 37 stitches.OUCH

[puppyluva4life]

ahahaha i think this thread is dying

[becca_4321]

this one dies, then comes back alive then dies again. Poor little chows, so misunderstood.

[puppyluva4life]

yet, so cute and fluffy

[puppyluva4life]

This is not a picture of my Chow, but tell me how ''vicious'' :rolleyes: these look ;
chow (http://www.anunturipenet.ro/poze_anunt/15349.jpg)

chow2 (http://www.chow-chow-von-reichenberg.de/junger%20chow.jpg)

chow2 (http://www.bislac.chow-chow.cc/puppies/cream02.jpg)

[bubbatd]

I wish I had a positive in- put in this thread . Unfortunately I've only really known 2 chows...both were so very protective of their owners , I who would pat a lion , was growled and snapped at. One's owner was napping at his Mom's house (brought his dog)...when his Mom playfully slapped at her son's feet to wake him up , the Chow attacked her causing many stitches. I think they are so beautiful , but unfortunately I can't trust them .( Especially with children other than the ones in their home.)

[puppyluva4life]

well my chow was a family pet and yes, once we werre robbed and well the robber was bitten...hard, but whoever we let in the house was OK with him

[gaddylovesdogs]

My neighbor's chows were pretty nice. A month or two ago, while walking two of my girls, I saw a loose Chow Chow on someone's step. There was also another dog on the other side of the street. I was least afraid of the Chow.....the other dog was behaving more aggressively.

[becca_4321]

Doesnt this also fall in line with the no bad dogs, but bad owners? They need to be socialized. Princess knows no stranger. People knock on our door and she doesnt bark at all and if she goes to the door its with her tail wagging ready to greet her friends. She is great with my grand-daughter and has been around other little kids and is great with them. The only thing is she does have to be watched because if she gets to excited she can knock alittle one down.
I will be getting my new baby in about a week, she will be raised the same way and I look forward to showing people in this area just how great a Chow can be.

[bubbatd]

That shows responsible breedinmg and raising !!! Good for you !!

[juliefurry]

I don't know much about Chows (except they have purple tongues...or is it black). Anyway, my grandma had one when she was a little girl, and it loved their family so much. It would not let any stranger near their home, or in it for that matter. They finally had to give it up, and my grandmother said she was heartbroken because she loved her chow dog.

[spanielboy]

My parents took in a stray Chow Chow my first year in college. I had come home for Christmas vacation to find this strange dog in the house and was not friendly with him - he got even, one night he took a dump in my bed. :cool: Regardless, months and years later, my brother and I would wrestle and run with him, as well as chase him around the house to our mother's chagrin. :p Budd was very gentle with us. He had bitten one cousin who was playing with his food bowl while he was eating, as well as some young punk on the block who thought it was funny to throw gravel at him to get him provoked. He loved to be brushed but hated to take his bi-yearly baths in the backyard (to the point the family was trying to corral him into the washtub). Budd passed away six-months ago at the age of 17 (human years). He was a very good dog and is sorely missed. :(

[oriondw]

the only thing my dog hated...other dogs...out of protection and pure jealousy


See thats my biggest problem with them.


Some of them, all i've met, are just vicious to other dogs, unprovoked. I know alot about protection and know that what Chows usually do is not it.

For example, when a dog three times its size is walking around minding his own business and a male chow just HAS to run up to it and start to hump the big dog... Then when big dog puts the chow in its place, the chow starts attacking. Thats not protection.

When a grown chow chow comes into the off-leash park and starts bullying and biting small puppy's thats not protection.

As i said before, im sure there are great chow chow's outthere with no dominance/agression problems but most( read all) around here have those problems. Saying that all chow chows are sweetest things is just wrong :p

[gaddylovesdogs]

Chow Chows are a more aggressive/dominant breed, but that doesn't mean that their bad dogs. No, not all chows are going to be angels, but there are plenty that are. I remember one night....my sister, the girls and I were in the basement eating pizza and watching movies. The neighbor's chow that Tippy had lived with came to the window and stared down at us, whining. He then came to the back door, whining at our dogs.
We did meet him physically a few times. He would wander around the neighborhood as he pleased, and passed or came into our yard occasionally, but never did anything to our girls. In a way, I think he was just a big baby. I'm sad to say that after the druggies left, I don't know what happened to him and the other chow. Mr. B and Nanook...hope you found a good home.

[mrose_s]

FaceZ Of DeaTh, you ARE ignorant, you dont deserve even a goldfish because it woulld probably be too "stupid" for you.

Chows are not the dog for me and they are definetly not the dog for you.
just because they are not the right breed for you doesnt make them "horrible"

sorry guys if this is late but i wanted to add my bit

[bubbatd]

chows are chows ! They need a lot of socializing etc. My Bubba, who never fought, was always "head butted " by the Chow where we boarded our horses. They do like to show their "stuff". As much as I like their looks, I would never own one.