Classification

Origin: China

Class: according to the FCI classification - group 5: Spitz and primitive breeds. Section 5: Asian Spitz and related breeds. No operational tests.

Usage: companion dog, guard dog.

Color: black, brown, white, red, blue, cream with shades, without any spots.

Dimensions: height at the withers: males - from 48-56 cm, females - from 46-51 cm; weight: males - up to 32 kg, females - up to 27 kg

Lifespan: 10-12 years

A serious, calm and reasonable dog, with appearance and habits reminiscent of a small lion, does not like to joke, and is quite capricious.

A Chow Chow can even ignore its beloved owner if his commands go against his own beliefs.

Chow chows are smart, but infinitely stubborn; in terms of learning ability, they are in seventy-seventh place out of eighty, which does not prevent them from making their own decisions.

The Chow Chow's watchdog qualities are excellent. Like , they are distrustful and unfriendly to strangers, be they humans or animals.

History of the breed

DNA analysis of modern Chow Chows has confirmed that these dogs are descendants ancient breed dogs living in China.

For more than two thousand years, these dogs have been used as hunters and guards.

Descriptions of the chow chow are found in ancient manuscripts.

The purity of the Chow Chow was carefully maintained by the monks of Buddhist monasteries; they kept records of each mating, compiling pedigree books, and exchanged pets of their breeding to inject new blood.

Modern representatives of the breed have a slightly modified appearance, which was perfected by English breeders when these dogs were brought to England by merchants at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Character of the Chow Chow

• The Chow Chow's lack of a sense of humor and the need for fun games with humans is one of the striking qualities of these animals.
• Independence and a serious attitude towards everything can discourage an inexperienced owner, but in fact, dogs of this breed, like dogs, are ready to give their lives protecting their owner.
• Even small puppies, charming and clumsy like all babies, do not like invasion of personal space and can be brought to a boil, trying to bring any of their ideas to life.
• Communication with a chow-chow requires the owner to have endless patience and respect for the interests of the dog; only then does a calm, well-mannered dog grow out of a stubborn, aggressive animal.
• Pets living in the same territory as dogs of this breed are usually perceived by them calmly, and any stranger can cause an outburst of uncontrollable rage. That is why when meeting or communicating with dogs or cats, unknown to the dog, the owner must put him on a leash and control his behavior.
• The tendency to dominate in the family is often found in dogs of this breed, and it begins quite early, even in puppyhood. As in the case of the owner, the owner must firmly suppress the chow-chow’s attempts to impose its will, otherwise cope with an adult gloomy dog It will be very difficult.

Important: Chow Chows grow and mature very quickly, so you shouldn’t delay socializing and training your puppy!

Application

IN modern world The use of chow chow is most often limited to decorative function: beautiful dogs, having the appearance of a lion or a bear, attract the eyes of passers-by, and their blue tongue causes a lot of controversy.

There is a beautiful legend that the chow licked the roof of his mouth when God was creating him, which is why his tongue turned blue.

Interesting! In fact, Chow Chow puppies are born with pink tongues that turn blue as the dog matures.

As guards, the Chow Chow dog breed is successfully used to guard apartments and private courtyards.

Sports people leading active image For those who enjoy hiking or cycling, this breed is not suitable.

Chow chows are not very popular sports activities, and even more so because they have low level energy, so they prefer passive pastime.

How to choose a dog

You should take the purchase of a Chow Chow puppy very seriously, fully aware of all the advantages and disadvantages of this breed.

Even purebred puppies Chow-chow breeds differ from each other in appearance, so if the owner plans to pursue a pet’s show career, then it is necessary to carefully study the pedigree and titles of the parents.

Typically, promising puppies do not have defects or shortcomings that are easily visible at two months of age.

The puppy should not have:

1. Spotted tongue.
2. Pink nose (in cream-colored puppies, a black nose may become spotted over time, and this is a disqualifying fault)
3. Any malocclusion: underbite, overbite.
4. Entropion or eversion of the eyelids.
5. Uneven color (spots).
6. Sagging of the lower eyelids, which may indicate incipient entropy.

For a successful exhibition career, it is advisable to purchase a puppy from a high-pedigree red female, and if the choice falls on a male puppy, then one must take into account that there is much more competition among them.

Consequently, the work and financial costs of maintaining a show dog are also an order of magnitude greater.

Important! Very often, puppies have a slightly different color than an adult dog, so you should pay attention to the color of the fur under the eyes, on the face and paws - in these areas it does not change with age.

Thick paws gathered into a ball, a thick base of the tail and fully set ears slightly tilted forward - these qualities should be present in a two-month-old puppy.

Temperament and character can also be determined at this age.

You should not take a timid, aggressive or overly arrogant baby, no matter how promising his appearance may be.

For the Chow Chow, temperament means a lot.

Features of care

Combing

Chow Chows have a thick coat with a developed undercoat, and during molting periods they shed intensively.

Thick fur, when water or dirt gets on it, rolls into tangles that pull the animal's skin, irritating it and causing pain.

Under the tangles, the skin may begin to swell. To avoid this, you need to comb the puppy daily, accustoming him to this procedure.

Walk

Accustoming to neatness should begin from the first day of a puppy’s life in a new home.

To do this, you should not use a place in the house covered with a diaper or sawdust, since an adult dog can use any textile for this.

The puppy must know that it is impossible to recover within the walls of the house, and the owner must take the baby outside after each awakening, feeding and during wakefulness.

There is no need to take long walks; after recovery, the puppy is brought home.

An adult Chow Chow needs longer walks, two or three times a day.

It is also worth taking a two-hour walk once a day. IN crowded places worth putting on your pet.

During the period of growth, there is no need to burden the baby with long runs, preventing him from jumping from heights.

Daily exercise and games with peers will strengthen his ligaments and serve to quickly socialize the pet.

Nutrition

The Chow Chow is not a very energetic dog, so many representatives of this breed tend to be overweight.

The owner should give the pet food containing two-thirds protein and one-third carbohydrates.

A growing puppy is fed four times a day until the age of six months, and the baby is given fermented milk products at one feeding, and porridge with meat at the other three.

Beef can be given to puppies both raw and boiled, and offal (liver, tripe) can be given boiled.

Be sure to add raw or boiled carrots and vegetable oil to the porridge.

An adult pet is fed twice a day, the amount of food is calculated individually based on age, gender and physical activity dogs.

Breeding dogs should receive a high-protein diet, where meat and offal make up 80%, and cereals and vegetables - 20% of the daily volume.

Important! Puppy and suckling bitches receive additional nutrition in the form of milk or fermented milk products, the number of feedings increases to four, starting from the second half of pregnancy.

Vaccinations

Chow Chows are smart, but also very stubborn.

Mating

The formation of a Chow Chow dog ends by the age of two, so a male can be mated starting at 18 months, and a female is usually mated at .

Usually for successful mating resort to the help of an instructor, since the bitch can show aggression towards the male.

The bitch is kept on a short leash, not allowing her to turn towards the male.

Before mating, be sure to walk the animals, since the bitch’s full intestines can lead to the absence of a lock.

The presence or absence of a lock does not affect fertilization, since ejaculation occurs almost immediately after mating begins.

Mating chow chow different colors is subject to the following rules:

1. Two black Chow Chows can produce puppies of any color.
2. Two red Chow Chows or a red and a brown will never produce black and blue puppies.
3. Two browns will not produce black, blue or red puppies.
4. Two blue parents will not produce black or red puppies.
5. Blue and brown parents will not produce black and red puppies.
6. Two cream parents will produce only cream puppies!

Chow-chow dogs (photo): wayward domestic lion

A serious, calm and reasonable dog, with appearance and habits reminiscent of a small lion, does not like to joke, and is quite capricious. A Chow Chow can even ignore its beloved owner if his commands go against his own beliefs. Chow chows are smart, but infinitely stubborn; in terms of learning ability, they are in seventy-seventh place out of eighty, which does not prevent them from making their own decisions. The Chow Chow's watchdog qualities are excellent; they are distrustful and unfriendly to strangers, be they humans or animals.

The Chow Chow is one of the oldest breeds in the world with a beautiful thick coat and a unique feature - a dark blue tongue. Once upon a time, these Chinese dogs worked as hunters and guards; now they belong to ornamental breeds, but don’t let this mislead potential owners. Chow chows are very temperamental, proud and stubborn; they require a special approach.

The steppes of northern China and Mongolia are considered the homeland of the Chow Chow. Previously dogs This breed was used for hunting, as guards and assistants to reindeer herders, and also as sled dogs. Purebred chow chow breeding was most likely carried out by monks in Buddhist monasteries.

Due to the fact that eastern countries were for a long time“closed” to Europeans, the first representatives of the breed appeared in England only in the 30s of the 19th century. It was from this time that selective breeding of the modern Chow Chow breed began in Europe. Now representatives of this breed are no longer considered working dogs, but decorative ones.

Video review about the Chow Chow dog breed:

Appearance and standards

Chow chows are compact, strong, good dressed dogs with a proud posture. Their appearance eloquently speaks of the fact that they are independent, serious, and with self-esteem. Distinctive features of the breed are a dark blue tongue (only the Chow Chow and Chinese can boast of this) and a unique stilted gait. Height at the withers is 45-55 cm. Weight is 20-30 kg, but it is not critical, the main thing is that the dog is proportionate and harmoniously built.

The head is large and massive. The skull is flat, wide, without a noticeable transition from the forehead to the muzzle. Lips are full and jagged. The teeth are strong, complete with correct bite. The eyes are oval-shaped, dark. The ears are small, dense, rounded at the ends, set firmly and wide, inclined forward towards the eyes and slightly brought together. This gives the expression some scowl. The neck is slightly arched, powerful and voluminous.

The body is compact. The chest is deep and wide. The back is short and straight. The loin is wide and powerful. The tail is set high, continues the top line, and lies curled over the back. Limbs with strong bones, muscular. The front are straight, the rear with straight hocks. The paws are round and compact.

The coat is thick, dense and straight, standing upright. The coat is moderately hard to the touch, and the undercoat is soft and dense.

Based on the length of their coat, Chow Chows are divided into two types:

• Longhairs are distinguished by rich, long, thick hair that forms the collar, feathering on the legs and tail.
• Short-haired dogs are called smoothies. Their coat is similar in quality, differing only in length, which makes the dogs look plush, like British kittens.

The color can only be one color. A slightly lighter shade is allowed on the collar, pants and tail. Colors may vary:

• Black;
• Blue;
• Red;
• White;
• Mustard (cinnamon);
• Cream.

Longhaired Chow Chow

Shorthaired Chow Chow

Character and psychological portrait

These fluffy "bears" are wonderful companions. However, it is worth noting that the breed is not suitable for everyone. A distinctive feature of the Chow Chow's temperament is their seriousness and stubbornness; the dog considers itself completely independent, the owner must recognize this trait and respect the furry friend as a person. In general, Chow Chows are intelligent and friendly. They behave very politely and patiently with their family, but treat strangers with suspicion or cold indifference. It is better for guests of the house where the Chow Chow lives not to insist on his attention without imposing his own; the dog may react aggressively. It is also worth noting that Chow Chows do not get along well with other animals. The exception is those cases when they grew up under the same roof from childhood.

It is believed that the Chow Chow has very developed intuition. To confirm this, we can cite people's stories about how chow chows saved their owners from certain death. For example, one dog saved its owner from a house collapsing on her after an explosion, preventing her from going along her usual path. Another pet “called” a person for help when its owner was crushed under a cart. And there are hundreds of such stories.

Education and training

Thus, many people believe that representatives of this breed are completely resistant to training, but this is not at all true. The fact is that stubborn chow chows will only listen to an experienced, strong-willed and to a strong man, in which authority is felt.

Chow Chows definitely need early socialization and training.

Babies are obedient by nature and rarely cause trouble, but adult dogs that have not been trained may refuse to recognize the prestige of the owner, which will entail the most various problems in behavior.

Chow chows are classified as decorative dogs, but this does not mean that they are meant to live on the couch. These dogs will feel equally good in an apartment, next to the owner, provided they are walked regularly, and will easily adapt to life in the yard. Thanks to their thick fur coat, they can easily withstand even severe frosts. Besides, on the street they will have permanent job– protection of the territory. Many owners note that chaushkas will not bark in vain only when the features of their property are under threat. As for keeping in an enclosure, a dog needs to be accustomed to it from an early age. Chow chows are quite freedom-loving and do not like change; if they are used to sleeping in the house at night, then they will ask to come back in any way.

Chow Chows are calm and serious, they don't need much physical activity. Great option to maintain the health of the animal’s musculoskeletal system, daily walking in the park. IN public place You should keep your dog on a leash, as his character can sometimes be unpredictable.

Care

In order for this furry pet’s luxurious coat to remain well-groomed and beautiful, it is necessary to comb it regularly (about 1-2 times a week). The tools usually used are a comb with wide steel teeth and a slicker brush. Barber scissors will be needed to trim the hair between the toes and pads.

The breed does not need a haircut. Even in summer time It is not recommended to cut the “fur coat”, as this will disrupt the natural protection of the skin, which can even lead to burns.

During seasonal shedding, it is advisable to comb the coat daily. The owner must constantly examine his pet for the formation of tangles; most often they form behind the ears and armpits. Matts should always be removed before bathing, not after. Bathe as needed, but not more often than once every 2-3 months. For regular coat care, a “dry” shampoo is ideal, which is combed out after application.

Hygiene procedures include regular examination and cleaning of eyes, ears and teeth, and trimming of nails when necessary.

Nutrition

Chow chows are very demanding regarding the composition and quality of food. Owners need to choose the right diet based on the dog’s needs. Breeders consider it optimal to feed them ready-made with a low protein and fat content. Dietary foods and diets for dogs prone to allergies are suitable. Puppy food may not be suitable for Chow Chow babies due to high content carbohydrates and fats.

Feeding regimen and portions are no less important. The dog should not be overfed and taught to snack on “goodies” from the owner’s table.

For dogs on a natural diet, the main source of protein is, of course, meat. It is better to give preference to beef ( adult dog should receive at least 200-300 g of meat per day). It is better to avoid pork and chicken. Pork is too fatty, and chicken can cause allergies. By-products include beef liver and heart, and dried cartilage and tendons as delicacies. Fish is given approximately 2 times a week. Among dairy products, it is worth highlighting cottage cheese, fermented baked milk and kefir. Once a week you can treat your pet to an egg. Suitable cereals include buckwheat, rolled oats and rice.

Health and life expectancy

Chow Chow owners often have to communicate with veterinarians, unfortunately, not only on issues of prevention. Dogs are prone to various types of allergies and skin diseases. In addition, the breed has a number of diseases that are inherited:

• Myopathy;
• Adrenal insufficiency;
• Dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints;
• Inversion/inversion of eyelids;
• Anomaly of claws (splitting);

Average life expectancy is 12-13 years.

Choosing a puppy and the price of a chow chow

The Chow Chow is one of the most common breeds, and therefore finding a puppy of the desired gender and color will not be difficult. It is much more difficult to find a really good puppy. Given the already complex nature of the Chow Chow, it is not recommended to purchase animals from random people. It is important to evaluate the character and health of the parents and contact only those breeders who have earned positive recommendations.

Puppies are born with pink tongues, but by the age of one month they become evenly colored in a darker shade. You should not trust a breeder who offers a two-month-old puppy with a spotted tongue and assures that he will soon be all colored. The paw pads, gums, lips and eyelids should also be dark.

In nurseries, the average price of a chow chow puppy is 40,000 rubles. You can buy a dog from private breeders for 15,000-25,000 rubles. Children without documents are usually sold for 10,000-15,000 rubles, but it is better to overpay for a healthy one with a stable psyche than to end up wasting energy, time and money on treatment or correcting bad habits.

Small representatives of the breed with pedigree documents, suitable for breeding in the future, will cost the future owner 12,000-20,000 rubles. The most expensive Chow Chow puppies are those who serve high hopes become champions in the future, the so-called show class puppies. Typically their price ranges from 30,000 and above.

Today there is no reliable information about when exactly the history of the Chow Chow began. But the fact that it dates back several thousand years is beyond doubt. According to some data, back in the 3rd millennium BC. e. in the palace library of the Chinese emperors there were records about this amazing breed, which, unfortunately, have not survived to this day.

One version of the origin of the breed says that the first dogs of this type appeared in China as “gifts of peace” that the Mongol conquerors presented to the emperor. The bear dog came to the Mongols as a military trophy during clashes with the indigenous peoples of Siberia. Archaeological finds confirm that the ancestors of the Chow Chow lived in this territory.

The question of the genetic roots of the representatives of the breed remains open to this day. Many experts are inclined to accept the version about the origin of the chow chow from polar wolves. The fashionable legend that the first dogs of this breed appeared as a result of an interspecific crossing of a husky and a polar bear does not stand up to criticism.

Once in China, Chow Chows were initially the property of only the courts of high-ranking nobles. But gradually interest in animals faded away, and dogs spread throughout the country, they could even be found in the homes of poor Chinese. Control over the purity of blood was lost. The situation was saved by the monks of Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, Manchuria and Northern China, who carried out careful selection work and kept pedigrees of blue and black chow chows.

Europe greeted the “bear” dog as a strange beast from the distant Celestial Empire. The first “fluffies” appeared here in 1780 and for almost a hundred years they were perceived only as exotic animals. The situation changed in 1865, when Queen Victoria, fascinated by the plush miracle given to her, showed interest in the breed. In 1887, the British began breeding Chow Chows, and eight years later the breed standard was approved and the first Chow Chow Club appeared in the Old World.

The Russian history of the breed goes back about eighty years, when the animals appeared in the Soviet Far East. Later, after 1945, some of the dogs were brought to the USSR from the eastern regions of Germany. A more or less stable population was formed only in the 60s of the last century. It became possible to get closer to world quality standards for the breed only after 1976, when purebred Chow Chows from recognized and titled producers were brought to the Leningrad Kennel Club.

Why "chow-chow"?

As well as versions of origin, there are several interpretations of the name of the breed.

• Thus, the word “chow” in Chinese means “an animal that can be eaten.” And although gastronomic preferences for dog meat are more likely to be characteristic of Koreans, in China they have also never disdained this dish.
• However, the same Chinese have the word “kau” - “dog”, which is very close in sound to “chow”. The version is less bloodthirsty, therefore more popular.
• The rich Chinese language gives us another explanation. The word "chaow" means a dog that is distinguished great strength and courage - these are precisely the traits that characterize real Chow Chows.
• The European version refers us to the English “chow-chow” - this was the name of special premises on merchant ships that transported dogs of this breed across the ocean.

Video: Chow-chow

Chow Chow Appearance

The Chow Chow is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. Amazing wool and dark tongue became the reasons for the enduring popularity of animals.

Height

The height at the withers of a male is from 48 to 56 cm, of a female - 46-51 cm.

Weight

An adult male weighs 25-32 kg, a female - 20-27 kg.

Head

The Chow Chow's skull is flat, wide, with good filling under the eyes. The stop is not pronounced.

Muzzle

wide, medium length without a “fox” point. The nose is wide and large, usually black. For fawn and almost white dogs, a light color is allowed, and for cinnamon (cinnamon color) and blue chow-chows, a natural shade of the lobe is allowed. The palate, lips (preferably, and gums) are black. The tongue is blue-black.

Eyes

Oval, medium size. The pupil is clearly visible. Chow-chows of blue or cinnamon color may have eyes that match the color of their coat.

Ears

Thick, small in size, rounded at the ends. Wide set, erect, but slightly inclined towards the eyes, which gives the muzzle a frowning expression.

Neck

Harmoniously curved and well set on the shoulders. Powerful, not short.

Back

Straight, short, strong with a powerful loin.

Breast

Deep, well developed with pronounced but not barrel-shaped ribs.

Tail

The Chow Chow's tail is set high and lies on the back.

Front legs

Absolutely straight, medium length. The backbone is strong.

Hind legs

Powerful, medium length. The angles of the hock joints are minimal, which gives rise to a “stilted” gait characteristic only of this breed.

Paws

The Chow Chow's paws are small, rounded, and raised at the toes.

Wool

Long – very thick, straight and erect with fairly coarse topcoat and soft undercoat. It forms a characteristic “lion’s” mane around the neck, and long “pants” on the back of the thighs are well defined. Intentional shortening of hair that changes the appearance of the dog is under no circumstances allowed.

Short (smooth) – very thick, has a plush structure. The hair is located perpendicular to the body.

Color

Be sure to have uniform pure colors - black, fawn, cinnamon, red, especially valuable ones - blue and white. Shades of the main color are allowed, but never spots.

Any deviation from the standard is a deficiency or a disqualifying feature, depending on the degree of its manifestation.

Photo of an adult chow chow

Character of the Chow Chow

As original as the appearance of the Chow Chow is, its character is equally non-standard (as applied to dogs). People who know about the chaushka first-hand claim that it is an arrogant and heartless animal, and the owners of these unusual dogs they unanimously speak about the kindness, devotion and responsiveness of their pets.

The main character traits are independence, poise and dignity. This dog will even show love for its owner with special restraint, hiding endless devotion inside. Like all large dogs, the Chow Chow independently chooses the leader of the pack. And it is not at all a fact that it will be the one who brought the puppy into the house. Other household members will also receive their share of favor and courteous treatment, but the animal’s heart will belong only to the “leader” all its life.

External manifestations of love are very restrained. The dog whines almost inaudibly and lightly nuzzles its owner. Delight from communication can also be indicated by a barely noticeable twitching of the tail.

Dissatisfaction usually manifests itself in a dull growl, which, depending on the degree of concern of the dog, has different shades.

All Chow Chow owners note an amazing, almost telepathic ability to sense the owner’s mood if he is upset or unhealthy in some way. But this dog will not understand and will not approve of excessive emotionality and hot temper.

If you have a child in your house, explain to him that this stuffed animal is not a toy at all and will not tolerate pain and excessive pranks even from members of his pack. If a child offends an animal, he will never be able to find a common language with him.

The Chow Chow's attitude towards strangers is always wary and distrustful. The dog usually does not show aggression, but it will not accept unsolicited affection from a stranger.

Relationships with other animals cannot be called simple. Chaushka will love the cat she grew up with, while the tailed one seen on the street will be pursued by her at every opportunity. They usually show no interest in oncoming dogs. If the first acquaintance does take place, then the decision made by the chow will never change - either it is an enemy, or a friend, or just an acquaintance who just needs to “just politely nod in response.” Of the other dogs you keep in your home, the Chow Chow will only tolerate a member of its own breed of the opposite sex.

The Chow Chow does not celebrate a coward. If aggression is shown towards itself, the dog will fight to the bitter end without hesitation. Powerful jaws, large size and thick fur that protects against bites are good arguments in any fight.

A chow will rush to protect its owner without hesitation, even if it has not been trained in security work. He just loves you and is ready to give his life for it.

Education and training

Outwardly resembling a huge plush toy, Chow Chows are distinguished by a very firm and even somewhat wayward character.

Raising an obedient dog turns out to be a task that requires a lot of patience, dedication and consistency.

Raising a Chow Chow puppy should start from a very early age. Nature has endowed this cute fluffy ball with such willpower and integrity of character that only a true leader will obey the chow. Moreover, your leadership should be calm, confident and not subject to the slightest doubt. A hysterical aggressive person will never cope with this dog. Flirting and lisping will also not achieve results. The pet, sensing the weakness of the owner, will itself take the place of the leader and it will be almost impossible to make changes to such a hierarchy.

For successful upbringing, it is necessary to socialize the animal as early as possible. Walk with him in crowded places more often so that the puppy gets used to the idea that there are many strangers besides you. This will gradually level out the innate hostility towards strangers. Chow Chows are very jealous of the inviolability of their home. A situation where guests come to the house and (in the puppy’s opinion) allow themselves to move around its territory uncontrollably can cause stress in the dog and a subsequent aggressive reaction, so you should try as quickly as possible to teach the baby to be calm about new faces, smells and voices .

A big plus in raising Chow Chows is their innate cleanliness. The puppy very quickly understands where to go to the toilet and learns to be patient from walk to walk. But do not abuse this ability - after sleep and every feeding, the dog should be taken outside.

Training a Chow Chow at home seems to be a very problematic undertaking. A representative of this breed simply will not follow orders that he considers incomprehensible or stupid. If you don’t have enough time or feel even the slightest doubt about your abilities, it’s better not to start the task. Immediately place your pet in the hands of an experienced instructor, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to correct the consequences of training.

Experts note that the execution of even a simple command takes place in several stages. First, the dog will evaluate the appropriateness of the command in a given situation, then decide how determined you are to carry it out, and only after realizing that your willpower cannot be overcome, will it perform the required actions. If you give up, the chow will continue to do its own thing. The situation is even more difficult with the execution of service commands, especially endurance. Well, the animal doesn’t understand why it needs to stay in the same position for a long time. And if he doesn’t understand, it means he won’t do it.

The main difficulties in training Chow Chows are encountered when working with males. Girls are more flexible, obedient and sociable, and do not strive for leadership in the pack as much as the stronger sex.

The conditions of a city apartment are quite suitable for keeping a chow chow. This dog has a balanced and calm character and, when alone, will never howl loudly, annoying neighbors, or damage furniture. The chaushka is also amazingly clean, which all owners note with special pride.

Thanks to its special structure, the coat of dogs of this breed practically does not get dirty, and when dirty, it cleans itself perfectly, so experts do not recommend bathing your pet more than 2-3 times a year. Of course, before entering the exhibition ring you cannot do without this procedure.

Contrary to popular belief, you should not brush your dog every day when it is not shedding. It is enough to perform this procedure once a week using a sparse comb. The Chow Chow's coat is not prone to matting. The exceptions are the armpits and behind the ears. These areas need to be monitored more closely. During the molting period, the fallen undercoat remains on the coat and is easily removed by combing, which these days requires systematicity.

Connoisseurs of the breed note that richer, longer and denser hair is characteristic of males. A chow chow that spends a long time on the street or is kept in a specially equipped enclosure looks even more luxurious. This applies to adult dogs. In puppies up to six months of age, the body is covered with fluff, which quickly falls off, gets wet and dries very poorly. You should carefully look after the condition of your baby’s coat and try not to bathe him until the first adult shedding.

The procedures associated with cleaning a dog’s ears and teeth are no different. But trimming the claws is usually not necessary - due to the structure of the paw, they grind well on the ground. The dewclaws require more attention, especially in winter. A dog's eyes need daily care– they need to be wiped with a cotton swab dipped in a special solution.

To feed a chow chow, it is optimal to use premium dry food with a reduced fat and protein content. This can be a mixture for animals predisposed to allergies, or any other dietary composition. Even three-month-old babies can be switched to a menu for adult dogs, since puppy food is usually saturated with fat, but this is not very good for a chow chow.

If you prepare food for your pet yourself, you need to make sure that the diet does not contain a lot of fats and carbohydrates. sea ​​fish and meat is preferable raw, and from vegetables greatest benefit will bring cabbage, lettuce and other leafy crops. Cereals are not welcome, with the exception of buckwheat and rice in very small quantities. Poultry tubular bones should be completely excluded. Improving the quality of the coat is facilitated by introducing a small amount of vegetable oil into the diet.

As for the diet, it should be remembered that it is better not to overfeed the chow chow, and the possibility of constant “snacks” between feedings should be excluded. In any case, you need to carefully monitor the diet of dogs of this breed. Chow Chows are prone to allergic reactions, and any imbalance in the diet, especially an excess of carbohydrates, can lead to undesirable consequences.

Chow Chow puppies are not suitable for long distance runs or long hikes. It’s better to let your baby off the leash so that he can regulate his own physical activity.

Choose a collar for your pet responsibly. The usual one will not work - it wipes out the hair and the dog’s appearance noticeably suffers. The best option seems to be a narrow leather or fabric collar or a special harness.

Chow Chow Health and Diseases

Chow chows are dogs with good health. However, there are a number of hereditary diseases that are most common in representatives of this breed. These include atopic dermatitis, hereditary myopathy and entropion.

Hereditary myopathy manifests itself in a decrease in muscle tone, impaired muscle contraction, and atrophy. The danger of the disease is that it affects everything skeletal muscles. The disease is manifested by difficulty in activity - the animal gets up with difficulty, movements are constrained, during walks the dog may even fall and not get up immediately, hind legs begin to move in “rabbit hops.” More often similar problems begin to appear when low temperatures air. If any of these symptoms appear, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. The dog should be kept warm. The disease is dangerous as it can lead to severe complications and even the death of the animal.

Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary allergic disease. Accompanied severe itching and changes skin eczema-like. The main symptoms are almost incessant scratching and licking of the groin, axillary and interdigital areas of the body. According to statistics, it occurs in almost 15% of chow-chow dogs (bitches are more often affected). Advanced dermatitis can cause otitis media. For more effective treatment the allergen should be determined clinically or by exclusion.

Entropion of the eyelid manifests itself in the pathological location of the eyelid, due to which the eyelashes turn towards eyeball. Constant friction of eyelash hairs on the cornea of ​​the eye not only constantly irritates the eye, which causes profuse lacrimation and purulent discharge, but can lead to ulcerative keratitis, perforation of the cornea and even blindness. Treatment is usually surgical, although for puppies it may be sufficient to invert the edge of the eyelid and secure it securely with several sutures.

Like most large dogs, Chow Chows are not immune to dysplasia hip joint. Such a defect can be caused at the genetic level and manifests itself in a predisposition to subluxation in this joint. If your guinea pig begins to limp on its hind legs and stagger when walking, it is necessary to urgently take an x-ray, since clinical tests the disease is not detected. A sick animal should be limited in its movements and protected from stress. Depending on the stage of the disease, various medicinal and physiotherapeutic methods are used or surgical intervention is used.

A guarantee against the occurrence of other canine diseases can be timely vaccination, control over a balanced diet, and the use of vitamin preparations.

How to choose a puppy

When solving the problem of choosing a puppy, you have to find the answer to a number of questions.

• Who do you want to see next to you - a champion dog, winner of numerous exhibitions, or just pet? The Chow Chow puppy you are adopting “for fun” may have deviations from the breed standard (spotted tongue, drooping ears) and even more serious disqualifying signs (narrow chest, undershot or overshot, incorrect tail setness). Most often, all of the above has nothing to do with health conditions, but are simply deviations in appearance and are quite acceptable for exclusively “pet” pets. Choosing a show puppy is more difficult. In this case, it is better to seek the help of a specialist or take into account the recommendations of the breeder. It is important to know that it is better to choose a show-class dog at the age of about 12 weeks, when its “pedigree” traits are more clearly visible.
• Girl or boy? Males are better suited for participation in exhibitions - they have fewer deviations from the breed standard, look more impressive and respectable. A female chow chow is a wonderful choice as a companion dog. She is more affectionate, gentle and sensitive than the male. The bitch's attachment to the owner and members of his family is much more pronounced. The disadvantage of keeping them is the problems associated with the physiology of the animal.
• At what age is it better to pick up a baby? For a show career, it is better to take a puppy that has grown up to about six months. At this age, the risks of making mistakes in assessments and forecasts for the success of an exhibition career are minimized. You can buy chow chow for your home in more early age. If there are small children in your home who, no doubt, will see the dog as an incredibly interesting toy, then wait until the puppy is 4-5 months old - it will be easier for him to adapt to the not always thoughtful behavior of young household members.
• Chow with long hair or smooth? Both of them have absolutely equal rights in terms of thoroughbred qualifications and enter the ring on absolutely equal rights. Smooths are easier to care for - they have much less hair and do not need daily brushing. Many people also note the more sociable nature of smooth-haired Chow Chows.
• Where to get a puppy? The answer is obvious - only in a specialized nursery or from a breeder with a good, time-tested reputation.

What to look for when choosing a baby?

• The color of the fur on the face, paws and under the eyes. This is exactly the color your Chow Chow will have when he grows up.
• A six-week-old puppy begins to develop baby teeth. The mouth, including the palate and tongue, should be blue-black, the tail held high, and the ears fully or partially raised.
• Observe the animal and determine its temperament. Cowardly aggressive puppies should be rejected by you immediately.
• Assess the condition of the baby's eyes: is there any purulent discharge or traces of active lacrimation. Examine the eyelids - one of the typical diseases of the Chow Chow, entropy (entropion of the eyelid), can appear already in puppyhood.

Photos of chow chow puppies

How much does a chow cost?

Chow chow in recent years is becoming increasingly popular. This dictates high prices for puppies on the one hand, and on the other hand, it increases the likelihood that unscrupulous breeders will sell you a dog of low quality.

If you are not interested in the dog’s pedigree and are ready to accept the presence of defects and even disqualifying characteristics in your chosen one, then buying a small chow chow can cost you approximately 5-7 thousand rubles. A puppy without a passport, but fully meeting the breed standards, will cost significantly more – 20-25 thousand. For a show-class representative purchased from a specialized nursery or from well-known breeders, you will have to pay at least 40 thousand rubles. A female, especially of elite blood, will cost more than a male.

E. KONKOVA, expert dog handler

Red Chow Chow (owner E. Sushchenko). Photo by T. Salyutova.

In the photo - a chow-chow puppy of cinnamon color.

Black Chow Chow.

Blue Chow Chow.

Unlike many other dog breeds, the Chow Chow purple color language. The reason for this coloring does not yet have a reliable explanation.

Science and life // Illustrations

The red chow chow has shades ranging from light red to fiery red.

Chow chows also come with short hair.

Dear editors! My dream is to have a Chow Chow dog. Please tell us about it on the pages of the magazine.

A. Rebrova(Chita).

This dog has an unusual appearance: a luxurious collar of soft wool, a massive head with wrinkles and a sad expression on its face. Either a lion cub or a bear cub. Other distinctive features breed - a rare, low, rough, as if choking bark and a purple color of the tongue (the reason for this color does not yet have a reliable explanation).

It has not yet been clarified whether the Chow Chow was born in China or whether this dog came to China from Tibet and Manchuria. Her ancestors, apparently, were mastiffs and northern sled dogs (huskies, huskies, Pomeranians).

There is a legend regarding the name of the breed. Once upon a time, having met a dog with the appearance of a lion in China, a European asked what it was called. The Chinese replied: “Chow-chow” (in Chinese - chou-chou, in English - chow-chow). It would be more correct to hear “chao-chao”, but the European was unable to distinguish the subtle shades of Chinese vowel sounds, and the name “chow-chow” was assigned to the breed. Having said “chao-chao,” the Chinese wanted to answer that this is a dog that sees everything, that it is very careful, cunning, agile and strong, in short, a real hunting dog. This word also means: good, edible and a number of other concepts.

Chow chows, along with Pekingese dogs, were bred in the palace of the Chinese emperors. The most ancient image of him was found on a bronze bowl from the Shu dynasty (3rd century AD). As follows from ancient Indian, Assyrian and later chronicles, these dogs were powerful and aggressive. Nomadic tribes called them “lions with dog heads” and used them to hunt wild animals, as well as to protect herds of domestic animals.

Chow chows were also considered fighting dogs. An ancient Chinese legend, telling of the invasion of northern China by nomadic tribes around the second century BC, says that the nomads “brought with them many huge, lion-like dogs with black tongues. Each such dog obeyed a warrior who finished off an enemy who had been knocked down huge dog" Historians refer to the ancient Chow Chow as exceptional animals, calling them "man-ku", which means "dog of the wild nomads".

Over time, Chow Chows began to lose their importance as hunting and fighting dogs. They began to be used for meat and fur. Hence another name for the breed - “Chinese edible dog”. Ancient China ate a lot of dog meat. The tradition has survived to this day. And although the official sale and purchase of dog meat has been prohibited here since 1915, this ban is not always enforced.

The first news about chow was brought to Europe by the Italian navigator and traveler Marco Polo (1254-1324). He lived for quite a long time in Tibet, where he met not only Tibetan Great Danes, but also Chows, and described this dog as a dear friend of the family, affectionate towards all its members, but subordinate to only one of them.

What caused such a sharp transition from hunting to the decorative vegetation of working life? oriental breed dogs? The culprit was the fashion for curiosities. The first chows appeared in England in 1780. Sailors brought these dogs as exotic animals. Until 1870, they were not purposefully bred. Some specimens were kept in zoological gardens as semi-wild dogs, along with the Australian dingo. A typical chow was also in Queen Victoria's kennel. It was brought from China in 1865. The English Kennel Club (the oldest association of dog breeders in the world) registered the first Chows in 1877 as “Chinese dogs”. In 1894 the breed received modern name, and in 1895 the first English club of Chow Chow lovers was organized and the first breed standard was approved, which is still in force today. This dog became popular in the highest aristocratic circles of England and then America, acquiring a more refined European appearance as a result of selection.

In Russia, the first chow chows appeared after 1945 in Leningrad and Moscow. Unfortunately, they were of a low exterior level. In 1970, German Chows were brought to our country, and since 1980 they began to bring English dogs. The new breed immediately acquired decorative status. However, not all dog breeders were able to raise their Chow. And the dog was labeled as uncontrollable.

The Chow Chow is a great companion for those who love tranquility. He is majestic and serious, absolutely independent and independent, with strong nerves, who does not allow himself to be enslaved by training, and is also very loyal. The movements of this dog are dexterous, cat-like. When she walks along a log, she grabs it from the side with her paws, releasing her claws. Other dog breeds react to the Chow Chow as if they were a wolf, avoiding it.

In the family in which he lives, the chow himself chooses the owner and, being a monogamous person, retains unlimited trust and love only for him. He is critical of his loved one, notices his mistakes towards himself, but still forgives them. When the owner returns home, the pet greets him cheerfully and vigorously, but in other cases he is very restrained, showing sympathy with an almost imperceptible touch of the nose, a barely audible friendly whine and a trembling of the tail. It is also worth noting that this is an introverted dog, it is deep within itself, contemplating what is happening nearby.

If the owner dies, the chow becomes gloomy and indifferent to life. Under appearance The majestic “lion dog” actually hides a childishly vulnerable soul. Only a kind, warm-hearted person can earn the affection of a chow.

It is not recommended to take Chow Chow into your home in late age. And here's why. The famous ethologist K. Lorenz in his book “A Man Finds a Friend” gives a classic example: having bought a chow puppy as a birthday present for his wife, he was forced to keep it for some time with his sister. Within a few weeks, the puppy recognized his “temporary” owner and then remembered her all his life and rejoiced at her like no other.

As for obedience, many dog ​​breeders note the following traits in the behavior of the Chow. He understands the slightest order, nod, movements of hands and eyes, but pretends that he does not see or hear anything. If the order came from the owner or mistress, the dog will obey and come, although not right away. And if someone else orders, he will ignore it.

A harsh upbringing is not suitable for a Chow. It causes resistance and stubbornness in him. Humiliation and sucking up are alien to him. You should not seek a dog’s love with treats, or try to break its resistance with rough treatment or beatings.

The Chow Chow is extremely clean. Despite the abundance of wool, it sheds once a year, usually in the spring (by brushing a dog, you can get several hundred grams of excellent fluff). At home it does not cause any household inconvenience: it does not tear curtains, does not chew furniture, and walks silently. On the street during rain, avoid puddles so as not to get dirty. He feels at ease in the snow, makes holes in the snowdrifts and rolls around in them with pleasure. The Chow Chow is distrustful of strangers, but does not show aggression.

Illustration “In the photo - a chow-chow puppy of cinnamon color.”
Dogs of the Chow Chow breed have five main colors: red, black, blue, cinnamon (the color of cinnamon; there are shades from “café au lait” to chocolate with silver), cream (from almost white to light fawn). The color is uniform, without spots, but the tail and “pants” may be more light shade. In the photo - a chow-chow puppy of cinnamon color.

Illustration “Chow-chows are also short-haired.”
Chow chows also come with short hair. They were brought to the European continent at the end of the 19th century from the Cocos Islands, which Indian Ocean. According to a number of researchers, short-haired Chow Chows (smooths) are closer to the ancient genotype than their long-haired counterparts. In the photo of T. Salyutova there are smooths of different colors.