Historical data on the origin of the Chow Chow, the external standard of the breed, the behavior of the dog and his health, caring for the dog, interesting facts. Buying a puppy. In ancient times, they lived at Chinese temples. It was said that when these dogs bark, their black mouth drives away evil spirits. They are respected for their intimidating appearance. Dogs have a pronounced demeanor that is frightening, but they, like children, show their kindness in the company of a kindred spirit. People probably like those animals that have the same character traits with them. Good training is important for any athlete, but these dogs sometimes find it beneath their dignity. Such dogs need to get to know a person before they begin to trust him.
They are leaders in life and they need a strong master from whom they would know their place. The pets are neat, but these "Chinese flowers" can fade due to the heat. Oddly enough, but among people who "meet by their clothes" and are unfamiliar with the breed deeper, there are many false and unfair opinions about the animal. This is a chow-chow - don't go near it! It all comes down to the fact that they are considered evil, aggressive, antisocial. Their reputation in the seventies was pretty bad. In the eighties, it was one of the most popular breeds, but it did not benefit the variety's attention.
Historical data on the origin of the Chow Chow breed
During archaeological research in Central Siberia, a Bronze Age settlement was discovered. Excavations prove that during this time period, people kept partially domesticated dogs. According to their data, they can be considered to a greater extent as possible progenitors of today's Chow Chows. This canine species with a wide skull, a shortened muzzle and a prominent forehead, descends in turn from an animal that by its nature was an intermediate link between dogs and bears.
Since ancient times, tribes that lived in Asia have used this type of dog to aid in hunting. They were distinguished not by their fast pace, but by very aggressive behavior. Such data made it possible to ideally use dogs to attack wild animals. There is also evidence that they helped fight during the attack of the Qi tribe on northern China in the second millennium BC. More similar to today's Chow Chow dogs appeared during the Jow dynasty. Ancient Chinese chronicles describe strong dogs with light, very thick coats that lived at the palaces of emperors and were treated very carefully and respectfully.
Chow Chows in China were very revered, and in Mongolia only by watchmen. In the state of East Asia, another species of these dogs was bred, differing in blue hair, increased nervous excitability and fearlessness. Strong, muscular and strong dogs transported heavy loads. Tibetan Buddhist monks considered the Chow Chow to be the embodiment of the sacred lion and they lived with a caste of priests.
Tragically, some life periods were very sad for these dogs. They were bred purely for food and because of their thick, beautiful fur, and meat was considered a rare delicacy among the gourmets of Guang-chou. At the end of the 18th century, the breed appeared in England, but unfortunately, it was considered an exotic curiosity. Chow-chows fell by a direct road to the menageries, where they occupied the appropriate position.
For the first time this type of dog appeared in Islington at the end of the 19th century, at an exhibition event. Mr. Temple gave a start to Chow Chow breed selection. He was fanatical about these dogs. In 1895, in June, he founded the Chow Chow Club and developed the standard. Four years later, the species was recognized as an independent species.
Description of the external standard of the Chow Chow dog
Chow Chows are compact, with a short harmoniously folded body. They have a typical lion-like appearance, due to their flat and wide skull. They move in short steps confidently and resiliently. They are used for security purposes and as companion dogs. According to the external standard, the ideal height at the withers is between 45 cm and 55 cm. There may be a variation of plus two centimeters. Weight ranges from 25 kg to 33 kg.
- Head massive, with a wide, slightly flat, frontal part. Cheekbones are not prominent.
- Muzzle of moderate length, wide, but not pointed. They have a scissor bite and a full dentition of powerful, white teeth. Tongue, the main feature of the Chow Chow - it is blue-black, like an eggplant. The entire mucous membrane is also dark purple.
- Nose extended, slightly protruding. The stop is moderate. Painted black. Chow-chows have a cream-colored coat, almost white, the nose has a light pigmentation. Bluish or reddish dogs have a nose that is colored to match the coat.
- Eyes placed deep, almond-shaped, their size is relatively small. The color range of the cornea in dark-colored individuals is black-brown (rich and clear). In dogs of light colors, the eyes are like the color of the coat. The look is confident.
- Ears wide placement. Their size is small, triangular, erect. Tilted forward and slightly converging.
- Neck fits snugly with the shoulder blades. It is massive, has a slight bend. Thick hair grows around her in the form of a mane.
- Frame in chow-chow, short, in good proportion with the general appearance of the dog. The chest is deep, widened. Arc-shaped ribs. The back is straight and short. The croup is massive.
- Tail high landing. Curving, it practically lies on the spine, tilted slightly to the side, covered with a thick undercoat and a beautiful guard hair.
- Front limbs - upright, strong. The shoulder blades are well muscled - sloping. Hind legs - mesomorphic musculature. The ankles stand out. The angle of their inclination is small, and it determines the specificity of the Chow-Chow walking - on stilts.
- Paws round, like a bear, with soft elastic pads and strong claws.
- Coat can be shorter or longer. In all types of wool, the guard hair grows very densely and sticks out straight. Thicker and longer around the neck and at the back of the thighs. The undercoat is soft and dense.
- Skin dogs: moderately lying, firm.
- Color black, blue, cream, red, orange, white. Several shades can appear in each color, but not more than four.
Chow chow behavior
This ancient canine species is not the result of artificial selection and has retained its inherent behavioral traits. Decisive leaders with a proud character and strong disposition are not used to obeying anyone. Chow-chow must be brought up categorically, but with respect. If you find the right approach and achieve good contact with the pet, then he will follow your commands from half a glance.
Chow Chows are independent, but that doesn't mean they have to be aggressive. These are not pets that will follow you like a burdock or lie at your feet all day like hunting dogs. They are more like a cat who is glad to see you, and then leaves and goes about his business. If the Chow Chow is alone for an extremely long time, he becomes unfriendly.
In general, pets can be very loyal. They are kind and loving, but if you raise them from puppyhood. Dogs are naturally not predisposed to perform in front of people, but this is not because they are not smart enough to learn. Chow-Chows are distinguished by their caution, and when they meet strangers, they, fearing them, prefer to leave.
In a house with household members, dogs are good-natured. They communicate and play with children with patience, but when they do not cross the line of their "place in the sun" and do not break the usual rhythm of their life. Dogs are observant and curious. Even when it seems to you that they are resting, the Chow Chow is always on the alert. Self-righteous and independent pets prioritize the relationship with the owner on an equal footing.
Chow Chow Health
The life expectancy of individuals of this breed is from 12 to 14 years. In general, their immune system is strong. Hip dysplasia is the most common condition in dogs, including the Chow Chow. It occurs when the joint in the thigh weakens and the top of the bone slips out of it. Calcium arthritis develops due to cartilage degeneration. It becomes painful for the pet and it is difficult to move.
Chow Chows have a very thick coat and do not tolerate humid and hot climates. Pets are sensitive to heatstroke. In hot weather, do not walk with them in the open rays of the sun, it is better to be in the shade. After bath procedures, try to completely dry the "shaggy". If wet areas of the coat remain, they will smelt and, as a result, problems with the skin will appear: allergies, eczema, dandruff. Do not forget to treat the Chow-Chow from fleas, in their "fur coat" the parasites have a place to roam. Vaccinations made on time will save the dog from many diseases.
Chow Chow Care
Looking at the appearance of the animal, it seems that they have a certain amount of vanity. Maintaining a beautiful lion appearance can be a major event. This is an expensive "hobby", but it is worth all the effort and money.
- Wool such dogs are very thick and therefore difficult to care for. Their undercoat changes twice a year and needs to be combed out for a new one to grow. The pet needs to be wet, "rinsed" and washed off several times. The whole bathing process takes twenty minutes. After, dry thoroughly "shag". If at least a little moisture remains on the coat, then areas sensitive to overheating may appear on the skin. With such a thick hairline, the drying process can take from one and a half to two hours. Now put some polish - comb your four-legged friend. To do this, you need: three different types of combs and brushes, three special knives and a good pair of hands. Brushing, trimming, trimming, combing and plucking takes an hour and a half. The total preparation time for your favorite show is three, four hours! Domestic dogs only need to be combed twice a week and can be trimmed short with a clipper for the summer period.
- Ears because of the thick coat, you need to trim. This will allow the ear canal to be better ventilated and less clogged.
- Eyes Chow-chow do not need special attention.
- Teeth train your pet to clean from an early age. Plaque is deposited on them, and if it is not removed, then over time, this will lead to the formation of tartar, as a result of caries and periodontal disease. Manipulate twice a week, using edible pastes and special soft brushes for dogs.
- Claws must be cut regularly and without fail. You can do this with claws or cut them with natfil.
- Feeding the puppy should be four times a day before reaching four months of age. His diet, consisting of mashed meat, fish, cereals, rice and olive oil, must be enriched with vitamin supplements. Which can be used: eggs, yogurt, cod liver oil, fat, yeast and fresh liver. To prevent rickets, give your puppy calcium and phosphorus in powder or tablet form. An adult can be fed once a day, in the evening. A long process of adaptation has taught the dog to eat foods that are not only of animal origin. But we must not forget that canines are mainly meat-eaters and the basis of their nutrition must be "noble" proteins. Therefore, the diet of our four-legged friends should contain a full range of nutrients including: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. A well-fed and healthy Chow Chow is not too fat or thin. The coat of such dogs is beautiful and fluffy. A complete, well-chosen diet is a factor that determines the proportional development of an animal.
- Walking these unhurried dogs should be at least an hour, from two to three times a day. You need to walk a lot with pets. Unhurried classes at the stadiums for the canines will not hurt either.
Training and interesting facts about the chow-chow
As soon as the puppy arrives in your house, try not to neglect any of the rules necessary for raising a little Chow Chow. For all the affection that the "kid" will cause in you, firmly suppress any attempt at bad behavior. Having missed this moment, it will be very difficult to correct behavioral features in the future. If the pet gets used to unlimited freedom, he will grow up as a poorly bred dog. When instilling in him the rules of "good form", avoid actions that may confuse him. The puppy must learn that every "bad" action is followed by punishment. Therefore, do not disregard any of his tricks.
In America there is a special program - the super-puppy regime. A lot of Chow Chow breeders prefer this kind of preparation for carousing litters. This project was carried out in the US Army for German Shepherd Dogs that were trained for combat. Dogs do not turn into super soldiers, but they become more balanced, easier to adapt and amenable to training than their "ill-mannered" brethren. These exercises prepare puppies to allow humans to invade their space and not become aggressive. Such a “preschool program” benefits the future owners of Chow Chows, because they will grow up and weigh about 27 kilograms, and the adopted dog is easier to manage.
Their eyes are deeply set, and this limits their peripheral vision.
Chow-chow puppy purchase and price
The decision to have a dog must be carefully weighed. In addition, they have a specific disposition and care can be a burdensome surprise for you. The puppy must be provided with the necessary conditions for its full development. First of all, he needs a place where he could move freely. You must assess whether you have time for his daily walk.
Once the decision is made, find a professional from whom you can buy a puppy. It is recommended to deal with those people who have devoted many years to Chow Chow breeding. You can get all the necessary information on this in any of the service dog breeding organizations. By acting in this way, you are guaranteed to acquire a dog with a good pedigree, which will not disappoint you either mentally or physically.
Ideally, the puppy should be taken between ten and sixteen weeks of age. He is already big enough to receive the first vaccinations and preventive procedures against parasites. Another significant aspect is gender selection. Many believe that there is less trouble with males, but a bitch is in heat only twice a year and lasts 30-40 days. But the male, feeling the smell of the female several kilometers away, is in an excited state all year round. "Girls" are calmer and more attached to home. The "boy" is more impulsive and mobile, often he tries to run away, feeling the call of nature.
The kennel or corner with bedding should be ready by the time the Chow-Chow crosses the threshold of your house. He should be taught to relieve himself in the same place, to accustom him to a nickname and a leash. It is better to choose a name short and easy to pronounce. Subsequently, he should associate it with affection or something pleasant. Don't use his name to scold him. Do not try to force the leash on. Better to put it next to your puppy's toys so that he gets used to his smell. Then, in the game, put on the "harness" for a few minutes. Do not leave your Chow in the rain for a long time and do not let it run around without respite. Do not walk with him for a long time and try to make him use the stairs as little as possible. The cost of such a dog can be from $ 500 to $ 1200.
More about Chow-Chow in this issue of the "Planet of Dogs" project:
[media =
