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Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Chow Chow  Breed-FAQ
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AUTHOR

Steven M. Miller, March 8, 1993    [[e-mail]]
with information from the Chow Chow Club Inc. ("Hello I am the Chow Chow")

HISTORY

The Chow Chow, often simply called the Chow, is one of the oldest
breeds. His exact history is lost in the China of antiquity. Some
historians record that the Tarter invaded China in a thousand years
before Christ and brought back to the West some middle-sized dogs that
looked like "lions" with blue-black tongues. The Chow as it is known
today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese
Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 22 A.D.); other artifacts indicate that he
was even a much older breed and that he may have come originally from
the Arctic Circle, migrating to Mongolia, Siberia and China. Some
scholars claim that the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed,
the Norwegian Elkhound, the Pomeranian and the Keeshond. In more
recent times, that is, in the Taeyung Dynasty (7th Century A.D.), it
is reported that one Chinese emperor kept something like 2,500 of
these "Chow Dogs" as hunting and sporting animals to accompany his ten
thousand hunters! Admired by emperors as well as by Western royalty,
used by Chinese peasants for food and clothing, and adopted as a
"favorite" of the movie star set in Hollywood in the 1920's, the Chow
Chow has had a dramatic history.

DESCRIPTION

The Chow Chow is a highly intelligent dog and values his independence.
He can be hugged and played with. He can even be corrected -- often by
a tone of voice, but he should never be allowed to dominate the
household. He is usually amenable to being touched by strangers if he
is introduced by one of his owners and approached properly. Quiet,
refined, he should not be teased or treated as a lap dog. His dignity
and aloofness must never be confused with a fierce or intractable
temperament. He minds his own business and does not generally initiate
trouble. Bad-tempered Chows are not representative of the breed, but
are usually the result of indiscriminate breeding and a woeful lack of
"socialization". The Chow's appearance and personality suggest the
nobility of a lion, the drollness of a panda, the appeal of a
teddy-bear, the grace and independence of a cat, and the loyalty and
devotion of the dog. The Chow has a little of all these qualities in
his appearance and in his behavior. It is, however, his particular
intelligence and devotion, his independence and dignity which make him
unique.

It is often said by Chow owners who have had years of experience with
Chows, as well as with other breeds, that the Chow is perhaps the
cleanest dog of all. Most puppies are easily housebroken by the time
they are eight weeks. The Chow has very little body odor if he is
brushed often, and he does not seem to be readily accessible to every
passing bug, vermin, or virus. He is a good eater. and he does not
require a great deal of exercise so that he may live happily in an
apartment.

Because some Chows are independent and because some Chows may wish to
attach themselves to one person or to one immediate family, the Chow
must be "socialized" so that he is completely amenable to being
handled by strangers. Socialization is the process by which the Chow
puppy is taught to meet and like human beings, other dogs, different
environments from his own home, and other foreign situations, with
steadiness, calm, and even affability.

TRAINING

Most Chows are intelligent so they may be lead broken and trained
easily although at first they may be stubborn. Some Chows are
especially willful and most are sensitive enough so that correction can
come from the tone of your voice and not from physical means. Some
Chows have been trained in obedience work and quite a few have earned
the C.D. (Companion Dog) title, a few less the C.D.X. (Companion Dog
Excellent), and only one or two have earned the U.D. (Utility Dog)
degree. One Chow has won a tracking degree. Chows can be used as
hunting companions, splendid show dogs and wonderful pets for the
family. Their versatility proves their value as an all-round dog. Like
any other canine, the Chow can become a playmate for tots and
youngsters provided that they do not mistreat him and provided the Chow
has been raised with young children. Many years of experience have
taught the Chow breeder that "socialization" is the only way to bring
up any Chow. The socialized Chow is a more stable, contented dog than
if he had been left on his own A Chow which is not socialized and
trained is a constant concern to his owner. When the owner has
socialized and trained his Chow properly, both are happier.

MEDICAL PROBLEMS

Generally, Chows are "poor risks" when anesthesia is involved, and
Chows should be treated by the veterinarian as he would treat a
Bulldog or any extremely short-muzzled dog.

If your Chow tears more than you feel is normal, he may have
"entropion," a turning-in of the eyelashes. If your Chow tears
excessively, consult your veterinarian for advice.

Another problem with the Chow is that he is subject to heat
prostration if left in a hot, closed-in area or in the sun. He is
particularly bothered by extremely high humidity, especially if the
temperature climbs above eighty degrees.

CARE

The Chow needs to be brushed at least twice weekly or more if
possible. Grooming is essential to keep the long, thick coat in peak,
clean condition. Chows have a dense undercoat that supports the
coarser outer coat and gives it its fluffy appearance. Many adult Chows
have a ruff almost like that of a lion that must be handled with care
because it can be stripped away by too much grooming. The puppy
undercoat, however should be brushed out when it starts to loosen so
that the adult coat may come in properly. Always brush out the dead
coat and be careful that the remaining coat does not mat. Both a rake
brush and a pin brush (both kinds are available at any pet store and
even at most supermarkets) are needed to keep the coat in good, clean
condition. The rake is useful in the removal of the fluffy undercoat
and the pin brush to groom the longer, off-standing guard hairs which
are of coarser quality. Nails should be trimmed regularly to a
comfortable length.

CONFINEMENT

Chows should be kept in a fenced-in area or inside the house in a room
where they have a good deal of freedom. Chows should not be put on a
chain for they resent the feeling of being "trapped". Let your Chow
have as much freedom as you have to offer within the limits of his
safety and welfare.

OFFICIAL AKC BREED STANDARD OF THE CHOW CHOW [complete]  11-11-86

Characteristics - An ancient breed of northern Chinese origin, this
all-purpose dog of China was used for hunting, herding, pulling and
protection of the home. While primarily a companion today, his working
origin must always be remembered when assessing true Chow type.

General Appearance - A powerful, sturdy, squarely built, upstanding dog
of Arctic type, medium in size with strong muscular development and
heavy bone. The body is compact, short coupled, broad and deep, the
tail set high and carried closely to the back, the whole supported by
four straight, strong, sound legs. Viewed from the side, the hind legs
have little apparent angulation and the hock joint and metatarsals are
directly beneath the hip joint. It is this structure which produces the
characteristic short, stilted gait unique to the breed. The large head
with broad, flat skull and short, broad and deep muzzle is proudly
carried and accentuated by a ruff. Elegance and substance must be
combined into a well balanced whole, never so massive as to outweigh
his ability to be active, alert and agile. Clothed in a smooth or an
off standing rough double coat, the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty,
dignity and naturalness, unique in his blue-black tongue, scowling
expression and stilted gait.

Head - Skull and Stop - proudly carried, large in proportion to the
size of the dog but never so exaggerated as to make the dog seem top
heavy or to result in a low carriage. The top skull is broad and flat
from side to side and front to back. Coat and loose skin cannot
substitute for the correct bone structure. Viewed in profile, the top
lines of the muzzle and skull are approximately parallel, joined by a
moderate stop. The padding of the brows may make the stop appear
steeper than it is. Muzzle - the muzzle is short in comparison to the
length of the top skull but never less than one-third of the head
length. The muzzle is broad and well filled out under the eyes, its
width and depth are equal and both dimensions should appear to be the
same from its base to its tip. This square appearance is achieved by
correct bone structure plus padding of the muzzle and full cushioned
lips. The muzzle should never be so padded or cushioned as to make it
appear other than square in shape. The upper lips completely cover the
lower lips when the mouth is closed but should not be pendulous. Nose -
large. broad and black in color with well opened nostrils.
Disqualifying Fault - nose spotted or distinctly other color than
black, except in blue Chows which may have a solid blue or slate
noses. Mouth and Tongue - edges of the lips black, tissues of the
mouth mostly black, gums preferably black. A solid black mouth is
ideal. The top surface and edges of the tongue a solid blue-black, the
darker the better. Disqualifying Fault the top surface or edges of the
tongue red or pink or with one or more spots of red or pink. Teeth -
strong and even with a scissors bite. Eyes - dark brown, deep set and
placed wide apart and obliquely, of moderate size, almond in shape. The
correct placement and shape should create an Oriental appearance. The
eye rims black with lids which neither turn in nor droop and the pupils
of the eyes clearly visible. Serious Faults entropion or ectropion, or
pupils wholly or partially obscured by loose skin. Ears - small,
moderately thick, triangular in shape with a slight rounding at the
tip, carried stiffly erect but with a slight forward tilt. Placed wide
apart with the inner corner on top of the skull. An ear which flops as
the dog moves is very undesirable. Disqualifying Fault - drop ear or
ears. A drop ear is one which breaks at any point from its base to its
tip or which is not carried stiffly erect but lies parallel to the top
of the skull. Expression - essentially scowling, dignified, lordly,
discerning, sober and snobbish, one of independence. The scowl is
achieved by a marked brow with a padded button of skin just above the
inner, upper corner of each eye; by sufficient play of skin to form
frowning brows and a distinct furrow between the eyes beginning at the
base of the muzzle and extending up the forehead; by the correct eye
shape and placement and by the correct ear shape, carriage and
placement. Excessive loose skin is not desirable. Wrinkles on the
muzzle do not contribute to expression and are not required.

Neck And Body - Neck - strong, full, well muscled, nicely arched and of
sufficient length to carry the head proudly above the topline when
standing at attention. Body - short, compact, close coupled, strongly
muscled, broad, deep and well let down in the flank. Topline -
straight, strong and level from the withers to the root of the tail.
Chest - broad, deep and muscular, never narrow or slab-sided . The ribs
close together and well sprung, not barrel. The spring of the front
ribs is somewhat narrowed at their lower ends to permit the shoulder
and upper arm to fit smoothly against the chest wall. The floor of the
chest is broad and deep extending down to the tips of the elbows. The
point of sternum slightly in front of the shoulder points. Serious
Faults - labored or abdominal breathing (not to include normal
panting), narrow or slab-sided chest. Loin - well muscled, strong,
short, broad and deep. Croup - short and broad with powerful rump and
thigh muscles giving a level croup. The body, back, coupling and croup
must all be short to give the required square build. Tail - well
feathered, set high and carried closely to the back at all times,
following the line of the spine at the start.

Forequarters - Shoulders - strong, well muscled the tips of the
shoulder blades moderately close together; the spine of the shoulder
forms and angle of approximately 55 degrees with the horizontal and
forms and angle with the upper arm of approximately 110 degrees
resulting in less reach of the forelegs. Length of upper arm never less
than length of shoulder blade. Elbow joints set well back alongside the
chest wall, elbows turning neither in nor out. Forelegs - perfectly
straight from elbow to foot with heavy hone which must be in proportion
to the rest of the dog. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are
parallel and widely spaced commensurate with the broad chest. Pasterns
- short and upright. Wrists shall not knuckle over. Feet - round,
compact, cat-like, standing well up on the thick toe pads. The dewclaws
may be removed.

Hindquarters - The rear assembly broad, powerful, and well muscled in
the hips and thighs, heavy in bone with rear and front bone
approximately equal. Viewed from the rear, the legs are straight,
parallel and widely spaced commensurate with the broad pelvis. Stifle
Joint - shows little angulation, is well knit and stable, points
straight forward and the bones of the joint should be clean and sharp.
Hock Joint - well let down and appears almost straight. The hock joint
must be strong, well knit and firm, never bowing or breaking forward or
to either side. The hock joint and metatarsals lie in a straight line
below the hip joint. Serious Faults - unsound stifle or hock joints.
Metatarsals - short and perpendicular to the ground. Feet - same as
front.

Coat - There are two types of coat; rough and smooth. Both are double
coated. Rough - in the rough coat, the outer coat is abundant, dense,
straight and off standing, rather coarse in texture; the undercoat
soft, thick and woolly. Puppy coat soft, thick and woolly overall. The
coat forms a profuse ruff around the head and neck, framing the head.
The coat and ruff generally longer in dogs than in bitches. The coat
length varies markedly on different Chows and thickness, texture and
condition should be given greater emphasis than length. Obvious
trimming or shaping is undesirable. Trimming of the whiskers, feet and
metatarsals optional. Smooth - the smooth coated Chow is judged by the
same standard as the rough coated Chow except that references to the
quantity and distribution of the outer coat are not applicable to the
smooth coated Chow, which has a hard, dense, smooth outer coat with a
definite undercoat. There should be no obvious ruff or feathering on
the legs or tail.

Color - Clear colored, solid or solid with lighter shadings in the
ruff, tail and featherings. There are five colors in the Chow: red
(light golden to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to
deep cinnamon) and cream. Acceptable colors to be judged on an equal
basis.

Gait - Proper movement is the crucial test of proper conformation and
soundness. It must be sound, straight moving, agile, brief, quick and
powerful, never lumbering. The rear gait short and stilted because of
the straighter rear assembly. It is from the side that the unique
stilted action is most easily assessed. The rear leg moves up and
forward from the hip in a straight, stilted pendulum-like line with a
slight bounce in the rump, the legs extend neither far forward nor far
backward. The hind foot has a strong thrust which transfers power to
the body in an almost straight line due to the minimal rear leg
angulation. To transmit this power efficiently to the front assembly.
the coupling must be short and there should be no roll through the
midsection. Viewed from the rear, the line of bone from hip joint to
pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the speed increases the
hindlegs incline slightly inward. The stifle joints must point in the
line of travel, not outward resulting in a bowlegged appearance nor
hitching in under the dog. Viewed from the front, the line of bone from
shoulder joint to pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the speed
increased, the forelegs do not move in exact parallel planes, rather,
incline slightly inward. The front legs must not swing out in
semicircles nor mince or show any evidence of hackney action. The front
and rear assemblies must be in dynamic equilibrium. Somewhat lacking in
speed, the Chow has excellent endurance because the sound, straight
rear leg provides direct, usable power efficiently.

Size And Proportions - Size - the average height of adult specimens is
17 to 20 inches at the withers but in every case consideration of
overall proportions and type should take precedence over size.
Proportions - square in profile and close coupled. Distance from
forechest to point of buttocks equals height at the highest points of
the withers. Serious Fault- -- profile other than square. Distance from
tip of elbow to ground is half the height at the withers. Floor of the
chest level with tips of elbows. Width viewed from the front and rear
is the same and must be broad. It is these proportions that are
essential to true Chow type. In judging puppies, no allowance should be
made for their failure to conform to these proportions.

Temperament - Keen intelligence, an independent spirit and innate
dignity give the Chow an aura of aloofness. It is a Chow's nature to be
reserved and discerning with strangers. Displays of aggression or
timidity are unacceptable. Because of its deep set eyes the Chow has
limited peripheral vision and is best approached within the scope of
that vision.

Summary - Faults shall be penalized in proportion to their deviation
from the standard. In judging the Chow, the overall picture is of
primary consideration. Exaggeration of any characteristic at the
expense of balance or soundness shall be severely penalized. Equally
objectionable are snipey, fine boned specimens and overdone, ponderous,
cloddy specimens. In comparing specimens of different sex, due
allowance must be made in favor of the bitches who may not have as much
head or substance as do the males. There is an impression of femininity
in bitches as compared to an impression of masculinity in dogs. Type
should include general appearance, temperament, the harmony of all
parts, and soundness especially as seen when the dog is in motion.
There should be proper emphasis on movement which is the final test of
the Chow's conformation, balance and soundness.

Disqualifications: Nose spotted or distinctly other color than black
except in blue Chows which may have solid blue or slate noses. The top
surface or edges of the tongue red or pink or with one or more spots of
red or pink. Drop ear or ears. A drop ear is one which breaks at any
point from its base to its tip or which is not carried stiffly erect
but lies parallel to the top of the skull.

RESOURCES

Books:

The Complete Chow Chow                 by Kip Kopatch
The Book Of The Chow Chow              by Dr. Samuel Draper & Joan Brearly
The World Of The Chow Chow             by Dr. Samuel Draper & Joan Brearly
The Chow Chow                          by Anna K Nicholas
The Canadian Chow Sourcebook           by Jennifer Bunting

Magazines:

Chow Life                              $30.00 year
The official publication of the Chow Chow Club, Inc.
Carol Patterson,
P.O. Box 1197
Chester, CA 96020

Chow Chow Reporter                     $30.00 year
3293 Michener Rd Ext S.E.
Dearing GA 30808

Videos:

The Chow Chow                          $36.00
The American Kennel Club
Video interpretation of the Chow Chow standard with examples of quality Chows

How To Raise A Happy, Healthy Chow     $49.95
Robert Scheer
2535 Panorama Dr. North
Vancouver, BC, Canada V7G lV4

Clubs:

The Chow Chow Club, Inc.
National organization of Chow fanciers For
breed information, breeder referrals & regional Chow clubs, write to:
Irene Cartabio, Corresponding secretary
3580 Plover Place
Seaford, NY 11783

Society For The Preservation Of The Smooth Chow Chow
for information about smooth Chow Chows, write to:
Zola Coogan
RFD Box 5566,
Washington, ME 04574