1. You’ve gotten used to strangers doing double-takes.
Few people can resist staring at your dog’s beautiful lion mane. Many people have never seen a Chow-Chow in person and get excited at the chance to meet one. Those who aren’t familiar with the breed may ask if you’re walking a teddy bear or a lion cub. If well-socialized, your Chow-Chow might love the attention – but it’s not unusual for them to prefer to continue the walk than to accept pets from strangers.
2. You’re happy to educate others about your breed.
The questions can get repetitive, but you don’t mind. People ask if your Chow-Chow has a blue tongue and if they shed a lot. Some questions always surprise you, “Is your dog real?” or “Is that a lion?” Either way, you’re always happy to talk about your dog. Sharing stories and educating people helps them make better decisions when they look for a puppy of their own.
3. You’re heartbroken about the stereotypes.
Many people are afraid of your Chow-Chow because they’re medium-large, or because they have heard of a friend-of-a-friend who was bitten by a Chow. Some people believe that Chows are aggressive and turn on their owners. In some states, apartments and homeowners associations restrict tenants from keeping Chows due to this misinformation. You know that it can be difficult for an under-socialized Chow to meet strangers, but yours is the sweetest, most cuddly dog you’ve ever owned.
4. You always feel safe.
The Chow-Chow is a loyal dog bred for home protection. They’ll guard you with their life, though with any luck they’ll never have the opportunity. Their instinct to guard and protect can be overwhelming. You may choose to work with a professional trainer or behaviorist to prevent your Chow from getting out of control. Even a relatively well-behaved dog could use professional training to make them the best they can be.
5. You protect your Chow-Chow from children.
Chow-Chows are rumored to be bad with children, but you know the opposite is true: most children do not show a Chow the respect and space they need. While your own children may have a beautiful friendship with your Chow if introduced as a puppy, you’re always careful around other people’s children. A Chow will not tolerate hugs, grabs or poke, and may defend itself against a rude child.
6. You have a shedding season strategy.
Fortunately, your Chow-Chow does not shed too much throughout the year, but you don’t look forward to their bi-annual coat blowing. Your dog will shed copious amounts of fur in the Spring and early Winter. You’re prepared with a high-quality slicker brush and comb.
In just one brushing, you’ll collect enough fur to make a whole new dog. Odds are, you’ve seriously considered learning how to spin all of this fur into yarn and knit some warm hats for your family – in one shedding season, you’ll collect enough fur to make hats and gloves for everyone you know!
7. You’re an expert negotiator.
Like all ancient Chinese dog breeds, the Chow-Chow is stubborn and independent. They were bred to make their own decisions, rather than constantly seek instruction from a handler.
That could be the reason why many Chows are difficult to train. They’re intelligent and learn quickly, but they’re also strong-willed and will not go out of their way to obey anyone, even their favorite human in the world.
8. You tell other people not to get a Chow-Chow.
Many people you meet on walks will say, “Where did you get your dog? I want to get one for my kids!”
Those who are less experienced with dogs may choose a breed based on looks. Those button eyes, that fluffy coat and curly tail are impossible to resist. But you know that, even if a Chow is the right dog for you, it’s not the right breed for just anyone.
9. Your Chow-Chow is always at your feet.
Whenever you’re home, your Chow loves to be next to you, though they don’t beg for attention. They just like to know you’re closeby. Despite how loyal they are, however, they can’t be trusted off-leash. Once a Chow sees a squirrel, it’s impossible to get them to come back. Your Chow will eventually come back of their own convenience.
Your Chow doesn’t like swimming at dog beaches, nor are they particularly social at dog parks. While they need exercise, it’s better to play tug and take them on walks than to try to convince them to enjoy activities that they don’t like.
10. Chow-Chow gifts overrun your home.
When your guests need a coffee mug, they can choose between the oversized “I Love My Chow-Chow” tea mug or the “My Chow-Chow hates Mondays” cup. Pillows, throws and decor all prove your devotion to your Chow. But do you have a cartoon of your favorite fluffy pup?
Comments
Nanette Moore
Love this site like I love my chow chows!
Jan Melton
I have had my Chow since he was 6 weeks old..he is now 5 and completely out of control even after being trained by Off Leash K-9. NOONE will groom him and the vet HATES to see him coming. I am unable to walk him because he pulls me down and has pulled me into mailboxes, broken the leash and is almost impossible to catch. My neighbors are terrified of him. I am not at all afraid of him and love him dearly but he has zero respect for me. I weigh 107 lbs, he weighs 83 lbs. WHAT SHOULD I DO???ANY SUGGESTIONS???
Jennifer
Screw the Vet & Groomers!! They’re the ones with the problem !! I went through so many groomers because my chow would always poop from stress !! And a competent Vet would not EVEN THINK of inserting their own personal biases towards a dog !!! You need to find a more compassionate Vet. As for the groomers, why don’t you wash your chow yourself?! Do you think I’m going to have 6 groomers (who have turned down my Chow) make me think something is wrong with my chow? HELL NO!!!!
Sheryl
I had my Chow since she was 12 weeks. She was beautiful. I was blessed. She was good with the vet and groomer. I did start getting her groomed very young. I notice as long as she was first in the tub she enjoyed it. The groomer moved her and she would be there for hours but when I went to pick her up she was happy. I had two vets. It took some searching but they was really shocked at her temperament and how friendly she was. When I was a little girl, I had another Chow a male and he was a mess. Very aggressive but was wonderful to me. Loved him as well. They were so different from each either. They both passed but I was with them for over 14 years with the female and 9 years with the male. Take charge it will get better. Tell the vet to get a grip.
MDC
We adopted a 2yr old Chow Chow and she did need a lot of patience and training to walk properly, yes had quite a few tumbles in the snow while she tried to chase other dogs. But once she called down, she was great, did not like some dogs whom we avoided, loved and tolerated all the fur tugging, using her as a seat etc that our son pit her through when he arrived a couple years later. The vet was the only one who could give her shots and he called her an elegant lady. We had a mobile groomer come home to get on her, after being nervous the first time, she would just walk out the door and into their truck, it had a window she could look out off and see us and the house. Other gromers we tried called her “difficult”.
She was my baby, I still miss her so much, lost her when she was 14, was healthy all through except the last 3weeks.
I doubt I will ever feel the same for any other breed.
Mary
I had my chow from the time he was 3 months until I had to put him down at 17 years. I am 103 pounds he was 84. Mushu did not have any formal training. He loved his vet, other dog’s ,and kids. Sorry to say but your chow does not see you as Alfa and by 5 yrs probably never will. If you can find a trainer to teach you to a leader you may have a chance,if not you will never be able to trust him. As he gets older and has health problems it will get much worse and will become dangerous. When Mushu was loosing his sight and was having pain I knew if he ever did turn on me I would put him down because I would know he had lost his mind. I trusted him completely. I did have to put him down but not because he turned, he never did. I wish you luck but until you are Alfa never trust him.
Nikki
I had a male and female chow best dogs ever.Both lived to be 18 and both started out at 8 weeks old with parvo.One year apart and different breeders.
Laura Lee
I love my chow chows, my girl jewels died of lymphoma cancer at age 13 and loved kitty cats was playing with one the day before she passed. I had to have another one so I got a baby and named her mischeif she’s very lovable and gives lots of kisses, she potty trained so easy. She was the runt of her litter and will be two in March and only weighs about thirty pounds and I feed her all the time. Is she done growing? I love her personality so much she’s very playful and sweet. She’s a blue.
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