Chow Chows
- Thread starter juliefurry
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Chows, hmm. It is true that they are totally unreadable and unlike any dog. Seeing as they were bred to be brutally slaughtered and eaten I don't think there was much concern with temperament. Then again, I am all for the "any puppy raised right can be a good dog" and I stick by that with chows as well. I have met three. One was a sweetheart and licked my face when I was a little girl. One did it's best to kill me and was chased off by my rottweiler. The third came up to me all friendly and lovable then bit my hand so hard it bled. That was when I was thirteen, though I don't discriminate against the breed, I don't think I have met enough to make a proper opinion on them.
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A person wanting a chow needs to know everything they can know about the breed and be willing to put alot of time into that dog. This breed is not one someone should say I want a dog, the chow is pretty lets get one. That person needs to learn all about the breed and be ready for that type of dog.
I doubt I ever would have done it except the fact my husband has dealt with chows most of his adult life. I love that attitude, that personality. But chows are not the right breed for alot of people. I talked my daughter out getting a chow because I know she doesnt have what it takes to raise a stable chow. Maybe someday, but right now, no.
I just hate it because I love coming here and knowing how so many people feel about Chows I convince myself that no one wants to see pictures of my babies or hear my chow stories. And sometimes dont think I belong here because of it. So I did get a bit defensive. Sorry about that.
I doubt I ever would have done it except the fact my husband has dealt with chows most of his adult life. I love that attitude, that personality. But chows are not the right breed for alot of people. I talked my daughter out getting a chow because I know she doesnt have what it takes to raise a stable chow. Maybe someday, but right now, no.
I just hate it because I love coming here and knowing how so many people feel about Chows I convince myself that no one wants to see pictures of my babies or hear my chow stories. And sometimes dont think I belong here because of it. So I did get a bit defensive. Sorry about that.
I love Chows. But just like with any other breed, they need a responsible owner. But, unlike every other breed, an irresponsible owner or breeder means disaster. You have to be very careful on where you get your dog, and how you raise it.
I've known one Chow mix. She was mixed with Rottie. She looked like a Chow, only she had hair more like a Collie, and was black and tan. Very beautful dog. Her name was Moe.
My friend found her, and the dog just kinda hung around their house. She had been badly abused, because even though you could tell she was dying for attention, she would stay far away from you and run if you looked at her.
But when I was over at my friends, she apperently got up the courage to come over to us. She just came over and started licking us, and then laid down for a belly rub. Ever since then she was a love bug. When my friend gave her a rawhide boen, Moe just looked at it because he didn't know what to do with it. But then she figured it out and started chewing on it. She was so happy, and a very well behaved dog.
But this story doesn't have a happy ending. My friend's parents took her to the shelter because "She was a Chow" and everybody was telling them that "A Chow will turn on you. They can't be trusted".
I don't know if Moe was ever adopted, and I'll never know. It just makes me sad thinking about it. She was a perfectally fine dog, not a mean bone in her body, but they gave her up because of her breed.
Don't judge by breed, judge by the individual dog. Maybe all of you guys have had bad incounters with Chows, but what about the people who have had good incounters with them? What about the responsible breeders? Would they live with 5 or so dogs, breed them and show them, let them around their children or grandchildren, if the dogs were unpridictable? Don't judge a breed by your average ordinary owner. Judge by the people who know the breed the best.
I've known one Chow mix. She was mixed with Rottie. She looked like a Chow, only she had hair more like a Collie, and was black and tan. Very beautful dog. Her name was Moe.
My friend found her, and the dog just kinda hung around their house. She had been badly abused, because even though you could tell she was dying for attention, she would stay far away from you and run if you looked at her.
But when I was over at my friends, she apperently got up the courage to come over to us. She just came over and started licking us, and then laid down for a belly rub. Ever since then she was a love bug. When my friend gave her a rawhide boen, Moe just looked at it because he didn't know what to do with it. But then she figured it out and started chewing on it. She was so happy, and a very well behaved dog.
But this story doesn't have a happy ending. My friend's parents took her to the shelter because "She was a Chow" and everybody was telling them that "A Chow will turn on you. They can't be trusted".
I don't know if Moe was ever adopted, and I'll never know. It just makes me sad thinking about it. She was a perfectally fine dog, not a mean bone in her body, but they gave her up because of her breed.
Don't judge by breed, judge by the individual dog. Maybe all of you guys have had bad incounters with Chows, but what about the people who have had good incounters with them? What about the responsible breeders? Would they live with 5 or so dogs, breed them and show them, let them around their children or grandchildren, if the dogs were unpridictable? Don't judge a breed by your average ordinary owner. Judge by the people who know the breed the best.
I've stated before I dont think chows are bad and NO ONE should feel they don't belong because they have a chow! Like I said, my first experience with a chow was a happy one! I was probably like any other little girl, poking and pulling and this chow just smiled and licked my face. I would love to hear your chow stories and I am impressed that you are skilled enough in dogs to handle a chow chow
You should know the breed and its idiosyncrasies before you buy,adopt ect. Every breed has its problems be it inherent characteristics in the case of most oriental black tongue breeds this includes chows,sharpeis and akitas or labs,sheps,aussies ect. No one breed is perfect without some kind of quirks then add uneducated owners,bad breeding or in the case of rescue dogs alot of times mistreatment.....lets not be so quick to judge other breeds unless we held that leash ourselves........its just unfortunate that chows and the other one comes to mind is the malignment of the bull terrier breeds and one can go on an on..........a few bad apples and everyone is ready to condemn the barrel !!!!!!!!!
OK. I'm with Becca. There's a chow chow that comes down to our local park. She's great. Very nice dog. She's great with other dogs and doesn't atrack. Her owner has NEVER had a problem with her. This is my opinon-Dogs are what their owners teach them to be. That means, if you let your dog behav in a certain way, its your fault. There is the odd one out though. (Thats for some breeds. The breed I'm refering to is the German Shepherd) Becca, dont worry about what these guys are saying. If your chow is great-so be it. Can I ask one question? Why is their tong blue? I freaked out when i saw this chow for the first time. I thought she was sufficating. (sp?) Anyway, I'm going go now. Done enuff talking for now. LOL
I am new here and in 3 weeks I will receive my very first puppy, a red Chow Chow. I have named him Leo and my children and I are so excited to see him. I have read every single Chow related link I can find on the internet and could not find a negative comment on Chow's until I found this forum (Not this thread). I know that Chow's have a bad rep, but they are not the only breed with one. A few weeks ago, I went to see Leo. I had never been to this house before (it is my friends sister's house) and I walked in with my 3 children. Oscar, the daddy Chow, came up to me, smelled me and just hung around until they put the bigger dogs out. The mom barked at me, but from a distance of at least 6 feet. No attacking, no growling, in fact, she didn't even care that my kids went straight for the puppies (she was across the room from the puppies when we got there).
I have told many people here about getting a new puppy (I am very excited) and when they ask me what kind, I look them in the eye and say "Chow Chow". NOT ONE person recoiled in horror (although I was expecting it). They were all excited for me and told me what great dogs they were.
I know the Chow is the perfect pet for me and my family. They don't need a ton of exercise, they are very independant (will fit in well with my 3 cats!) and they are great watch dogs (my girls will be teens soon, I need a lookout about! lol) I know that I need to handle Leo daily, mess with his feet, his ears, his tail. I know I need to groom him 2-3 times or more a week so he is familiar with it and it is a normal part of life. I will also take food away from him while he is eating, to make sure that is not an issue (important with small kids around). I hope to learn a lot here and maybe I can help someone too.
Tracy
I have told many people here about getting a new puppy (I am very excited) and when they ask me what kind, I look them in the eye and say "Chow Chow". NOT ONE person recoiled in horror (although I was expecting it). They were all excited for me and told me what great dogs they were.
I know the Chow is the perfect pet for me and my family. They don't need a ton of exercise, they are very independant (will fit in well with my 3 cats!) and they are great watch dogs (my girls will be teens soon, I need a lookout about! lol) I know that I need to handle Leo daily, mess with his feet, his ears, his tail. I know I need to groom him 2-3 times or more a week so he is familiar with it and it is a normal part of life. I will also take food away from him while he is eating, to make sure that is not an issue (important with small kids around). I hope to learn a lot here and maybe I can help someone too.
Tracy
I will be trying very hard not to forget that! When I get a pet, it is family and with me forever. I want Leo to have a happy and long life!
I live in Alaska so wintertime socializing won't be the easiest thing, but I will figure something out!! I have also been reading up on different training methods and on alpha dogs (just in case). We are pretty sure Leo doesn't think he is the alpha pup, but bringing him home could change his attitude. I want to start out right!
I live in Alaska so wintertime socializing won't be the easiest thing, but I will figure something out!! I have also been reading up on different training methods and on alpha dogs (just in case). We are pretty sure Leo doesn't think he is the alpha pup, but bringing him home could change his attitude. I want to start out right!
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From what I have heard of chows have owned 1 a blonde one that it isnt so much that the brain grows bigger than what the skull will hold but there is some increse in the size. chows are very tempramental dogs and as most will tell you they are usually 1 owner dogs also. They are one of the most loyal but can turn in a instant.
M
What Chows Are Supposed To Look Like......
http://www.chowchows.com/
Let me know what ya'll think! And check out those pedigrees!!!!!!
http://www.chowchows.com/
Let me know what ya'll think! And check out those pedigrees!!!!!!
I believe that to be true with any dog. A little old lady was attacked by a lab in our town just this week. I always think of labs as happy go lucky animals, but I am sure this lady isn't thinking that!
Owners need to pay attention to their dogs, period, no matter what the breed. An animal will tell you when it doesn't feel right, you just have to notice.
Owners need to pay attention to their dogs, period, no matter what the breed. An animal will tell you when it doesn't feel right, you just have to notice.
J
Hi there EVERYONE!!! My baby is Simon, Leo's brother!
Nice to meet everyone!
I have to say that my sister's chows are doofy and goofy and WONDERFUL! Snuggly and love kids! Oscar even jumps on the trampoline with the kids. I know that maybe they are not the majority of chow chows... but these babies have been socialize with a hundred kids in and out from day one, and Lola (the mommy) thinks its great!
It really is all in the owner and knowing the breed and what you are dealing with.
Nice to meet everyone!
I have to say that my sister's chows are doofy and goofy and WONDERFUL! Snuggly and love kids! Oscar even jumps on the trampoline with the kids. I know that maybe they are not the majority of chow chows... but these babies have been socialize with a hundred kids in and out from day one, and Lola (the mommy) thinks its great!
It really is all in the owner and knowing the breed and what you are dealing with.