Chow Chow
Breed Profile
Group: Non Sporting
Origin: China
Colour: Red, black, cream, blue and cinnamon
Lifespan: 11 to 12 years
Chow Chows are independent, stubborn and strong-willed.
Owner's Guide
With its unusual blue-black tongue, the Chow Chow is a dog for the enthusiast. Independent, stubborn and reserved, they are not very tolerant or playful and will resist being handled unless they are used to it from a very early age. Their thick coat makes it likely that they will overheat on hot days, adding to their intolerance of others.
Originally bred: to hunt, herd, guard, pull sleds, also used for their meat and fur.
Special characteristics
The Chow Chow is quiet and independent, not a playful dog.
Exercise requirements
Low.
Attitude to
Owners: aloof, independent
Children: not very sociable, intolerant, not playful
Other pets: may be problematic
Strangers: suspicious and territorial
Unfamiliar dogs: can be problematic
Perfect owner
Confident, experienced owner who likes their dog to be independent, no trouble and without much interaction or strong desire to please.
Potential problems
Prone to overheating and can be irritable on hot days. May be controlling or intolerant of handling, particularly by strangers. May guard food and possessions.
Chow Chows have a distinctive blue/black tongue.
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