A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
Ever owned a chow-chow?
Posted: Dec 11, 2015
I am thinking of getting a dog and have always wanted a chow. Are there any chow owners or others who are familiar with the breed on here? Would you share the pros and cons of this particular breed? Why should I get one? Why should I not get one? Thanks in advance!;
Chow dog - Chow lady
[ In Reply To ..]I have owned 3 chows. My last chow lived 19 years. They are loyal but very stubborn. They need to be socialized as puppies if going to be around children and other people.
They require brushing at least 2 to 3 times a week.
Is this your first dog? Do you have any other - pets?
[ In Reply To ..]I used to work in a pet store and Chows can be aggressive and not a good breed for a first time pet owner, or other pets or young children in the house (especially smaller pets, their hunting instinct takes over and may kill the smaller animal). They will challenge you for the alpha roll in your house. They will usually bond with one person in the home and make very good guard dogs. They have a heavy coat and and shed a lot in the spring and fall. They need brushed about four times a week, sometimes everyday depending on the thickness of the fur. They are easy to house train, but behavior training might be a challenge. You should start introducing them to people in general at a very young age to help reduce the aggression when they are adults. They are about medium size, short and weigh 60 to 70 pounds on average.
This is the basic information I would tell my customers, I didn't really care about making a sale, I just love animals and it was more important for the dog and the family to have a good match as I would hate to see an animal or child hurt. There are always exceptions, I've seen a couple of Chows that loved everyone, I've also seen Chows who didn't like anyone. You have to make sure the dog is a good match for you and your family.
No, not my first dog - Rita
[ In Reply To ..]I have had many dogs, mostly of the English Springer and cocker spaniel variety. I have dreamed of having a Rottie or a Doberman, but don't think the yard is big enough. No other animals at this time. No children (I am in my sixties), and relatives with young children live far enough away that they seldom visit. I do have a friend who had a beautiful chow (it recently passed away of old age) and it bonded with her. When her son (age 35) came up to her to give her a hug, the chow growled and bared its teeth at him. It apparently liked my friend only. It went after the USPS, UPS, and FedEx delivery people, but never bit them, just barked and growled. It was very possessive of my friend, but did not seem to like other people. But I have also seen chows that were loving and cuddly. I guess dogs are like people--each has its own personality. But I have been advised, even by chow organizations, that it is best not to have them around children.
Rita - Past pet store worker
[ In Reply To ..]I read your posts below and you certainly have done your research. When I worked at a pet store many, many years ago people would come in with no idea about the breeds they wanted. I was more concerned about the animal than the people. Many times I would send them home to think about it, because it just wasn't a good match for the pet. I agree, pet ownership should be taken seriously. I didn't know you had done research on Chows so I gave you the general speech. I also didn't want to sway your decision one way or the other, but my friend had two Chows, one was a cuddlier and liked almost everyone, the other one liked very few people. They were both from the same litter and raised the same, my friend was the vet at the store I worked at, so she knew what she was doing. I have two other friends one has had three Rottweilers, all as sweet as they could be. My other friend has an American Pit Bull Terrier who is another sweetheart. I've always said it's not the dog, it's the owner, but you're right, they all do have their own personalities. I learned a lot from working there, but mostly about people. I saw a pattern emerge, men who were over 6 feet tall would come in and wanted the little cuties, like a Maltese or a Pom. Then we would get the guy who was 5 feet nothing, weighed $1.25 soaking wet and wanted a Bullmastiff, maybe they thought it would make up for their shortcomings. The most surprising to me were the young women who wanted the Pit Bull, and would actually tell me she wanted to train it to be mean! I never would sell an animal of any breed to this type of person man or woman, but it surprised me that it was mostly young women.
I agree with the rest of the posters here about adopting a rescue dog. I think all of us animal lovers agree that rescuing a pet is always a good thing. I've never met a dog I didn't like or a dog who didn't like me. In one of your posts here you mentioned you would like to build a shelter. I've said the same thing for years, if I win the lottery I would build a no kill shelter, I even thought about putting a program into place for the homeless and victims of spousal abuse who wanted a fresh start to learn to become vet assistants, they could help me take care of the place, collect donations to help pay for their tuition, and have vets volunteer some their time.
I've had dogs all my life, I got my first one when I was only 2, he was a long hair Chihuahua, he never bit me, but he urinated on my mom when she was pregnant with my sister.
I can't add to what the others have said, but - sm
[ In Reply To ..]I just wanted to say that my dog growing up was a half chow/half collie mix. Got her as a puppy and kept her till she died of old age. We grew up together. Best dog I've ever had. She was beautiful. She had the fuzzy and fluffy but long solid reddish brown hair with a thick coat underneath.. Had to brush her almost every day to keep the mats of hair away. She also had the purple tongue that chows are famous for. But she had the disposition of a collie.. very loving, gentle, kind, super intelligent, friendly and laid back. I just loved her so much.
Chows - Rusty
[ In Reply To ..]My in-laws had 2 chows over span of 20 years, the first one bit my son's ear so bad that he required surgery. The second one actually grabbed my daughter by the back of the head. Needless to say, I hate these dogs. Also, when we built our house some 18 years ago, when we applied for homeowners insurance, a chow was on the not allowed list as far as dogs to be able to be insured. We have a Pomeranian, which to me looks like a miniature chow. Love this little guy. I know, you are thinking yap-yap dog, but as has been said a million times, a dog is how you raise them. I taught him not to bark at all times, but when the doorbell goes off, so does he. It's his job. Good luck.
if you are considering getting a dog - anon
[ In Reply To ..]I understand how certain breeds are appealing to different people.
In my experience, the best breed is a mutt, found at your local shelter. Just a thought.
True about mutts being the best breeds! They - often have the best characteristics - sm
[ In Reply To ..]of both breeds, and are less likely to inherit breed-specific problems, such as hip dysplasia, or a propensity towards cancer.
If you MUST have a purebred, go to a reputable, AKC-affiliated breeder. They breed to improve quality; the backyard breeder only cares about dollar-signs.
One purebred dog that you might look into, if you like large, hairy dogs, is the Samoyed. I've known many of these dogs (my ex-BF had 3 of them during the years we dated). They're happy, gentle dogs. They're a working breed, so they love to go... in the car, on walks, for a run, etc. Be prepared to give a Samoyed a LOT of exercise. They shed like crazy in the spring & fall, and need a lot of grooming. But they're so beautiful afterwards, they're worth it.
Yes, I agree about shelters - Rita
[ In Reply To ..]We have had many shelter animals in the past, and have decided to wait until after the holidays and go to the shelter and see what comes up! Maybe it will be something I never thought of. I actually love all dogs (but the bigger the better). A friend of mine loves Newfoundlands. I do, too, but that's A LOT of dog! You would need a huge yard!
Chow - Backwoods Typist
[ In Reply To ..]If you asking that kind of question, it is obvious you have done little research. Do some more research on this breed before you consider getting one. Also consider talking to a vet in your area about what you are considering. They may know something or have experience others may not know about. See link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chow_Chow
Chows are notoriously hard-headed, stubborn and can be hard to train. Also, they can be aggressive, and typically favor just one person, which can cause problems with family dynamics because of jealousy or challenging for alpha female status. Early introductions as a puppy are imperative. Also with their thick fur, certain times of year will be your enemy because of the potential to hot spots, which are bacterial skin infections that are very itchy, painful and can make an already aggressive animal even more so. Also do some research into known health issues associated with chows. Some breeds are prone to conditions of the heart or cancers. Also consider the potential costs of care, including emergencies that may come up.
Consider your needs of a dog. Do you need a small/medium/large dog? Do you want one that is high maintenance or low maintenance? Pure bred or mixed? Puppy or grown? Male or female? Companion or protection? Your lifestyle can determine a lot as to what you get. Also check with your homeowners as another poster suggested. Some breeds are NOT insurable due to known behaviors, which the insurance does not want to take on as a liability.
Just putting this out there, but also consider mixed versions, from a shelter or possibly get one needing a new home. Rescues can make wonderful pets. There are a lot of good doggies out there waiting for a good home like yours. Some breeders can be rather unscrupulous in their business, either misrepresenting what they are selling, dirty contracts, or failing to provide good medical care for their animals, sometimes selling ill, unfit for adoption animals. Thats why I ask you to consider adoption...please.
I have my 2nd rescue now, a rehome, who came already house-trained at 6 months, so really the hard work is done. Behavior training should be no issue now since she is a lab/golden retriever mix. My first, a golden retriever, was abandoned and found his way to me through my father-in-law. By behavior alone, you could tell his first years were rough, but he was such a good boy, always showed how thankful he was. Unfortunately, we lost him to cancer in October. We miss him dearly, but feel he would want another unfortunate dog to have the good home he had.
Backwoods Typist - Rita
[ In Reply To ..]Thank you for so much valuable information. I really do appreciate your input and the time you took to put it together and share it. However, I would like to politely correct your assumption that I "obviously have not done any research." Just to set the record straight, dogs have been my hobby since childhood. I have owned many different dogs, but never a chow. I have done/am doing my "due diligence" and wanted to hear from a chow owner or two. Last Saturday I had our vet come to my house so she knows what kind of environment any dog/cat I own will have. So, rather than "obviously not doing research", I have spent the past couple of years researching chows. I know quite a bit about them from books, from various fora that deal with chows, etc., but there is nothing like hearing from someone who actually owns one. Owners are the most valuable resource for information, IMHO. The appeal of chows to me is their intelligence and looks. I am aware of their stubbornness. I had a consultation last week with a dog expert (who does not currently own a chow but is very familiar with them from his work) and the one minus he mentioned was their stubbornness. I think they are incredibly beautiful. However, I am kind of thinking that, due to the fact that we live in one of the hottest climates in the US, that it might not be such a good choice because of its coat. I am still talking with owners, etc. I would be open to taking a rescue, as we have no intention of showing/breeding the dog, just want a good pet. There are no children in the home. (Some people have warned me that I should not get a chow if there are little kids around--I am not sure if that is true or just urban folklore. In any case, we have no children at home.) I am really glad that you support rescue--we do, too, and have for decades. I love all dogs, and have also considered a Rottie or a Dobie but they are so large and I am very small and not sure I could control such a huge dog. (Old Pro has both and seems to do well with them.) Again, I thank you and everyone for their input. Once the holidays are over, we can make our choice. This may give you a laugh. When I told a friend I was thinking about getting a chow, she said "They are biters. It will bite you." The only time I have ever been bitten was by a chihuahua. In fact, I have been bitten more than once by chihuahuas. Not sure why they hate me, but they do. When I was a child, my father always had English Springer Spaniels and we also had cocker spaniels. I have another friend who is thinking about buying a Newfoundland! I love all dogs (and cats and birds, too). I try to give what I can to help the local rescue organizations. On an MT's salary, I don't have a lot to give, butI try to budget something for them as often as I can. Anyway, thanks so much for your help. I hope you have happy holidays!
happy holidays - anon
[ In Reply To ..]You say you don't have a lot to give, but I'll politely disagree :)
You have gone above and beyond in research, speaking to experts, etc. I applaud you. You've done more research and preparation than some people do before they have babies!
It sounds to me that what ever dog you choose will be very lucky to get a home with you.
As for not having much to offer on an MT salary, just ask my dog (boxer/Rhodesian ridgeback mix from local shelter), who would tell you she lives an awesomely happy life with me on my MT salary. I love her to bits.
Good luck in your dog search, I wish you the best.
Backwoods Typist - Rita
[ In Reply To ..]I take dog ownership very seriously. Sometimes I see dogs "misbehaving" and people will say "That dog needs training." And I say, "Their owner needs training, too." :) I want any animal that comes into this house, dog, cat, bird, or snake, to be treated well. I used to participate in feral cat rescue/rehab and I could hardly believe the condition some of these animals were in. In any case, I think we have decided to wait until after the holidays are over, then go to the shelter and just see what awaits us! Somehow I believe in fate, and when we see the right creature, we will know it. Maybe it will be a chow or maybe a mix or maybe--? We will see. About a month ago, I was offered a pit bull, which I gladly would have taken, except there are many other dogs in this neighborhood and pits sometimes don't like other dogs. I realize this is a generalization, but my gut instinct was that it would not be fair to the dog for me to take it. (Plus of which, we have relatives who are actually afraid of pits.) I have another friend who is afraid of chows, so I guess everybody is afraid of something. I really do appreciate the information you gave me--it is really helpful. Making an animal part of your family is a very serious matter, I think, and too many folks do it lightly. I have a friend who has had a parrot for many years. Because parrots live such long lives, she has actually set up a trust to pay for the parrot's care, should she die first. I wish I were a millionaire (ha, ha!) and instead of giving twenty bucks here and there, could build a whole shelter. Maybe if I win the lottery! Again, my thanks!
P.S. - Backwoods Typist
[ In Reply To ..]I wanted to put this in my original post, but things just starting flowing so here goes:
My family had a Chow/German shepherd mix. We named her Bear because she looked like a little bear cub. She had German shepherd markings, but definitely the chow behavior. She was defensive of her family and was very partial to my dad. He had a hard time breaking her, which I guess goes in line with the Chow, but how wonderful she was! She went berry picking with me during the summer, chased my sister and I through the house if we had our house slippers on, and loved to play in the leaves. She also loved to get my sister and I up out of bed in the morning for school. Mom would let her in our bedrooms, so she could lick our faces, whine and kiss our arms, which was done by her gently putting her mouth on our arms without breaking skin and "kissing" up and down. She lived 15 long, wonderful years. She could only see shadows, was nearly completely deaf, but we still babied her. My mom taught me how to mix up her dinner dishes with her special supplements from the vet and how to feed her with a spoon since she had a hard time seeing her food. The decision finally had to be made when she could no longer get up under her own power. She was the last survivor of her litter, and by far had the best home. I feel we got the best mix of the breeds as far as her behavior and disposition. She was loving and gentle, yet fiercely protective. She also could read people very well, which is a knack I believe all dogs have.
Good luck to you in your hunt for a new furry kid. You will know the right one when you see them. With my "son," I knew he was meant for me. Something about the way he looked into my eyes went straight to my heart and soul. He was always attached at his mommy's hip. My new baby is getting to be the same way, but she still has a lot of uncertainty since our home is her 3rd.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
Backwoods Typist - Rita
[ In Reply To ..]What a beautiful story--you write well. I actually had tears in my eyes by the end. It is always hard when we lose one of our furry children. I always say, "I'm not getting another one; I won't go through that again." But then I do! Thank you for posting that--it was beautiful. And a Merry Christmas and Happy New to you, too!
Chihuahuas - sm
[ In Reply To ..]In my estimation, Chihuahuas are the spawn of Satan. For that matter, any dog small enough to be termed a lap dog serves him. I cannot tell you how many times I have been attacked in the elevator or the lobby of my building by chihuahuas, shih tzus, miniature dachsunds, and other ankle biters. A shih tsu took me by surprise and actually managed to nail me, and a highland terrier tried repeatedly but only got a few mouthfuls of a ballistic nylon laptop tote. A miniature dachshund ripped a hole the size an golf ball out of my mother's calf. My neighbors are constantly going around with Band-Aids due to nips from other people's pets. The only dogs that do not go after people are the French bulldogs and spaniels.
I don't know what it is about small dogs. I have never had a problem with large dogs.
Not our experience at all - Christine
[ In Reply To ..]Our dogs (all gone now) were all wonderful, loving dogs. We had a Wire Fox Terrier, 2 Scottish Terriers, a West Highland Terrier (who was so loving and affectionate), and a Chihuahua/Terrier Mix, and never bit or even attempted to bite anyone. It is a myth that all small dogs are nasty. Sorry your experience has been so negative. We would have nothing but terriers, only because our experience has been so wonderful. The Chi mix took some warming up to strangers entering the house, but after a minute no more barking, and never even approached the visitor.
Chow - DL
[ In Reply To ..]We had a Chow when we first married. He was an adorable little blonde fluff ball! We got him at 9 weeks old. He was definitely stubborn I will have to say. But, to make a long story short, he started showing aggression at about the age of 3. Turning on people and growling at people when they came over, even though he knew them since he was a puppy. he would growl and back them into the wall. Well, we were out of town one weekend and my mother was taking care of him in our home. He had always been around my mother. He turned on her and attacked her and mauled her back, her hip and her leg. She almost lost her foot. Thank God my dad was with her at the time as he had to kick him off of her. It was a total shock!!! She spent a week in the hospital to save her foot from infection. She was devastated as she knew how much we loved him and she loved him too. We were considering having children and with him already showing some aggression signs we didn't know what we were going to do. Well then the attack episode happened and that made our decision. We had to put him down. It was the hardest thing to have to do, but we knew if he attacked once he probably could again and could not take that chance, especially with a baby. We could never trust him. So, my experience with a Chow is not a good one. I always loved that breed too and wanted one when I got out on my own. I will never want another. I have heard other aggression stories from other people I know. But I know they are not all bad. I just know I would never want another one. Horrible nightmare!
Similar Messages:
Owned! Feb 03, 2010
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-august-13-2009/glenn-beck-s-operation ...
Senators Warn, FBI And Other Agencies Work In Buildings Owned ByMar 04, 2017
Federal officials are putting sensitive materials in foreign-owned buildings, making them vulnerable to cyberattack and espionage, senators warned Friday. Their alarm bells were set off by a report that said the General Services Administration has been placing FBI agents and other "high-security" government officials in buildings owned by foreign entities in China and other countries. The GSA didn't tell the tenants, according to the government report, so the officials aren't takin ...
Which Is Worse, Trump Choosing To Interview On Russian State-owned TV OrSep 09, 2016
or claiming to be tricked by Larry King into doing an interview on Russian-owned state TV? Is his judgment so poor Larry King can fool him? Or is his judgment so poor he actually thinks it is a good idea to go on Russian TV and badmouth the U.S.? There is a frequent poster here that is always accusing liberals of being Marxists and communists. What do you think of a Republican candidate that is acting as the puppet of a Russiian quasi-dictatorship? ...
Wikileaks:John Podesta Owned 75,000 Shares In Putin ConnectedOct 14, 2016
Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman John Podesta’s membership on the executive board of an energy company, Joule Unlimited, which received millions from a Putin-connected Russian government fund, also included “75,000 common shares,” according to an email exchange uncovered by the Wikileaks hacks. ...
White House Petition Demands ‘Soros-owned Voting Machines’ Be RemovedOct 28, 2016
http://conservativefiringline.com/white-house-petition-demands-soros-owned-voting-machines-removed/ Petition gets over 100,000 signatures in six days, triggering White House review. The petition, which can be seen here, reads: This man has been linked to a person’s campaign who is running in the election and has a clear bias to one candidate. His ownership of voting machines in 16 states is clear breach of integrity of our electoral system. Concerns about the election have increa ...