Chow Chows
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 Tarters invaded China 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 T'ang 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.
PERSONALITY
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 teddybear, 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.
HABITS
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.
SUMMARY
Looking at the Splendid Oriental Chow Chow, one sees an arrestingly beautiful animal. What catches the eye is his perfect balance, the compact body and the proud, lion-like head. His striking personality and character, his aristocratic bearing, his dignified manners and his lordly scowl make him unlike any other dog. Friendly, yet some how reserved, he asks only to be loved and socialized by his family and friends. He is indeed an Oriental "gentleman," the lord of the canines, the Emperor of Dogs. And he is unique.
� 1996-2007 The Chow Chow Club Inc. - All rights reserved.
