Fact Sheet: CHOW CHOW

(Original Title: CHOW CHOW Dog Breed Profile Information)

Photo by Prayitno

Description:

The Chow Chow is most recognizable for its full, bear-like coat. This breed is medium-large with a height range of 18 to 22 inches and weights between 45 and 70 pounds. The double coat of the Chow Chow is extremely dense and is found in smooth and rough varieties. There is a such an abundance of neck hair that it forms a noticeable ruff. The Chow Chow's tail is carried curled up over the back and is held close to the body. The tongue of this dog is blue, usually with a black underside. The coat is always a solid color, with red, black, cream, and blue being among the most common colors. This breed can live for up to 15 years.

History:

The Chow Chow developed in China, in the Mongolian region and is believed to be a very ancient breed of dog. This dog was a multi-purpose dog in the region of its origin and was used for hunting, drawing sleds, and as food. This breed was referred to by different names in China, and the name it now bears was bestowed on it by English sea captains, who brought the dog with them to England. General cargo was called "chow chow" and the name transferred onto the dog. Some believe the name also means food.

Temperament:

Known for a sometimes aloof manner, the Chow Chow is nevertheless a dog that will bond strongly with one person. This dog will get along well with children, but older children are best here. Socialization with other pets and people is important with this breed and training should begin while the dog is young. Although this dog breed has something of a reputation for aggression, this is mostly a result of poor breeding practices. The owner of this breed should exhibit authority so that the dog does not attempt to be the 'leader of the pack'.

Health Issues:

The Chow Chow is a fairly healthy breed but can be subject to various ailments. Hip and elbow dysplasia are found in this dog and it can also suffer from entropion. This dog can also develop bloat and if it does so, must be taken to the veterinarian immediately for treatment. Several small meals and a quiet time after eating can help prevent this serious condition. This breed, because of its relatively short muzzle will often snore.

Grooming:

Regardless of whether a Chow Chow is going to be used as a family pet or as a show dog, it needs a great deal of daily grooming. This dog's coat is much too thick and long to allow to go without brushing every day. This dog breed will experience a heavy shed twice a year and will need extra attention at this time.

Living Conditions:

The Chow Chow is a fairly quiet dog inside and will do well for apartment living if given a walk every day. As this dog has a somewhat reserved character, it does not mind living outside as long as it receives some attention every day from the person with whom it has bonded. The thick coat enables this dog to live outside even in winter.

By Scott Allan Lipe For more information on the Chow Chow Dog Breed, Dog Training and Teacup Puppies for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Morkies please visit our websites below. Teacup Puppies For Sale Article Source: EzineArticles

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Your CHOW CHOW Dogs Guide

Chow Chow, (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The chow chow is a very old dog breed with an unknown exact origin. History indicates that the animal might have emerged in China around two hundred and six BC. Chow chow dogs look like the Chinese Shar-Pei because of their black and blue mouths. They somewhat look like they fathered some other famed canines, including Samoyed and Pomeranian among others.

In the olden days, chows were serious wolf hunters, animal herders, cart pullers, and home and boat watchdogs. They generally provided support as far as protection of property and humans. Their working role seems to have changed nowadays as chowchows are simply family pets. Read the following question and answer guide to understand them more.

1. The chow chow physique - These are huge, strong canines with a bluish-black tongue and virtually upright hide legs. One can notice this funny look of the rear legs when the pet is walking. They can grow tall up to a height of eighteen to twenty-two inches at the shoulder. Additionally, an adult dog can weigh around forty-five to seventy pounds.

Their heads are large and wide whereas the skull is flat and they look like smaller male lions because of their head mane. Their large noses are black and boast two properly formed nostrils. Ears as are small, triangular shaped, erect and their tips perfectly round. Chow chow dogs have sunken, dark eyes and their curly tail rests close to their back.

The fur type distinguishes the two types of chows available. One type of dog has an abundant, dense soft coat and the other type has a thick, rough coat. There are five distinct colors of chowchows, including blue, black, red, cream and cinnamon. Cream dogs can sometimes have grayish, white or tan colors. These lovely pets have sharp, thin biting teeth.

2. Is the dog's temperament bad or good? - Let us just say that the dog's behavior and temperament depend on who owns him or her. Dominance is a natural train in chows and they can very easily grab a bossy position in your home. Would you imagine following your pet's orders and wishes? Well, with chows, being overprotective of their masters is not a problem. They have incredible willpower, confidence, and authority that could surpass the same traits in some humans.

That said, it is imperative to train your canine how to be obedient. He or she does not refute or boycott daily puppy lessons. Chows can be very cooperative if that is what the master wants. Additionally, each home needs more than one authoritative figure as in chow chows can intuitively discover a weak human leader. Therefore, she or he will be polite, respectful to the master, and frankly rude to another person without a commanding tone.

If a chow is not in a good mood it will blatantly show it and will demand space. When they need play and attention, they will even be good to children and other pets. However, these dogs will repeatedly follow their instincts, in that they will want to herd and protect homes, children, pets and everything.

3. Does the animal have any health problem? Chow Chow dogs suffer entropion, an eye disease caused by some serious eyelid abnormality. The problem needs a surgical correction. Other problems include ear disease, stomach cancer, hip dysplasia, and hot spots among others. Chows can survive in small indoor spaces as long as there is a small backyard for allowing play. If well nurtured, these pets can live for about fifteen years.

By G. Smitty - Article Source: EzineArticles

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CHINESE DOG Breeds - Symbols of Luck and Protection

Pog - Mops - Photo. Pixabay

Chinese New Year, which occurs on January 23rd, 2012, will mark the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese use animals to represent each of their zodiac signs: the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, pig, rat...and dog. While we won't be celebrating the Year of the Dog again until 2018 (I would know for my animal sign is the dog), I thought it would still be a good idea to dedicate this week's "Good Dog" article to dogs of Chinese origin.

The Chinese believe that dogs bring good "yang" energy into our homes. They create bright, positive, active energy and provide us with comfort and security. Dogs even influence Chinese mythology and represent some important symbols of good fortune and protection.

There are at least a dozen dog breeds of Chinese descent - these breeds include:

• Bone-mouth Shar Pei

• Chinese Chongqing Dog

• Chinese Crested Dog

• Chinese Imperial Dog

• Chow Chow

• Formosan Mountain Dog

• Kunming Wolfdog

• Pekingese

• Pug

• Shar Pei

• Shih Tzu

• Xiasi Dog

While I would love to go into detail about every one of these unique breeds, I have chosen to highlight the three most popular ones based on our customers' opinions. So here it is - the most widely owned Chinese dog breeds are: the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Chinese Crested (Sorry Chow Chow...better luck next year).

Shih Tzu Deutsch: Shih Tzu
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Shih Tzu - The Little Lion Dog

Did you know that the average Shih Tzu is less than 12 inches tall and range from 8 to 16 lbs.? Don't let their small stature fool you though. The Shih Tzu (which means "Lion Dog") is thought to be a descendant of the wolf - specifically, an ancient Chinese wolf known as the Senji, which had drop ears, a short muzzle, and big, dark eyes.

The colors of a Shih Tzu's coat can vary wildly. Many are solid and have coats that are black, white, brown, liver, and blue. Others can be bi-colored, including black and white, liver and white, silver and white, brindle and white, and black and gold. Their coats grow quickly and can be either long or short. In fact, the coat of the

long-coated Shih Tzu will often touch the ground even while the dog is standing.

According to the UK Kennel Club, the average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is more than 13 years with many reaching the ages of 16 to 20. However, the Shih Tzu breed is known to be subject to some not-so-fortunate health issues. Among these are IVD (Intervertebral Disk Disease), hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, and, like all dogs with short muzzles, they can be prone to breathing problems.

Yet don't let these concerns distress you. The "lion dog" can be an excellent companion. Their disposition is playful and affectionate and they generally get along well with other animals. Plus they make great watchdogs because they are very brave and always on alert.

Chinese Crested
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chinese Crested - Charming and Affectionate

The Chinese Crested dog comes in two varieties: Hairless and Powderpuff. Powderpuffs have a long, soft coat that changes in appearance depending on how they are groomed.

Then there is the hairless variety - in fact, there are actually two varieties of hairless crested: true hairless and hairy hairless. True hairless dogs have very little to no fur at all, while hairy hairless dogs have patches of hair on the head (crest), paws (socks), and tail (plume).

While the average Chinese crested has a longevity of 12 to 14 years, there are some health problems that could shorten their life expectancy. Ocular and dental problems can be common, as well as allergies and immune disorders. (Interestingly enough, the dental issues are far more common in the hairless variety.) More severe problems include patellar luxation, which can cause the kneecaps to become dislodged, resulting in lameness. Another serious issue is Canine Multiple System Degeneration. This can lead to a dog walking with a "drunken gait" or falling down while climbing stairs or making a fast turn.

The Chinese Crested makes a great family animal as they are very affectionate, charming and quite loveable. Just make sure that your kids are gentle with this pup. Since they don't have the protective coat that other breeds have, Chinese crested can injure easily.

Pugs - A Symbol of Chinese Mythology

The pug resembles the ancient Chinese mythical creature, the Fu Dog. Fu dogs were thought of as imperial guardians and according to folklore were said to be able to transform into dragons. It is actually very common to see statues of these animals placed at the doorways of Chinese businesses and in the home to protect against burglars and evil spirits.

Similarly to the Shih Tzu, pugs have a short muzzle and a scrunched face. They are also similar in size, weighing 14 to 18 lbs. Other distinctive features of the pug include a curved tail and predominant wrinkles that cover the face and head.

While Pugs can come in a variety of colors, including black, white (extremely rare), fawn, apricot fawn, silver, and brindle, the American Kennel Club only considers black and fawn colors to be "standard".

Pugs have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, but obesity can be an issue if the dog has a fairly sedentary lifestyle. Pugs can also suffer from Pug Dog Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), Hemivertebrae (congenitally deformed vertebrae), hip dysplasia, reverse sneezing, and (I'm not joking) overheating.

They are known for displaying an even temperament and are dogs that love to please their owners. Pugs are rarely aggressive and are good for families with children.

I hope you enjoyed this article about Chinese dog breeds. May you have good fortune, prosperity, health, wealth, and happiness.

By Robert Mueller Robert Mueller, BSc, Pharm. is a registered pharmacist, author of "Living Enzymes: The World's Best Kept Pet Food Secret", and co-developer of BARF World's BARF diets patties, nuggets and supplements - the first company to make the Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF) diet conveniently available to animals everywhere. He and his wife love to travel around the world with their dog, Ubi - a sheltie/beagle mix. For more articles like these and to learn more about the benefits of raw food for your pets, sign up for The Intelligent Pet monthly e-zine at http://www.barfworld.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Is A SHAR PEI The Right Breed Of Dog For You?

Photo by danja.

Shar-Pei is a large breed of dog that originally descended from China. Even though they nearly went extinct, they have enjoyed a comeback since the beginning of the 20th Century. They are now a favorite among families that want a quiet and reserved dog that is still a good guardian.

However, prior to considering investing in a Shar-Pei to be part of your family, here are seven facts that you need to consider this beautiful and wrinkly dog.

They Aren't Overly Affectionate

If you are the type of family that loves a demonstrative dog who gives lots of kisses, then this breed is not right for you. The dog is loyal and devoted to families but they are also independent, quiet, and sometimes even aloof.

They Don't Trust Strangers

These dogs do not trust strangers whether animal or human. While they are a bit more aggressive with strange dogs, they may also attack other animals including cats that may roam into their territory. Shar-Pei puppies should be totally socialized with different kinds of people before they are sold or adopted out.

Their Wrinkles Can Cause Skin Infections

Shar-Pei's wrinkles are a big part of their personality but they need to be kept clean. The wrinkles trap dirt as well as skin oils which may cause infections. You need to ensure that you clean the wrinkles by wiping them down at least a couple of times a month to prevent this from happening.

They are Naturally Clean Dogs

This breed can prove to be stubborn in most of the areas of training, but you can easily housebreak them. They take care of their own grooming and aren't as prone to rolling in the dirt as other breeds.

They can overheat

Shar-Pei flat faces make them more prone to overheating. Look out for any signs of dehydration or heat prostration such as panting, twitching, or unconsciousness. Ensure that you always have fresh water available for your dog.

They are Not Suited to Living Outdoors

In spite of their size, Shar-Pei isn't suited to life in the backyard all alone. If they are left completely alone, they can get moody and aggressive, even towards members of the family. Even though quite independent, they still love and enjoy human company.

They are Prone to Ear Infections

Shar-Pei has small ear canals that keeps them moist, which may lead to ear infections. You can often identify the infections due to their yeast-like odor.

In conclusion, those are the things you need to know about Shar-Pei. You should consider each and every factor before getting yourself one.

By Wayne Booth Wayne Booth is the owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Chinese SHAR PEI Puppies - Watch Dogs Of The Far East

As the name tells us, these dogs originate from China. They have been part of farm life in China from time immemorial. Farmers used this dogs as guards against predators and perhaps as herding dogs as well, in some parts of the country. Chinese Shar Pei puppies will eventually grow into fairly large medium-sized dogs. They aren't huge but they certainly aren't teacups.

My bonemouth Chinese Shar-Pei's first litter. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The average weight for a Shar Pei is right in the mid-range, 40 to 55 pounds. This weight class is about the middle weight size of all dog breeds.

If we were able to follow the genetic roots of this dog breed we would probably find that there are many different lineages and breeds that have contributed to the Shar Pei we know today. This is usually the case for medium sized dogs and it makes sense, because many different breeds and sizes of dog have intermixed for generations, causing for the majority of these dogs to fall into the middle weight range in our modern day.

If you've just bought a Chinese Shar Pei puppy and you're wondering about names, might we suggest a traditional Chinese name to honor the lineage. Or, you could give the dog a Chinese name and an English name too. Sure, we like that idea as well. One could be the full name and the other a nick name; have fun with it, pets are supposed to be fun and there are no set rules for naming your pet.

Shar Peis are natural watch dogs, that was their primary purpose as they were bred, so they will make a good guard dog for the home. But, they are also not an overly aggressive breed so they will be fine with children (other breeds like Dobermans and Terriers are not). These are great family dogs, and can adapt to any environment from the biggest city to the most remote village.

Unfortunately they are prone to several medical conditions, as all dogs are prone to certain ailments. With the Chinese Shar Pei you have to watch their thyroid levels and their kidneys. Those are their weak spots. You'll be fine if you simply take your dog to the veterinarian for their regular checkups.

This is especially important for dogs as they get older. This dog breed live until around the age of ten, so at the age of five will be considered middle aged, from here you'll need to keep an eye on their weight. If they put on weight, it could be a thyroid condition. Be on the lookout.

If you're interested in information about buying Chinese Shar Pei puppies there are many routes that you can take, however the best method that we have found is looking for Shar Pei owners and asking how and where they got their puppy. It can truly be a time saver.

By Kevin Highfill My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at [http://www.online4pets.com/] to discover more information about Chinese Shar Pei puppies. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Chinese Dog - The CHOW CHOW

Chow Chow (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is believed that the origin of Chow Chow dog is in China. In his homeland, he is still used today as a daycare dog, as both houses of reed boats, and even as a delicacy in countries of other continents. The Chow is considered as a company dog. It has a very proud and reserved nature, which makes it become attached only to its owner. It always presents a clean coat and is easy to train, but is very difficult to live alone at home, because it has a great need for areas where it can be able to move.

The Chow Chow looks like major Nordic Spitz and still retains some features of him. For many centuries, is raised with care in China, where it is considered as a working dog. The many existing ancient witnesses tell us with certainty that their appearance has remained unchanged over time, and therefore maintain its ancestral characteristics of race. Its introduction in Europe is due to a British ambassador in Peking who gave a couple of these dogs to the Prince of Wales in 1880. Immediately, the race is spread fairly rapidly in England and were very numerous imports from China, to the point that in 1884 the English Kennel Club, the officially recognized.

It is a dog of strong constitution, good power and leonine appearance. The head is relatively strong and broad, with small eyes and dark, penetrating expression, whose apparent lack of eyebrows is due to the particular design of the folds. The trunk is very solid and powerful.

Height at the withers is minimum 45 inches.

Head: truffle large, broad and preferably black on sheets of white or cream can be clear, in blue or fawn, the color of the layer; snout of moderate width, eye width from the end; venture with scissors; skull flat and broad. Stop slightly marked.

Eyes: small, preferably almond shaped dark in color except blue dogs to lions, which can be clear.

Ears: small, thick, slightly rounded at the tip, carried stiffly erect, well spaced from each other.

Neck: strong, solid, slightly arched.

Forelimbs: perfectly straight, of moderate length and strong bones. Shoulders are muscular and sloping.

Body: chest wide and deep. Back is short, straight, strong, kidneys powerful.

Hindlimb: perfectly straight, well muscled. Hocks low.

Feet: small, round, compact.

Cola: high birth, carried well turned and resting on the rump.

Coat: plentiful, thick, smooth, straight, composed of relatively coarse outer hair and a touch soft, woolly undercoat.

Color: entirely black, red, blue (metallic blue), Ieonado, cream, and more rarely white. Stains are not allowed.

FOOD: nutritional needs in inactive adult specimen have been estimated between 1,250 and 1440 Kcal; daily ration of maintenance. His diet should be as rational as possible, with adequate protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.

DAILY CARE: The Chow Chow is provided with a rich, thick hair and a soft undercoat, which need to be brushed daily. This operation is extremely important because it allows for good aeration of the undercoat, reducing the possibility of developing pathogen. The brush should be dipped in a disinfectant solution.

DISEASES: It is known that this race could have hereditary disease (myotonia and muscle hypertrophy).

By Kristoffer Skovlund If you want to learn more about the Chow Chow/]? Please also visit [http://www.ilovemy-dog.com]. Article Source: EzineArticles

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