Should you get a chow chow? Want to know the truth about the breed?
In today's video I answer several questions I got asked from a Q&A I ran on my Instagram. Enjoy :)
_______________________________________________
Products mentioned in this video:
Breeder - www.malikinyotachowchows.com
Dog Food - butternutbox.com & www.jollyes.co.uk
Hot spot lotion - rstyle.me/+eBk5P01CnGmRLP9ex1...
Under eye product - rstyle.me/+ie5vIzJAyO2x_NGcvO...
_______________________________________________
s o c i a l m e d I a
Instagram: / ...
Carter's Instagram: / carterchowc...
Subscribe: kzhead.info/tools/xzz.html...
Tik Tok: @carlcunard
Business Email: Carl.cunard1@gmail.com
I have purchased a Chow from Malikinyota Chows and I’ve had a terrible experience with them. Our poor Chow is 7 months of and came with fleas, a hernia and Patella Luxation of her leg/knee. She’s only 7 months old and it breaks my heart to hear her scream out in pain. 😢. She can’t have surgery on her leg until she’s fully grown. Malikinyota Chows aren’t interested and our experience of them has been very poor. The conditions our Chow has are inherited, so quite simply the parents shouldn’t have been breed in the first place !!
Terrible breeders are rampant. There should be an organization that regulates anyone who wants to breed anything. Using things like regulations, education, testing, permits and limitations. So many animals would be spared abuse...😥
Take them to court !
Typical of money mad breeder
oh :(
How much
You're a careful, warmhearted & responsible person , take care of Carter very well. willing to put great effort to find reasons/ causes about his skin problem, allergies..... Carter is very lucky to has Dad like you.
Hugs from Alaska, I have 2 Staffies and got a Chow 3 years ago. He's the best dog ever, he's so sweet and fits right into our family. Dogs get along great.
He is the cutest and fluffiest thing❤️Thank you for this well articulated and very insightful video👌
That's a gorgeous Chow. What a wonderfully well behaved little buddy.
I watched your first video a couple of months ago and was desperate for you to release another Q&A about chow chows. I love this breed and the content you make
Hot spots are an indication your chow needs more brushing to clear out shedded fur. Also regular bathing to keep the skin clean . Most people miss this simple issue. Could also be skin related food allergy but that's not really common.
i bathe mine every 10 days
I've owned a half dozen chow chows. All were rescues. Chow chows are one of the most majestic proud breeds. You need to be alpha and train them you are the leader. Once they know they have a strong alpha leader they relax and are less likely to be aggressive. If you fail at being the alpha leader the chow needs he will likely be insecure and aggressive as he thinks HE has to assume the alpha leader role and protect you.
I can’t imagine having any other breed after having many of these beautiful babies!💕
Looks more like a teddy 🐻 than a 🐶 😂
Me too. Im also a chow chow mommy
I have a Chow Chow 3,000 shake a paw best dog ever love love love her
I love this teddy 🧸
Same! My family is on our 4th Chow Chow.
Carter is so well behaved!! 😍😍😍 Stay healthy you both! 💚
I am a life long Chow owner and I absolutely adore the breed! So unique. Just make sure to socialize them young and you are good to go. They are very sensitive to what you feed them so pay attention to how they react. With patience and attention they will live a long, happy life. I am currently watching mine nap right now and my heart is filled with joy.
I know this is a year old however you mentioned his wet beard. I have owned chows for years currently have 3. There is a bowl called the slopper stopper which is very helpful. Chows are the most amazing breed ever!!! He is adorable. Thank you for sharing him with us. Enjoy those purple kisses
You could be talking about our Chow Geno. Everything you said is spot on. Best decision we ever made getting a Chow
That blue tongue matches the outfits. Lol. I laughed so much when u said u wear the same size and sometimes it could be his clothes that u wore!! Too funny. And Carter is sitting and listening to everything so intently, noticing if all points are covered, if Carl is saying everything correct and he smiles when praised😅
Thank you
Carl, very well done, thank you! I'm not a first time dog owner, and I'd like to get one, but was apprehensive because of their reputation. You're raising Carter very, very well. Thanks again for a very professional, informative video.
be prepared for their attitude......can drive you crazy !!!
I have a Shar pei and with them being very similar to chows they develop the same skin issues. What I use for hot spots is using Epson salt with warm water, that will dry the area out. Then use sudocrem and it should get rid of the issue. Coconut oil is also good for skin issues .
Love your videos! You address everything so well .. and you're BOTH so Cute!
Love this video! Thank you for all the knowledge
My chow used to throw up any dog foods that I gave no matter how expensive or how specially made of (as they claim). Dry foods are too much processed so there's no enzyme. It doesn't work for digestions. So I ended up cooking her own foods mainly organic chicken breast and vegetables such as carrots and spinach and peas (no onions of course). She stopped vomitting.. I suggest Probiotics and Postbiotics and Prebiotics (=fiber) for immune support. My chow passed away at 13 years and 4 months but until the last minutes her fur coat was so shining and beautiful. I am grateful that you share the greatness of this breed. Thank. you! Love
These are the exact symptoms our dog experienced because he had an allergic reaction to flea bites. We took him to the vet but they didn’t diagnose the problem correctly and also gave him corticosteroids and antibiotics. The first thing they suspect are the food allergies and they lead you on a long road of expensive tests and usually unnecessary medications. To make the long story short it took us a while but we figured out it was the flea bite allergic reaction which was quite severe. Now we are making sure he is regularly treated and the problem has never occurred again.
I had a chow, who was so kind, but he did save my life, and did show a very aggressive action when someone tried to hurt me. But he was. Always kind to my friends
I love Chows Chows. I have two. They are the best dog for me! They are loyal dogs. I’ve had 2 very friendly, and three who only love the family. All were adopted as adults. Many are available through rescues as they often are misunderstood and they are dropped off a lot at the pound, the shelters discourage adoption because they are branded a vicious breed, and they get picked up be the rescues.
Adorable baby. They have very sensitive stomachs. Blissful belly food for him. Looks like he's listening to you talk about him.
They are from Asia 3000 years ago, they morgrated to China 2000 years ago and was brought to America on ships right after.. I love the history of a chow chow, besides them fighting, they are great pets all of what you said is true about the chow chow and you done a great job explaining the chow chow, your video was amazing
I have a Chow Shepard Mix and he's wonderful! He is kinda stubborn.... He can tell when we're heading home, or back to the car at the end of a hike and does a zombie walk cuz he really doesn't want to go home lol The Shepard in him wants to listen, but the Chow in him wants to do his own thing. Poor conflicted guy! Love these videos, they're so fun!
Mines a shepherd chow mix. She's very standoffish. Her brother however is much like Carter, chill and zen. Both have hot spot issues and crazy sensitive tummies. I wish I had learned earlier how good probiotics are for that and the right diet but it is a lot trial and error.
he's so adorable...love to have one....love his color as well...so cute
My Chow Chow goes through the same thing. Ive tried different foods and took him to the vet, we tried different medicines and checked her thyroids. I finally got it under control. I made up an ointment and put her on benedryl
Chows tend to get skin infections due to trapped moisture. Make sure you dry his skin after bathing him or swimming.
I can feel your love for each other. Hmm. Handsome and also kind hearted. ❤ I love listening to your English accent ;) I am learning English, your videos help me a lot.thank you ❤️
Chows are the best… cutest, sweetest❤️ full of personality, independent and loving… mine is my best friend ever… love her so much❤
Thank you, Carl ! Such a delight watching you both. Carter may have a poultry allergy causing his skin issues. Many dogs do. I have owned Rottweilers for the past 30 years, now, that I am older, I have decided to adopt a Chow this year. I love the breed, and I believe this would be a good 'fit' for me as I am retired now. Take care, you two ! Greetings from Houston, Texas ! :)
So cute, the way he constantly looks up at you 🤩❤
I have had chows since I was 15, I'm now 81. I've had a couple of mixed breed chows as well. If socialized well from puppy hood and trained well they are wonderful, sweet and friendly. Mine were ambassadors for the breed They like to explore so need a secure yard, They potty train themselves and do so quite young. I sure can't afford thousands of dollars so I'm looking for a chawbrado, (chow/labrador mix) Do not trim or shave their coat in summer as it insulates them. They are very intelligent but often stubbornly chooses to seem dumb. They don't like water and don't swim because they seem to understand that their wet fur can pull them under. They are not for everyone, but for those who understand them they are a wonderful companion. I'm a hiker so my chows loved hiking with me.
Замечательный собакен и хозяин этого собакена тоже. Красавцы оба.
I also have a white chow chow but i think mines mixed with samoyed. Either way, I've learned that for his skin issues, when I bathe him I alwaye use my own custom mixed oatmeal /sensitive skin/ puppy soap which i mix in a Hotspot spray with and always bathe him again later that day or next with ONLY water while i use his rake brush making sure i rinse sll the way to the skin. I also make sure I blow dry him after bathing with his rake brush this way his undercoat doesn't get mildewy or matted. Also, when I started feeding him grain free food after i was told by someone noticing he had chewed his hind, that he possibly had a wheat allergy and the combiation of those 2 changes and he NEVER gets Hotspots anymore. Hope this helps!
OMG..its been a while sense I have seen you guess. I started following you on IG..he was just a little pup. He is so big now.. I ❤️ it! Great details,tips and info!
This is exactly the same experience as I'm having with my chow. Same skin problems, same stubbornness, same absolute love with no regrets at all with the breed. My chow drools though.
your chow chow is way better in well behaving you treated him like a good dog so that 's why your dog is so well behaving and your content you make is so good. best wishes for you and carter in the future.
'Love the matching outfits!! Doesn't he get hot, even when dressed in fur alone? Poor Carter could have an allergy to something at home, including detergent and fabric conditioner (if he sleeps on your bed), upholstery treatments (e.g., fireproofing), and domestic cleaning products. How is he if you keep him on the floor for a few days (polish aside, of course)?
Never get tired of looking at them 😍
Social them, outside the home and inside. Guests in the home should sit and let the Al hue come to them. Animals have a greater sense of a humans true character so let the dog access the person. Love chows!
I’ve just learned that my dog is sensible with chicken and he chewed his paws non stop. When looking for different food, a few vets told us about having grains in the food is much better for the dogs. We’ve noticed that most of the dry food sold on the market is grain free. Research is being done now and in the studies, dogs are developing heart problems because of grain free food. So, we are giving him salmon with grains and he has stopped scratching and chewing his paws.
I have a cream chow, identical to Carter, and equally well behaved. His behaviour is exactly as you describe, and he toilet trained himself very quick. He was my first dog, and I've never had any problems with him, but I would agree it's all about the training when you first get them. You need to be well prepared, and start the training from the day they arrive at 8 weeks. Being on the back foot, or stalling by just a few weeks, will allow bad habits to set in, and will take longer to correct. Socialise them will children and other dogs as much as possible, and it will really get them off to a good start in life, and avoid any of those bad behaviours setting in. I found that he developed the dry and itchy skin problem after about 6 months. We got blood tests done in the end as we couldn't figure out what was causing it, We learnt he was allergic to rice and grain (grain and cereal is in pretty much ALL dog food and ALL dog treats). We cut that out of his diet and it made a massive improvement. Next, he needed more omega oils. But he didn't seem to like eating fish and would often vomit it all up. I have also been feeding him butternutbox for a few years, and he loves it. His tail wags whilst he eats, and his coat improved within a few weeks. To help with the itchy skin, I found a company called Nutri-paw. They have anti-itch treats which contain omega oils. 3-4 of these a day was helping to reduce his itchiness massively. I noticed an improvement within a few days of regularly giving him these in place of other treats. And finally, for the dripping beard after he drinks water....try out the Road Refresher water bowls. These totally solved the drenched beard problem for us. And in case you didn't know, chows seem to love coconut oil as a treat. It's usually solid at room temperature, and a tea spoon of this will make them really happy.
where did you get him from?
OUR FEMALE CHOW LOVED THE WATER!! LOVED TO SWIM IN THE OCEAN AND STREAMS!!
Very rare- my chow chow hates getting wet
@@phoenixphoenix8868 OUR MALE SAM WAS LIKE THAT!! WATER WAS ONLY GOOD FOR DRINKING!!
Mine like go into lakes (can’t swim probably, just walk there), but hates bath😂
I'm so glad I watched this video. I have to catch up on all the old videos. Carter's one of the cutest dogs I've ever seen. Honestly I think he understood everything you were saying. in the middle of video you started talking about food and he started smelling and twitching his nose lol 😂so cute. Dogs love unconditionally . I am a big dog lover and I love cats as well😊 I enjoyed this video. I learned a lot about Carter. See y'all in the next one❤😊❤
Thank you - I will be posting lots more.
Chows are adorable but for folks wanting one, you need to know they are historically a GUARD dog like, rottweilers, dobermans etc. and you need to know how to handle and raise one...I think part of the bad rap with Chows is they look like they will just be cuddly little teddy bears and therefore folks get them who don't know enough about dogs, in general, and guard dogs specifically and then those dogs become very problematic..many only trust one or a small list of people,...the bottom line is they are not a beginners dog unless you do one heck of a lot of research and are VERY commited to learning and have a lot of time to devote to training, socializing etc. They are NOT just cuddly teddy bears.
You got this right. My chow used to run down the stairs & open the doors if anyone approached our house/porch. He would sit on our upstairs steps & just steer outside waiting for someone to approach. He couldnt stand anyone approaching him from behind to pet him either. He was very temperamental. He didnt play with strangers like that & he was very stubborn.
I love Chows, my Ted died 3 years ago..he was the best dog I've ever owned. Chows don't like to get hot, 🔥 they do not have a cooling down mechanism..always take water, walk 2 a day is fine. Most important from a puppy is to socialise them immediately, carry them around to meet people,children, other dogs..I did this and I ended up in the most adorable guy ever, I miss Ted terribly and iam going to get a pair next time. House training, Fact Chows are the fastest to train...we are talking 4 weeks. Put paper by the door before lunch Ng they run to the door n bark let me out they hate to pee and dodo in the home. My chow lived car travel, and flying he travelled the world with me everywhere... Very kind, super loyal and will protect you at home 🏡 Chows were used for hunting dogs in China and we're also eaten on long hunting trips. In the summer you must clip them and keep them cool, in apartments they are fine in hot countries must keep ac on do not dump your chow outside when it's hot they can get heat stroke and die as they cannot cool down, in emergency in the shower to cool them down ...this is very important to remember. High maintenance grooming they have a double coat, daily grooming .. Chows love cold weather so winter is great for them but summer heat must me very careful. Chows do suffer separation anxiety..so take him everywhere with you they are super easy in that situation. Chows are my life,...I love them and know the breed. If in doubt...contact me, ps they live for 10 years. He is adorable,...❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
I have a ChoChow too, and it came from Russia. They are the laziest dog ever; however, cutest and lovable😊😊😊🎉
The blue tongue is very common in both the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei. These breeds have a High Level of pigment cells in the tongue due to genetic breeding. All pure chows should have a blue tongue. However; they don’t have this when they are born as puppies. This coloration is different than a birth mark you might see on tongues of other breeds.
Just a heads up. I have and 18mth old chow chow myself. On their eyes, Apollo had entrpion surgery on his right eye at 8 mths old. That stopped the majority of stains under his eye. I also started using angel eye tear stain powder and it really works to keep the stains away. He is 1 teaspoon a day of the angel eyes, sweet potatoe powder and Activia vanilla yogurt daily . He has nomore stains. The wipes did not work, neither did the chewable. The powder and yogurt work well. He loves his yogurt too. Just sharing. Ps. You do have to use it daily for about 6 weeks before the wetness and stains stop. Then through grooming that stained hair can be trimmed until gone..
What was the problem he was facing basically that lead him To surgery
Ciao Carl ti chiami come mio padre, noi da lui e mamma abbiamo imparato ad amare incondizionatamente gli animali... Siete fantastici really
Most stubborn dogs ( not all dogs )who are trained from a very young age turn out to be good with people , other animals and important life skills .......... just stay patient and gentle with them .......... pets are living beings to love not objects to own , they can be trained but you can't take out thier personality ........ if you can't give them enough love , handle thier mistakes or appropriate thier achievements don't let them into your life
He seems like an amazing owner
U both look Gorgeous in your track suits loverly colour too😊🎉
As a puppy my dog started to eat my Bible I went to the store looking for answers and the lady said that God was talking to my chow that’s wonderful for me my dog has been blessed with the Lord I’m so happy
I've had 3 red Chow Chow's..they are so awesome all in Heaven now ..Tai..Buster Boi..my smart beautiful shadow..and Bamboo..yours is also beautiful ❤️
He is the cutest awww 🥰
My chow gets them: It could be a bad reaction to flea bites. Bravecto tablet is really effective . They start to clear up soon after taking the tablet. Bravecto is perscription only.
Hot spots are very common and occur in many breeds, especially here in Australia. I find the best treatment is just Betadine.
carter too adorable😍😍😍😍
I had a black chow. I think you’re bathing your chow too often, and I read that you should never shave their coat. I only bathed my chow once a year- he didn’t need it more often-he was very clean and because I brushed him very often- almost every day-his coat was beautiful. He did get hotspots and ear issues so I had to clean his ears. I think a chow needs more exercise-two walks on a leash is not enough, unless it’s an older dog. They are great dogs!!
This is what our vet told us as well. NEVER shave the chow. They need to keep cool. They don't need bathing very often and we use shampoo that's very easy on the skin. They should be brushed every day. We stay away from chicken and pork and no sugar or corn in the food. We buy Origin kibble and our four chows do GREAT on it. Socialize, socialize, socialize and play with their feet a LOT when they are puppers. Positive reinforcement only. Excellent guard dogs and SUPER loyal to the pack. Bad chows come from bad owners, same as pit bulls.
we found our Chow at a rescue centre five years ago......he had been chained to their gate........we have never washed him, he will lay out in the rain and snow, he hardly ever comes indoors....his choice !..eats, sleeps and lives outside [ his ' house' is a huge outbuilding ] and he has never shown any sign of the usual Chow ailments......we live in the middle of France, few buildings, just nature......he is the happiest soul you could ever meet.....loves kids and adults, hates and will attack other dogs, protects my disabled wife like some kind of trained attack dog [ not our doing ] and loves long walks [ no lead] through the fields.......will run like the wind........his diet is fish, chicken and our leftovers....has never seen a tin of dog 'food'........brushed 3-4 times a week......in five years, not one vet visit.......he's as stubborn as a mule, strong willed, recalcitrant........and he's surrounded by love on all four sides.......
I’ve had a couple Beshai chows that are purebred CKC reg world champ bloodline etc, from puppy to old age and that biting themselves is 100% not normal and is in response to an allergy, likely in his food and they generally have a ton of problems with dog kibbles, something easy on tummy and skin made from salmon and good quality is your best bet ….it is not normal for them to chew on themselves like that at all (they are prone to allergies and skin issues from the allergy but it’s not normal) and medication is definitely not the answer. You have to eliminate what’s causing the reaction as over time the allergies can grow and expand to other kibbles and their coat will look like crap…right now he’s young but you’ll see the effects as he ages get worse and worse if you don’t deal with it and he just keeps ingesting it. The hot spots are like a spot of hives that festers up, also in response to an allergy, (occasionally heat) I hope that doesn’t sound rude I’m just very experienced with this breed😬✌️❤chow chows and I wouldn’t own anything but a chow! You will also see a different side of him if someone breaks in guaranteed, you just haven’t seen it when he thinks his turf is in jeopardy lol! Not good for first time owners, not good to leave alone for long times all the time and very very high maintenance with their fur …I’m gonna come check on you guys in a couple years lol!
Food allergies are more likely to occur when you feed the same exact protein source for a long time. You should have at least two proteins that you alternate every 3 or 4 months. Theres so much more than chicken and beef, theres salmon, bison, turkey, duck, etc. Tuna is not a good idea, nor is pork.
Another ancient chinese breed that is actually closely related to the chow chow that also has a black tongue is the shar-pei. Only two breeds in the world have this unique trait. The Chinese believed that their black mouths would ward off evil. Both breeds are very cat like and independent, the shar pei is perhaps more goofy and clownish and not quite as aggressive as chows can be.
This is Epic 💖
I have a Chow Chow I love the breed she 14 years got her went she was 7 weeks
Love chow chow especially the lighter ones. Awww
4,000 pounds, hell I rescued my copper color Chow at the county place, shes ultra sweet for a Chow. In Florida, I had mine shaved to look like a Lion!
Shaving damages the coat. It never grows back the same.
If you can, rescue a chow. In the US they are the #1 dog put down because of the difficulty of placing them. Most shelters don’t even give them a chance.
That’s so sad😢😢
Wow he’s s cute with his track suit!
My FAVORITE breed. So cute 😍
Carter is so cute just joined your site can you advise on insurance companies I have just picked up my puppy 🐶 best thing I have done x
Ha ha toujours habillé comme son maître ❤❤❤
Hi Carl, can you please provide the details for the groomer. I can't see this in the details section
Such a beautiful puppy! Dadi is so good to him and Carters gonna have a wonderful life ❤🐶🤠🇨🇱🇺🇸
My chow loves raw tripe , corn beef, salami, cheese, deluxe top side beef, Farm milk , dry food, don’t give them tap water with fluoride , bottled water with over 6.5 ph
Sooooo cute 🥺
I bought a very nice and soft bed for my chow chow, but he never sleeps on it. He prefers cold floors. And also, do you brush his teeth?
I love my chows
Chow chow is very adorable 🥰
Carter is so good boy.
Bear is a Love
Love this good boy and your channel
Soo cute 🥰 I have a chow chow she is called Chanel she’s been crying quite a lot does this happen with Carter and is this common with a cho chow
I love your dog 🐶
massively love him and yes i do too. one day may i have one .. dream come true FOR-M3
Your outfits are amazing dashing with your bear means doggy. ❤️🥰
ฉันเห็นคลิปวีดีโอคุณและ เลิฟลี่เชาเชา ฉันตกหลุมรัก เชาเชา น้องหมาน่ารักที่สุด เค้ามีคุณ ที่น่ารักและรูปหล่อจิตใจงดงามที่รักและดูแลเค้าอย่างเจ้าชาย❤❤
I have a chow and had problems with him biting people when I first got him
I’m on my 3rd Chow, I came across this video of you and your furry guy. I watched the entire video just watching Carter, lol My little guy is old 13 years and can’t walk the way he used to as a pup. He is my love, always by my side. I will definitely stick with the Chow breed , they do not have a smell, and are very clean dogs. Take care , thanks for the video.
❤
Carter is very very sweet.i just love him
Hooo que lindeza vcs são muito lindos
Just my .02. My 21 pieces of advice with regard to owning Chow Chows or a Tasmanian Devil: 1. Get two chows! They'll get so much exercise wrestling with each other, that walks will be unnecessary. They'll wear each other out. If I wanted to take mine for a walk, my female would be like, “Seriously, I just spent 30 minutes hassling the other idiot, I have no time or energy for that!” 2. Don't ever get two female chows, ever! Female chows like to make rules! Two rule makers don't get along... I previously saw a video on KZhead recommending getting two female chows. That person is clearly insane. No, never. They barely tolerate males that aren’t submissive. 3. Any male cats you have prior to getting a chow puppy are probably safe. Don't add new non-chow animals to the mix later. I wouldn't anyway, except may a Shar Pei. Opposite sex, two males ok… never two females. I’ve never had a female cat (nasty animals!). Let me know how that worked out for you if you have tried this. 4. If you are gone a lot (besides a normal work day), don't get a chow. Chows need the socialization or will get mean. If you can come home for lunch, all the better! Think of chows as chihuahuas, but can back up their disposition. Chows may not show it a lot, but they LOVE you. Kind of like of like dropping a girl off at HER home after a wild night at the bar, but she is in YOUR home before YOU get home crazy. I digress. 5. Females chows are hyper aware and more aggressive. Males are more relaxed and aloof, but will follow the female's lead. Let the chows fight it out for dominance as long as no one is getting hurt. The female will always win, as he will eventually let her win. It is their way. A happy bonded pair will have a female lead and male submissive. It really is their way. Any other outcome and you will have two very unhappy chows. A male doesn’t know how to lead… 6. Don't ever sneak up on a chow. Bad idea... They don't like being spooked. If I approach my chows from behind, I announce my presence. 7. Small children and chows don't mix, IMO. My wife and I are very chill. Children make them nervous. 12+ old kids and up would be my advice. Chows like calm, and don’t do well in a crazy household. 8. Get right in a chow's muzzle ALOT from the day you get them. They will be less likely to snap at folks who are in their face, as they won't take it as a threat... No one except for an alpha human or who they bond with should ever stare down a chow. These are often two different folks. My son can testify that this annoys chows. 9. I hear this a lot: “It's all about the upbringing and not the genetics with chows, pitbulls, etc.” Anyone telling you this is an idiot! A chow is always a chow at heart. They are hardwired protective, territorial, grizzly bears. At about 9 months old, a chow realizes it is a chow. If you think your chow is going to gleefully greet the mailman, you are nuts and probably need a lobotomy. Maybe you should get by a Labrador Retriever or a Pug. I think it is a life changing event for chows. My wife didn't believe me on this: She would take our female chow in the vehicle to pick up her Wal-Mart order. From 12 weeks to 9 months, the female chow was a happy fluffy puppy greeting the person filling the trunk of the car. At about 9 months, a chow realizes what it is: A chow. She went nuts when the person approached my wife’s car door. Ms. Chow is no longer welcome at the Wal-Mart pick up lane. Again, anyone that ignores a chow’s genetics is an idiot. Socializing can only do so much, but it can be SIGNIFICANLY mitigated. 10. This is related to #9. A young chow acts similar to a typical dog. You may think, ‘I don’t need to establish being the alpha. He/she is such a good chow already! I got a great special chow who doesn’t need a leader!” If this occurs, you have already demonstrated that you are a fool and are going to be very unhappy, as is your chow. A chow MUST have an alpha human. No exceptions, EVER. If you have chosen to allow a chow to rule your home, you probably now have an unruly or overly aggressive dog, and it was COMPLETELY your doing. This is why there are a lot of chows in shelters. ☹ You must be alpha from early on and throughout the chow’s life. If you cannot do this, please, please, please, please don’t get a chow. I should have made this rule #1. 11. A chow will give its life for you. Their loyalty, protectiveness, and territorialism borders on insanity, for both males and females. If you have a chow or two, and there is an unwelcome stranger at your bedroom door in the middle of the night: Your chows are dead. No if, ands, or buts. Your chow(s) is/are dead. They will protect you at ALL costs. Sometimes I lock my doors at night, sometimes I don’t. Burglar beware, and may God have mercy on your torn apart soul. 12. Children are attracted to chows like magnets. Chows are like fluffy bears! Make sure to expose your chow puppy to as many children as possible when they are puppies. No matter what, and never leave a chow unsupervised around a young child. Chows don’t like busy bodies. 13. The less protein in food the better, but don’t feed them crap. Chows can dang near live off vegetables alone. Too high of protein content in their food can give them skin/health problems. As with all dogs, no grapes, chocolate, etc. Treats should include vegetables with low fat/sugars. Carrots and blueberries good. Bananas and strawberries bad. Start young. Chows came from China. Do you think Chinese folks fed chows Kung Pow Chicken or Generals Tso’s Chicken? No, they didn’t. They fed them what ever was on hand and in supply (vegetables, BTW). I go with Purina Pro Plan Lamb or Chicken. Lamb is preferred. 14. Brush a chow a lot, and buy good brushes. Wal-Mart is a no go. Chows like it if you start young and is bonding experience for them. I chose to get an OCD wife, and she does this for me. Win!/Win! 15. This is related to #14, Chows will attach to 1 or 2 persons in your house. My chows have always respected me as the alpha, but they LOVE my wife. If I’m ever charged with domestic violence, and I have all my limbs intact, I am clearly innocent. When they pick the “one”, that person is “IT”. I’ve never seen another breed of dog do this. If you are the one, congratulations! 16. Don’t ever, ever, ever, ever, turn on or abuse a chow. They will never forget it or forgive you. If you have a bad temper, don’t get a chow. Chows will take a swat on the rear, or an very angry, “NO!”, but they have NO tolerance for abuse or neglect. Beat a chow and it will hate you FOREVER, and expect to see your furry ex-friend on Judgment Day cursing your soul. 17. Get some lighting between your bedroom and the restroom. Chows are smart and won’t bite you, but God has apparently programmed them to sleep in strategically placed locations near your bedroom doorway and the bathroom in order to kill intruders and trip you in the middle of the night. If you get two chows, expect the male to be completely outside your bedroom. She will insist his idiot self to be the first line of defense. Again, she is the smarter one. 18. Female chows are much smarter/cunning than the males. Think of the female as a smaller ill-tempered wolf and the male as a dumb cow that doesn’t like surprises with teeth. 19. Get a good vacuum cleaner. I’d recommend a high-end Dyson cordless. You are going to need it. Anyone saying chows don’t shed that much has either has a carpet covered in the color of hair of their chow(s), or is blind. I don’t care how much you brush them, you’ll need a good vac. 20. If you have a lot of different people coming to your house all the time, live a hectic lifestyle, have no “inside voice”, or have spastic energetic annoying friends or relatives, get a different dog. Chows will hate those sorts of people and probably you. 21. Chows are the best dogs EVER. Just make sure they fit into your lifestyle and personality. Too many shelters have too many chows because owners didn’t know or didn’t respect what they were getting. It’s ok to pick a different breed of dog, chows are not for everyone. I’m sitting here at the desk in my den writing this in the late evening. The male is on my right snoring like a pig and my female is on my left getting petted staring up at me like a wolf hoping an intruder stops by. Everyone is happy that I took advice #10 #10 #10 #10 #10. I can’t stress that enough. I hope this helps someone considering getting a chow chow. There was a Chinese emperor that reportedly had 5,000 chows I want one female and 4,999 males. That is my dream, but my wife said something about serving me with divorce papers…
Thank you. I’ve wanted a Chow for years but now, I think I will choose something else. I was at a dog show last weekend and when I returned to work Monday. I shared my visit to the dog show with a co-worker and told her I was thinking about getting a Chow. She then informed me of a couple she knew that had one and after doing all the right things in regards so socializing the dog, they had to put it down for attacking the husband. The husband was having a bout with heartburn and was walking in the dark to the kitchen to get an Alka Seltzer when he tripped and fell . The Chow lunged at him grabbing him by the face and would not let go. He ended up having to have reconstructive surgery and the Chow was put down. I think they are beautiful dogs but after that story, I ‘m out.
Thanks for this comment 💖
Best dogs ever.
So beautiful dog 😍😍😍
I love your Chow he a some of my Chow color of my dog
Hi Carl Carter is a handsome guy. I have a puppy. I've had chow chows before, but this one aka Diesel has this little nipping thing going on. How'd you suggest we correct this.
Carter is lovely