Chow Chows: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

This dignified, serious dog with the lion-like ruff and scowling expression is a true introvert. Chow Chows must be accustomed to people at an early age so that their territorial instincts are properly discriminatory.

The Chow is quiet and mannerly in the home, naturally clean and easy to housebreak. He makes an impressive companion if you're the kind of owner who can admire his independent character while still enforcing household rules so that he respects you. This can be a challenge, as this breed is dominant and obstinate – definitely not the choice for a first-time dog owner.

With his bulky build and his unnatural stilted gait, he is not built to be a jogging or biking companion. Daily walks will do. However, there are two coat varieties, and the Smooth-coated Chow is often more active than his Rough-coated brother. Could just be because the less-heavy coat is easier to run around in!

Though he usually minds his own business unless provoked, Chows can be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. Some have strong hunting instincts and can be predatory with cats and tiny dogs.

Obedience training this breed is not easy. Chows cannot be forced to do anything – they will either "shut down" or retaliate if you jerk them around with a choke collar. Better to use a dog training method that earns your Chow's respect and emphasizes praise and occasional food rewards.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Chows have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Chow Chow to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Chow Chow

If I was considering a Chow, I would be most concerned about...

1. The complicated temperament. Far too many people acquire an adorable Chow puppy without understanding that the little round puff-ball will grow into an adult dog who acts nothing like the Golden Retrievers and Beagles they're used to living with.

   Chow Chows have a complex temperament and an independent mind of their own. Most individuals are willful and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Read more on Chow Chow Training.

   This is not a breed for a first-time dog owner nor for a home with young children.

2. Potential antisocial behavior. When I worked in a grooming kennel, there was only one breed the owner would not accept for grooming. She had simply had too many bad experiences with them. Since I'm telling this story on the Chow Chow page, you can probably guess the breed.

   The problem is that many Chows distrust strangers and many Chows are resistant to being told what to do. Put those together and you can see that Chows might not like being hoisted onto a grooming table and told to stand still by someone they don't know.

   You need to do a great deal of socialization with this breed. Lots of exposure to friendly people. Lots of firmness on your part that your Chow Chow must act politely at all times. He doesn't have to like it, but he has to do it. Socialization is a great responsibility for Chow owners.

3. Potential animal aggression. With their fighting and hunting background, many Chow Chows are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Many Chows have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures.
4. Heavy shedding. Chow Chows shed a LOT.... all over your clothing and furnishings.
5. Grooming. Chows come in a Smooth coat (which isn't really "smooth" but short and thick) and the more common Rough coat (still thick, with longer hairs standing well off the body, plus feathering on the legs). The Smooth coat requires regular brushing to keep the shedding hairs under control. The Rough coat requires frequent brushing to control both the shedding and matting.
6. Potential health problems. From hip disease to eye disease to allergies and skin conditions, Chow Chows have more than their share of health issues. Read more on Chow Chow Health.
7. Potential legal liabilities. Chow Chows may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas, or refusal of homeowner insurance policies. And be aware that in this day and age, people are quick to sue if your dog does anything even remotely questionable.