Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!dreaderd!not-for-mail Message-ID: Supersedes: Expires: 31 May 2004 11:22:46 GMT X-Last-Updated: 1997/11/10 Approved: news-answers-request@mit.edu Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs.info,rec.answers,news.answers Sender: tittle Organization: RPD FAQ auto-posting Followup-To: poster From: chinarose@doglover.com (Steven M. Miller) Subject: rec.pets.dogs: Chow Chow Breed-FAQ Originator: faqserv@penguin-lust.MIT.EDU Date: 17 Apr 2004 11:23:30 GMT Lines: 436 NNTP-Posting-Host: penguin-lust.mit.edu X-Trace: 1082201010 senator-bedfellow.mit.edu 569 18.181.0.29 Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.pets.dogs.info:14500 rec.answers:86422 news.answers:269608 Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/chows Posting-frequency: 30 days URL: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/chows.html Last-modified: 10 Nov 1997 ======= There are nearly 100 FAQ's available for this group. For a complete listing of these, get the "Complete List of RPD FAQs". This article is posted bimonthly in rec.pets.dogs, and is available via anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu under pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list, via the Web at http://www.zmall.com/pet_talk/dog-faqs/lists/faq-list.html, or via email by sending your message to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with send usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list in the body of the message. This article is Copyright 1997 by the Author(s) listed below. It may be freely distributed on the Internet in its entirety without alteration provided that this copyright notice is not removed. It may NOT reside at another website (use links, please) other than the URL listed above without the permission of the Author(s). This article may not be sold for profit nor incorporated in other documents without he Author(s)'s permission and is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty. ========== Chow Chows Editor * Steven Miller, Updated October 8th, 1997 With information from the Chow Chow Club Inc's _Hello I am the Chow Chow_ and the new CCCI pamphlet _An Oriental Masterpiece .... the Chow Chow_. _________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents * History * Personality * Training and Socialization * Medical Problems * Care * Confinement * Standard * Resources + Select E-Mail Lists + Select Web Sites! + Select Books + Select Magazines + Select Chow Chow Club Publications + Select Videos + Select Organizations _________________________________________________________________ History Definitely one of the most impressive of all breeds, the Chow Chow is an awesome creature with his lion-like appearance and regal manner. Looking a little like a cross between a lion and a bear, the true origin of the Chow is unknown and lost deep within Chinese antiquity. The Chow as it is known today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 BC to 22 AD); other artifacts indicate that he was even a much older breed and may have come originally from the Arctic Circle, migrating to Mongolia, Siberia and China. Some scholars claim the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian and Keeshond. In more recent times, that is, in the T'ang Dynasty (7th Century AD), it is reported that one Chinese emperor kept 2,500 of these _Chow Dogs_ to accompany his ten thousand hunters! Admired by emperors as well as Western royalty, used by Chinese peasants for food and clothing, and a favorite of the Hollywood movie star set in the 1920's, the Chow Chow has had a dramatic history. How the Chow got his blue/black tongue is a mystery. An old fable offers a theory: When God was painting the sky blue, He spilled a few drops of paint as he worked. The Chow followed after, licking up the paint and from that day on, the Chow Chow has had a blue tongue! The Chow came to America by way of England where it had been brought from China in the late 1700's. Sailors returning from the east brought them back in the cargo holds of trade ships. _Chow Chow_ was a slang term applied to the large variety of items carried by these ships. Like a nickname, the term stuck to these dogs. Chows first appeared at AKC dog shows in the late 1800's. The Chow Chow Club, Inc. (CCCI) was formed in 1906. The breed first knew general popularity in the 1930's when President Calvin Coolidge kept a Chow (Timmy) in the White House. The Chow again soared to popularity in the 1980's. Another notable Chow fancier was Sigmund Freud. After his death, his daughter, Anna Freud, continued to keep his Chows as well as raise her own. Martha Stewart is also a Chow fancier and her chows can be regularly seen on her television show. For further reading we suggest the following article by David Cavill: The Chow Chow _________________________________________________________________ Personality The Chow Chow's disposition is quite different from other breeds. They are catlike in their attitudes: aloof, reserved with affection, independent, dignified and stubborn. Although their soft fur is ripe for hugging, they don not always enjoy being fussed over by children or strangers. The Chow is very intelligent but like a cat, not as highly motivated to please their masters as most other breeds. They seem to please themselves first. They do not tolerate physical punishment. Hitting or beating a Chow may result in viciousness or a broken spirit. The Chow expects to be treated with dignity and respect. He will return that respect with undying loyalty if he believes you are worthy of it. The Chow Chow's temperament is often misunderstood by people who do not understand the breed's unique nature. Naturally suspicious of strangers and territorial, they take their homes and families very seriously as well their responsibility to protect what they love. On his own property and without his owner present, the Chow may appear to be quite fierce. He will seldom let a stranger pass unchallenged. People used to the warm welcomes of other breeds may be startled by the seriousness of the Chow. Once greeted by the owner and accepted into the home, the Chow should accept the stranger but may be reserved in his desire to _make friends_. The Chow Chow's appearance also contributes to myths about his temperament. The scowling face, small deep-set eyes and lion-like ruff are intimidating. The Chow's natural aloofness, dignity and indifference to people outside his family is often misinterpreted by people who expect all dogs to be outwardly friendly and affectionate. The Chow saves his affections for those he loves most dearly and finds little reason to seek attention from anyone else. He minds his own business and simply does not care what strangers think of him. _________________________________________________________________ Training and Socialization The strong willed, stubborn Chow needs an equally strong willed, stubborn owner! This breed has a mind of its own and may easily become your master if you let it. Chow puppies are naturally well-behaved, seldom destructive or disobedient. Because of their good behavior, some owners feel that training is not necessary. When an untrained Chow reaches adolescence, though, he may refuse to accept authority. We have found that most people who experience behavior problems with their Chows failed to train and socialize them properly. Socialization is the ongoing process in which the Chow puppy is taught to accept new people, other dogs and environments outside his home with politeness and calm. Socialization should begin at birth with regular handling by the Chow's breeder. A responsible breeder introduces the puppy to as many new experiences as possible before the puppy is placed into its permanent home. It is critical that you continue the socialization process by regularly introducing him to strangers, children, animals and places outside of your home. Socialization with children is especially important if the dog is to be good with them as an adult. Teach children how to hold and pet the puppy properly so that all his experiences with them are pleasant. Puppy _kindergarten_ classes hosted by your local kennel club are excellent opportunities for socialization. As soon as your puppy is old enough, you and he should attend obedience classes with a qualified instructor. The AKC or your veterinarian can refer you to local kennel clubs that host these classes. Training should continue at home and obedience commands should be incorporated into your Chow's daily life. A well-trained Chow is a joy to live with! He is a happier dog because he knows what is expected of him and how to please you. He can go more places and do more things with you because he knows how to behave properly. _________________________________________________________________ Medical Problems Anesthesia Generally, Chows are _poor risks_ when anesthesia is involved, and Chows should be treated by the veterinarian as he would treat a Bulldog or any extremely short-muzzled dog. Entropion If your Chow tears more than you feel is normal, he may have _entropion,_ a turning-in of the eyelashes. If your Chow tears excessively, consult your veterinarian for advice. Heat Prostration Another problem with the Chow is that he is subject to heat prostration if left in a hot, closed-in area or in the sun. He is particularly bothered by extremely high humidity, especially if the temperature climbs above eighty degrees. Skin Problems / Allergies Skin problems are becoming more common within the breed. Hot-spots, allergies and probably the most common causes. If your Chow starts scratching excessively or has raw, irrated skin that looks infected consult your veterinarian immediately. _________________________________________________________________ Care The Chow needs to be brushed at least twice weekly or more if possible. Grooming is essential to keep the long, thick coat in peak, clean condition. Chows have a dense undercoat that supports the coarser outer coat and gives it its fluffy appearance. Many adult Chows have a ruff almost like that of a lion that must be handled with care because it can be stripped away by too much grooming. The puppy undercoat, however should be brushed out when it starts to loosen so that the adult coat may come in properly. Always brush out the dead coat and be careful that the remaining coat does not mat. Both a rake brush and a pin brush (both kinds are available at any pet store and even at most supermarkets) are needed to keep the coat in good, clean condition. The rake is useful in the removal of the fluffy undercoat and the pin brush to groom the longer, off-standing guard hairs which are of coarser quality. Nails should be trimmed regularly to a comfortable length. _________________________________________________________________ Confinement Chows should be kept in a fenced-in area or inside the house in a room where they have a good deal of freedom. Chows should not be put on a chain for they resent the feeling of being _trapped_. Let your Chow have as much freedom as you have to offer within the limits of his safety and welfare. _________________________________________________________________ Standard The Standard is the physical _blueprint_ of the breed. It describes the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed otherwise known as _type_. Some characteristics, such as size, coat quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function for the dog. Other characteristics are more cosmetic such as eye color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all others. The Standard describes an _ideal_ representative of the breed. No individual dog is perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the breeder to strive towards. Chow Chows are typically between 17 and 20 inches at the shoulders and usually weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. Chows can be any of 5 different colors: red, cinnamon (dilute of red), black, blue (dilute of black), and cream (dilute). The Illustrated Standard of the Chow Chow can be found on the Chow Chow Club web site. A text copy of the Chow Chow Standard can also be found there. _________________________________________________________________ Resources Chow Chow Email-Lists ChowChow-H A Chow Chow Chat List ChowChow-L A Discussion list for Serious Breeders and Fanciers type _subscribe "Your Full Name" _in the body of the message. Selected Web Sites The Chow Chow Club Inc. Home Page Chow Chow Club of Greater New York North Texas Chow Chow Club Wisconsin Chow Chow Club Chow Chow Club of Ireland Chow Chows of Spain The Swedish Chow Chow Club Chow Chow Club of Victoria Books * _The Book of the Chow Chow_ by Dr. Samuel Draper & Joan Brearly * _The Canadian Chow Sourcebook_ by Jennifer Bunting * _The Chow Chow_ by Anna Katherine Nicholas * _The Complete Chow Chow_ by Kip Kopatch * _The World of the Chow Chow_ by Dr. Samuel Draper & Joan Brearly * _Topsy: The Story of a Golden-Haired Chow_ by Marie Bonaparte * _The Proper Care of the Chow Chow,_ Bob and Love Banghart, 1995 * _The Chow Chow: An Owner's Guide To A Happy Health Pet,_ Paulette Braun, 1996 * _Ko-Ko the Chow Chow_, Jay Hanover. KoKryp Press, P.O. Box 211545 August GA, 30917 Magazines The Chow Chow Annual Hoflin Publishing Ltd 4401 Zephry Street Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-3299 (303) 934-5656 or (800) 352-5678 for orders only $40.00, add $5 outside USA Chow Chow Club Inc. Publications _Chow Life_ The official publication of the Chow Chow Club, Inc. Carol Patterson, Editor P.O. Box 1070 Chester, CA 96020 (916) 596-4309 $30.00 year, $50.00 outside USA _Handbook for the Chow Fancier_ Deborah Barrett Chow Chow Club Inc. Recording Secretary 500 Oak Glen Trace Birmingham, AL 35244 205-733-8367 $25.00, add $10 outside USA E-Mail Deborah _Yearly Chow Chow Club Inc. Statistician's Reports (1979-present)_ _Annually updated Published Champions Report (1979-present)_ Bill Atkinson CCC Inc. Statistician 121 Mountain Drive Sound Windsor, CT 06074 203-644-0668 $15.00 for the Statistician's Committee Report $25.00 for the Published Champions Report E-Mail Bill _Illustrated Standard of the Chow Chow_ Ann Crisp CCCI Judges Education 164 W. Birnie Slough Road Cathlamet, WA 98612-9714 360-849-3412 Available soon. E-Mail Ann Videos _The Chow Chow_ _The American Kennel Club_ Video interpretation of the Chow Chow standard with examples of Chows. $36.00 _How To Raise A Happy, Healthy Chow_ Deep Cove Productions 6282 Kathleen Avenue, Suite 502 Burnaby, BC V5H 4J4 Canada Tel (604) 431-2917; Fax (604) 431-2918 $39.95 + $5 shipping & handling Local taxes apply for Canadian and BC customers _CCCI National Show Videos_ Available in VHS in NTSC ( US/CANADA/JAPAN ) or PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, SECAM and MESECAM from the Domino Video Company, P.O. Box 540,Seaford, NY 11783. Cost: $79 to $150 depending on tapes and format. Organizations _The Chow Chow Club, Inc_. National organization of Chow fanciers. For breed information, breeder referrals and regional Chow clubs, write to: Irene Cartabio, Corresponding secretary 3580 Plover Place Seaford, NY 11783 (516) 826-3051 E-Mail Irene _Chow Chow Fanciers Of Canada_. For information please contact: Corresponding Secretary Suzanne Staines 32829 Bakerview Ave. Mission B.C. V2V 2P8 (604) 826-3284 Fax (604) 820-9098 Membership includes the Club Newsletter published 6 times a year. Membership fees per year are: SINGLE--------------------$10.00 COUPLE--------------------$15.00 OVERSEAS-SINGLE-----------$15.00 OVERSEAS-COUPLE-----------$20.00 U.S.Residents please remit in U.S.Funds. E-Mail Suzanne _Maple Leaf Chow Chow Club_. for information please contact Christine Farnell, Secretary 64 Dorothy Street Brantford, Ontario Canada N3S 1H2 (519) 752 1291 Home (519) 759 4262 FAX E-Mail Christine _National Chow Chow Club of Sweden_ _Chow Chow Ringen_ For information please contact: Jessica Bjorling Trumpetgatan 10 871 61 Harnosand Sweden Chow Chow Ringen publishes a magazine 4 times per year (in Swedish) E-Mail Jessica CCCI Welfare Vicki DeGruy 9828 E. County A Janesville, WI 53546 (608) 756-2008 E-Mail Vicki _________________________________________________________________ Chow Chow FAQ Steven Miller