ChinaPurpose & Origin
The Chow Chow is a very old breed and its exact origins are not even known. The breed has two different types of coats: rough (longer) and smooth (shorter).
Chow Chow is very distinctive in appearance and its teddy bear-like appearance is sure to attract attention wherever it goes. Although it is not the most popular dog breed, it is widely known.
According to a legend, Chows were once used as war dogs and as an aid in hunting. Even today, there are still Chows that go hunting with their owners.
However, the breed is regarded as a companion dog and most Chow Chows are wonderful family dogs.
Temperament & Behaviour
The Chow Chow is a proud dog with a lion-like appearance that’s a guaranteed head-turner. False and outdated images of its temperament make people wary, but underneath the Chow Chow’s plush coat is a warm and friendly heart.
Although the Chow Chow enjoys being alone, it may follow you from place to place without demanding any affection or special attention. It is also a great first dog. It adapts easily to its new home and quickly becomes attached to its owners. It loves children and also likes to be cuddled.
It usually gets on well with other dogs, including dogs of different breeds, as long as it has a positive first experience.
Although the Chow Chow has its own favourite person in the family, it is also the dog of the whole family. He is fiercely loyal to his owners.
A Chow will often be reserved or even indifferent to strangers at first. The Chow often finds it best to sneak a sniff from behind and then retreat beyond the reach of pats.
It wants to decide by itself who it accepts and who it doesn’t. Once a friendship is formed, it endures, even though Chow might not display its affection extravagantly.
The chow has its own views on obedience. It is neither stupid nor slow to learn – he just doesn’t understand why you have to do all sorts of tricks. Respecting its own convictions will get more done than forcing it to do something. It does what it wants and when it feels like it.
Chow Chow doesn’t need much exercise, but is always up for a leisurely walk. He also does well on forest trails and other easy terrain. However, it is not suited for a run or a bike ride.
On the other hand, the Chow is happy to lie on its own, observing its surroundings. In summer, a shady, cool spot is best. In winter, although it is not really an arctic breed, it is happy to be outdoors.
The Chow Chow may seem aloof, but it is always watching its surroundings. It tends to position itself so that it can control its surroundings with as little movement as possible.
As a puppy, the Chow Chow is easy going and is usually already housebroken when it leaves for its new home. Chow Chow puppies won’t usually chew up furniture or other household furnishings, since bones and toys are enough for them. The more activity he has, the better he will learn good manners.
He is an excellent watchdog, but does not bark excessively. He will announce the arrival of visitors, however.
Grooming
Grooming a Chow chow is quite time-consuming. It has a dense undercoat under its long hair, so it needs to be combed quite often. Fortunately Chow Chows enjoy being brushed.
As an adult, the Chow’s coat becomes a little easier to groom, as the coat that comes after the puppy coat becomes coarser. It does not need to be washed often, but when the coat is greasy it is worth washing.
Proper drying of the coat is time-consuming, even as an adult, because of its density. It is very important to properly dry the coat. If it is is left damp, an uncomfortable itchy skin inflammation (a ‘hot spot’) can develop on the skin.
Health
In general, the Chow is a reasonably healthy breed.
Dog Breeds Similar To Chow Chow
Chow Chow is a unique dog breed with a lot of personality, but there are some dog breeds that share some similarities with it.
In this section, we will discuss six dog breeds that are the most similar to the Chow Chow. We will talk about their personality traits, physical features, and how they differ from the Chow Chow.
1. Eurasier
The Eurasier is a member of the Foundation Stock Service and was first developed in Germany. The breed was created by crossing the Chow Chow with the Wolfspitz.
The Eurasier was originally bred as a companion dog and does well in homes with children and other pets.
Eurasiers are medium-sized dogs, with males weighing up to 70 pounds and females weighing up to 57 pounds. They have a thick coat that can be either red, fawn, black, or gray.
Personality
The Eurasier is a calm and loyal breed that is affectionate with its family. They are reserved around strangers but are not aggressive.
Eurasiers are relatively easy to train and do well in obedience and agility trials. They are a good breed for first-time dog owners.
When compared to Chow Chow, Eurasiers are less independent and more affectionate. They are also less likely to be aggressive if properly trained and socialized.
Physical Features
Eurasiers share many physical similarities with Chow Chows, including a large head and short muzzle. They also have thick coats that come in similar colors.
The biggest difference between Eurasiers and Chow Chows is their ears. Eurasiers have erect ears, while Chow Chows have floppy ears.
In terms of their physical size, Eurasiers are slightly smaller than Chow Chows.
2. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a member of the Working Group and was first developed in Siberia. The breed was used by the Samoyede people for herding reindeer and as a sled dog.
Samoyeds are medium sized dogs, with males weighing up to 66 pounds and females weighing up to 44 pounds. They have a thick white coat that sheds heavily.
Samoyeds are also known for their “smiling” expression, which is caused by the way their mouths turn up at the corners.
Personality
The Samoyed is a friendly and playful breed that loves being around people. They are outgoing and good with children.
Samoyeds are relatively easy to train but require a lot of exercise. They are not the best breed for first-time dog owners.
When compared to Chow Chow, Samoyeds are more outgoing and less independent. They are also more likely to be good with children.
Physical Features
Samoyeds share many physical similarities with Chow Chows, including a large head and short muzzle. They also have thick coats that come in similar colors.
The biggest difference between Samoyeds and Chow Chows is their ears. Samoyeds have erect ears, while Chow Chows have floppy ears.
3. Keeshond (Wolfsspitz)
The Keeshond is a member of the Non-Sporting Group and was first developed in Germany. The breed was used as a watchdog on riverboats. Keeshond is the biggest variation of the German Spitz.
Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs, with males weighing up to 44 pounds and females weighing a bit less. They have a thick coat that is gray, black, and cream-colored.
Personality
The Keeshond is a friendly and playful breed that loves being around people. They are outgoing and good with children.
Keeshonds are relatively easy to train but require a lot of exercise. They are not the best breed for first-time dog owners.
When compared to Chow Chow, Keeshonds are more outgoing and less independent.
Physical Features
Keeshonds share many physical similarities with Chow Chows, including a large head and short muzzle. They also have thick coats that come in similar colors.
Keeshonds are slightly smaller than Chow Chows.
4. Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a member of the Herding Group and was first developed in Finland. The breed was used for herding reindeer.
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized dogs, with males weighing up to 55 pounds and females weighing up to 30 pounds. They have a thick coat that is black, brown, or tan.
Personality
The Finnish Lapphund is an independent and loyal breed. They are reserved around strangers but good with children if properly trained and socialized.
Even though the Finnish Lapphund is not a watch dog they tend to bark more than Chow Chows.
Physical Features
Finnish Lapphunds are slightly smaller than Chow Chows, but they have a longer coat.
The Finnish Lapphund shares many physical similarities with Chow Chows, including a large head and short muzzle, but like many other breeds on the list it also has erect ears.
5. Mittelspitz (German Spitz)
Mittelspitz is the medium sized German Spitz. It is a member of the Foundation Stock Service and was first developed in Germany.
Mittelspitz dogs are medium-sized, with weights ranging between 11 and 22 pounds. They have a thick coat that is gray, black, or cream-colored.
Personality
The Mittelspitz is a friendly and playful breed that loves being around people. They are outgoing and good with children.
They were originally used as watch dogs which means they bark a lot.
Physical Features
Mittelspitz is a smaller breed than Chow Chow. They also have thick coats that come in similar colors.
Like other Spitz type dog breeds, the Mittelspitz also has erect ears.
6. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a member of the Toy Group and was first developed in Germany. The breed was used as a companion dog.
Pomeranians are small dogs, with males weighing up to seven pounds and females weighing up to five pounds. They have a thick coat that is black, brown, or tan.
Personality
Pomeranians are independent and reserved around strangers but good with children if properly trained and socialized.
They were originally bred as companion dogs so they love being around people.
Physical Features
The Pomeranian shares the same fluffy outlook as the Chow Chow, but they are extremely tiny.
Pomeranians have thick coats that come in similar colors to Chow Chows.
