Riverbark Veterinary Hospital does not provide veterinary medical advice via the internet. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Without the owner present, chow chows might appear very fierce, especially if they are on their property. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. However, chow chows can often show aggression towards dogs of the same sex and, with their hunting background, may have a prey instinct directed towards cats and other small pets. Some breeds, like your Chow Chow, can be born with a variety of heart defects. Chows can live quite well in apartments as they are quiet and just require walks rather than needing a yard to run around in. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. It usually starts at around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. Though the breed sometimes has a reputation for being aggressive, most chows are faithful, calm dogs that make excellent companions. I recommend asking the breeder to provide you with a warranty that guarantees the pup is free of any potentially crippling diseases for not less than two years, to be safe. It is believed that chows have been around for approximately 2000-3000 years. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary for the best outcomes. Please consult your veterinarian for the best recommendations for your pets. Before getting a chow chow, understand that he wont care what strangers think of him and will prefer to mind his own business. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Unfortunately, Rough Coated Chow Chows can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! Their appearance has also propelled myths about their temperament. While not overly active or high-energy dogs, chows still need routineexerciseto stay healthy and happy. They are believed to have been created from a cross of Spitz-type dogs and Roman mastiff breeds. In the late 1700s, English merchants brought miscellaneous cargo from the Far East that they had called "chow chow." The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Your chow needs to know that you are the boss in the household. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. Talk to other chow chow owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. The Famous Sigmund Freud owned a Chow Chow, 15. They are also prone to other health issues like elbow dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, patellar luxation, eye problems like distichiasis, cataracts, and glaucoma, pemphigus foliaceus, and gastric torsion. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. The dogs also acted as watchdogs for the family. He was a versatile breed used for different kinds of work. They are territorial and naturally suspicious of strangers. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Rough Coated Chow Chows. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Chow looking and feeling her best. Thisbreed needs an assertive owner who will provide discipline, socialization, and a solid foundation ofobedience training. As puppies, chows can be easy and sweet to work with, but as they become adults, they can get very dicey. Like cats, chows are somewhat reserved and aloof when it comes to giving and receiving attention. No one really knows why this happens, other than that the tongue of a chow chow contains extra pigmented cells much like pigmented skin cells. Obesity will shorten a dog's life. Chow Chows are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. Shiba Inu Husky Mix Your Ultimate Breed Information Guide Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Chow Chows. Give us a call at 910-436-4801 for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: Visit our office to get the latest in top-quality veterinary care along with unparalleled service. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. The name comes from a pidgin English term used to describe anything that came from the East during the late 18, British merchants included these dogs in their cargo in the late 18. century. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. They have a cat-like personality and respect combined with the temperament of a guard dog. Walter Disney once bought his wife a chow chow for Christmas. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Chow Chow. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Chow chows homeland is China. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Chows generally prefer to be only dogs and may not be good with small children whose sudden movements can startle them. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. One thing is for sure though, with their large teddy bear face and their signature lion-like mane, chows are undeniably hard to forget. Very rarely will a chow let a stranger pass unchallenged, which makes people afraid of them. Because of the significant risk of heart disease in this breed, well pay special attention to his heart during each examination. Ask your vet to refer you to a qualified local kennel club that will host these classes for your puppy. The Pitbull Poodle Mix Your Guide to the Boodle The Dorkie The Hybrid You Probably Dont Know About But Definitely Should. Keep the training sessions short and fun because chows tend to get bored quickly. With firm consistency, the local kennel club shouldnt have a problem training him. . Well take. He would only approach calm patients. who does routine x-rays on his pup and certifies his breeds free from hip dysplasia before selling them. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. A couple of 15- to 30-minute walks per day is a good place to start. Most People Often misunderstand Their Temperament, 7. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Those small, deep-set eyes, scowling face, and lion-like mane can be intimidating for people interacting with the breed for the first time. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss, foul-smelling greasy diarrhea, and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. In that time, miscellaneous items, such as dogs, were called chow chow and the name stuck. They accompanied their owners to hunt game. KCS is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs, and well conduct a tear test on your pet. When chows are born, they have pink tongues. Well conduct a blood test annually to screen for this disease. The Chow Chow is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 11-12 years. Chow chows are one of the most unique dog breeds. She is dignified, clean, and reserved with her affections. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Rough Coated Chow Chows. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Be sure that your dog has access to fresh, clean water. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Modern chow chows are still strong willed, but loving and protective of their families. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home. while others by-pass training because they dont think it necessary. Discuss a plan of action with your veterinarian if you find your dog is putting on extra pounds. Most affect the structure of the hearts dividing wall or the vessels of the heart. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. They are believed to have originated in Northern China and Mongolia. Poorly trained chows might act territorial and unfriendly, which unfortunately perpetuates the stereotype that they are aggressive by nature. Expect to pay a breeder between $1,000 to $4,000 for a chow chow puppy. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. , it is essential to keep socializing him by regularly introducing him to new places, strangers, animals, and children outside of your house. It helps to know that if your chow's tongue has pink spots in the middle of the color, it's likely not a purebred dog. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend's bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life. In China, this dog breed had several names: bear dog (Xiang gou), black-tongue dog (hei shi-tou), wolf dog (lang gou), and Canton dog (Guangdong gou). Restraining a chow could be difficult; early depictions show a form of harness used to control the dog when hunting. They are very independent and dont appreciate being fussed over. Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or if you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. Chow chows can suffice with a high-quality, healthy, and nutritious. Incorporate obedience training into your chows daily routine. Before attempting to raise a chow, make sure you are fully educated about this unique breed. Even-tempered; adaptable to a wide variety of environments, Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression, Suspicious of and aggressive toward strangers and other dogs if not socialized properly, Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Rough Coated Chow Chows and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. When chow chows are fully grown, their turns are fully blue-black, resembling that of a lizard. This condition causes irritation and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Dont worrywell show you how! The only other dog breed with a strange tongue is the, Sometimes because they are naturally well-behaved, some owners become relentless with. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Though today's chow is a member of the non-sporting group, the breed was actually used for hunting over 2,000 years ago, as shown on bas-relief carvings. Any breed can be affected, but Chows have an above average incidence. These dogs are not as outwardly affectionate and friendly as other dog breeds. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Chow Chows. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. Chow chows were prized for their strength, speed, pointing and scenting prowess in the field. Jofi became a significant contributor in helping Sigmund analyze his patients because the dog has a way of telling out nervous patients. She is well suited to apartment life as long as she is given daily walks and short play sessions. . You will also want to trim your dog's nails every couple of weeks if they do not get worn down from activity. Sometimes because they are naturally well-behaved, some owners become relentless with training while others by-pass training because they dont think it necessary. They Were Used as Working Dogs by the Chinese People, 6. These dogs were used for hunting game birds due to their scenting ability. The Han Dynasty has depictions of dogs resembling chows appear in paintings and pottery from 206 BC to 22 AD. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Rough Coated Chow Chows. This breed was called by several names in China, none of which were "chow chow." Is a chow chow a good dog for apartment living? Most reports indicate that chows originated in China, although some believe that the breed's roots lie in the Arctic Circle and came to China by way of Mongolia, Siberia and Tibet. Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs in their golden years. Shell feel better, and so will you! Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. However, once the owner greets you and invites you into his home, chows can warm up to a stranger but with no desire to make friends. A responsible chow chow breeder should introduce his puppies to as many new experiences as possible before placing the puppy into your home. remarked about these dogs during his travels. Early artwork from the Chinese Han Dynasty depict the chow as a sporting dog. In some ways like a big teddy bear, and in some ways not so much, the Chow Chow is a distinctive dog. It is believed that one Chinese legend ruler owned 5,000 chows. 12 Bulldog Mix Dogs That Will Steal Your Heart Hence, before buying or adopting a chow, here are 15 things you should know: Their robust fur ball body looks like a cross between a lion, bear, and dog. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Chow chow owners will attest to this. Hence, chow owners have to teach their puppies to accept strangers, new environments, and other dogs. This dog is not best for dog lovers looking for a canine companion who prefers to just sit on their lap and cuddle. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. Their coat is soft and dense, prone to tangling and matting if not brushed regularly. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Resource Articles 2022 GeniusVets. DNA analysis shows chows are in the branch that includes the shar-pei, Shiba Inu, and Akita, and are distinct from the lineage of all other dogs. Make sure he completes all necessary vaccines, and his kennel cough vaccine is also up to date before enrolling him in a class. How the name chow chow came along is interesting. This is simply their nature. She can be sensitive to warm temperatures; avoid any prolonged sun exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Symptoms of KCS include a dull, dry appearance or thick discharge from the eyes, squinting, and pawing at the eyes. This beautiful, devoted, and smart dog breed is beloved by many and can be an endearing companion. The content provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. Other famous for owning chow chows include Martha Stewart, U.S Navy Admiral George Dewey, Linda Thompson gifted by boyfriend Elvis Presley, President Calvin Coolidge, Vanna Bonta, and Janet Jackson. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. They are Good Candidates for Puppy Kindergarten Classes, 12. They also dont require a lot of exercise, making them perfect for people living in apartments. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Descriptions of lion-like dogs with blue tongues have been found in art and sculpture as early as 150 B.C. Rough-coated chows have a soft, wooly undercoat and a medium-length topcoat that is straight, dense, coarse, and very full. The chow chow is definitely not the right breed for everyone but can be an excellent addition to the right home. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The name Chow Chow sure does sound Chinese; only its not! Early chows served many purposes. Rough Coated Chow Chows are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea (the surface of the eyeball). The Chow is known for its characteristic blue-black tongue, stilted gait, and extra-thick fur around the neck. Walt put a chow inside a Christmas wrapped box to give his wife, Lillian. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. A chow is okay with a 15-minute daily walk around the neighborhood with his owner or family. Where relevant and helpful to the reader, we may link to products. Chows can easily housebreak due to their stubborn nature. Chows were brought to the U.S. in the late 1800s and were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. The Texas Heeler Everything You Need To Know About This Unique Mix There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Chow's body, inside and out. It often starts around four years of age and causes crusts and hair loss, usually on top of the nose and inside the ear flaps. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. To extend his life, you will have to keep an eye on what you feed him as well as making sure he maintains the appropriate weight. The name comes from a pidgin English term used to describe anything that came from the East during the late 18th century. . When chow chows are fully grown, their turns are fully blue-black, resembling that of a lizard. You might notice that your pet, while running, suddenly picks up a back leg or skips and hops for a few strides. Yes and no. Well do periodic blood tests and look for lumps and bumps on your pet at each exam. We can treat the arthritisthe sooner the betterto minimize discomfort and pain. This is called patellar luxation. They tend to please themselves first, and they cant tolerate physical punishment. In China, they are known as Songshi Quan or "Puffy Lion Dogs." In fact, your Chow Chow's lifespan may even be cut short by one to three years! Rough Coated Chow Chows generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Your dog may retch or heave (but little or nothing comes up), act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). They are believed to have been created from a cross of Spitz-type dogs and. What you think you know about dogs wont be enough with a chow chow. Chows have been in existence for nearly 2000 years. Living with a chow gives you the best of two worlds, a loving canine companion and a clean house. Chow chows are unique in nature. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Before getting a chow chow puppy, look for a good breeder who does routine x-rays on his pup and certifies his breeds free from hip dysplasia before selling them. They are not fans of vigorous romps, however. Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking); hair loss, Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, Dull coat, hair loss; sluggish, weight gain, Greasy stool, weight loss, dry flaking coat, Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine, Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes, Dry heaving or a large, tight, painful abdomen, Tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting/collapse, Leg stiffness; reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, or jump; bunny hopping. In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. Chows cuddle only when they feel like it, not when their owners want them to. President Calvin Coolidge had two chows in the White House. The chow chow tends to be a one-person dog, focusing its loyalties on the main owner. However, with proper training and socialization, the breed can get along with all family membersincluding children, though a home with older kids will be a better fit. Home guru Martha Stewart has had two chows that made television appearances on her lifestyle programs. You will need to brush your dog two to three times per week. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. Hence regular checkups are recommended for chow chows to help spot some of these conditions early. They also dont require a lot of exercise, making them perfect for. As the chow matures, the tongue may turn back to pink. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. Today, chow chows are still valued pets and are still used to protect and guard families, businesses, and residences. The Shorty Bull What You Should Know Before You Invest In fact, if you have no experience owning other dog breeds, a chow is also not for you. Meet the Aloof, Intelligent, and Unique Shar-Pei, Meet the Active and Playful Finnish Spitz, Meet the Loving and Loyal Pekingese Toy Dog Breed, Meet the Shaggy, Intelligent Pyrenean Shepherd, Learn About the Athletic Weimaraner Dog Breed, Get to Know the Happy and Affectionate American Bulldog, Meet the Small and Courageous Australian Terrier, Meet the Watchful and Protective Keeshond. They Need Equally Strong-Willed, Stubborn Owners, 8. They are known for certain characteristics: The Chow Chow has a cat-like nature. However, it doesn't need a whole lot of exercise and can also have a quiet, reserved cat-like personality. Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. However, the instance an untrained chow chow matures into adolescence, and they refuse to accept authority. Bacteria easily invade the damaged areas, so secondary skin infections are common. Defects can also cause problems with heart valve function or the electrical signals that control the heartbeat. Socializing him with children within your homestead is especially crucial if you want him to be good with kids as an adult. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. Be sure to monitor your dog's weight, which might be more than meets the eye under that voluminous coat of fur. In advanced cases, the eye may look enlarged or swollen like its bulging. They are independent and can be stubborn. Stiffness in your Chow Chow's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. By knowing about health concerns specific to Rough Coated Chow Chows, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. If you are interested in similar breeds to the chow chow, lookinto these dogs to compare the pros and cons. They are, however, very clean, so its easy to housebreak a Chow. For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. Chow chow owners will attest to the fact that these dogs tend to act a lot more like cats than canines. They shed their coats once or twice annually, so you should be prepared to fill a few trash bags when your chow is shedding. More often than not, people tend to misinterpret this breeds dignity, aloofness, and indifference to other people other than his family. The dog will need a cool place, preferably indoors, when it is hot. However, to reduce the risk of allergies, chow chows do better with low-grain diets. They have longer hairs (feathering) on the legs and tail, and a thick, long "mane" around the head and neck. The Husky Poodle Mix Your ultimate breed information guide Knowing all there is to know about this breed will result in greater success with training and socialization. Chow owners spend at least an hour or two per week getting all the rough spots out. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. This breed can work out well as a watchdog or guard dog. The tongue can turn blue, purple, or even black. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Chow Chows. Some historians believe that Samoyeds, Norwegian elkhounds, Pomeranians and keeshonds all originated from the chow. . We call this skin allergy atopy, and Chow Chows often have it. The good news is their coats get easier to care for as they grow older. This results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Hence, before owning a chow, learn everything there is to learn about taking care of one before you bring one into your home. The Vizsla Weimaraner Mix Your Ultimate Breed Information Guide If you arent too keen on joking or hiking, or you live in an apartment, the chow chow is an ideal companion for you. The amount will depend on your pet's size and activity level and will change through his life span. If you are looking to buy or adopt your first dog, a chow chow shouldnt be it! The chow chow is a smart, independent, and sometimes aloof dog that tends to have a dominant and protective nature. It is no surprise that even dog lovers who are used to warm cuddly welcomes of other dog breeds get startled by the chows seriousness. like elbow dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, patellar luxation, eye problems like distichiasis, cataracts, and glaucoma, pemphigus foliaceus, and gastric torsion. They tend to take their families and homes very seriously and will do anything to protect what they love. The following are some conditions to be aware of: A chow chow should be fed twice per day with 1 to 1.5 cups of dog food at each meal. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. KCS reduces the amount of fluid produced by the tear glands such that they are no longer able to keep the eyes moist. They can also be either rough or smooth. The Chow Chow is an ancient breed that originated in China as an all-purpose dog used in hunting, herding, pulling, and for protection. Chow chows are best suited for pet parents with strong personalities and conviction to socialize and train these independent, yet loyal dog breed. Chow chows need regular grooming from time to time. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from luxating further. They are Considered the Cleanest of Dogs, 13. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Marco Polo remarked about these dogs during his travels. Your Rough Coated Chow Chow, however, is a bit more prone to certain kinds of cancer that can appear at a younger age. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down.
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