CHOW FACTS
(Is the Chow the right breed for you?)

Chow Chows are a unique and wonderful breed.  There are many breeds to choose from and not every breed type is right for everyone. Most people once they have had the Chow experience - No other breed will compare!

Majesty Chows would like you to be informed of some of the strongest pro's and con's regarding Chows for you to decide if a chow if right for you.

Chows have been unfairly "marked" as an aggressive breed that may not be trustable but trustworthy should be the Chows middle name. Here is a perfect example, this is a past puppy of Majesty Chows. His name is Mowgli and we would love for you to enjoy his page. MOWGLI
Another one of our past puppies to be a perfect example is SUMMA - Please read the stories written about these and many other of our past puppies and their new families are thrilled and have good things to say and also good things to report said by their vets, friends & groomers. These stories/references can be found two ways - One is under the pictures on each puppies page and the other way is in our reference pages.
 

We are proud of everyone of our past puppies and excited to share them with everyone.

Also please see the "resources" and "links" sections of this site for a large section of topics to do with chows. RESOURCES and LINKS

If you would like to read about the origin of the chows from thousands of years ago click this link. ORIGIN & HISTORY OF CHOWS and scroll to the page to the origin section.

PRO'S OF A CHOW:

• Shedding in a clump easy to pick up and not loose floating hair as other breeds do. If brushed once per week rarely seen any hair around the yard or house.
   
• Quiet breed that is known to only bark when very necessary.
   
• Excellent protection from dangerous strangers. Chows are known to  lay their life down for their beloved family.
   
• Trustworthy.
   
• Mild grooming for a dog with a lot of coat.  Most chows do not require more than 30 minutes a week of brushing. (This is also a good bonding time). Bathing once per month is plenty. Please see GROOMING for more information.
   
• Attractive.
   
• Chows are clean.  They don't like to eat stools as some breeds do. They are similar to a cat in many ways.  They usually choose one area of the yard for their toilet.
   
• Housebreaking chows are known to be the easiest breed to work with. Please see HOUSEBREAKING for proper methods to house break your puppy.
   
• Can live happily indoors or out. One of the few breeds larger than a toy or small breed that is recommended as an apartment dog but loves the outdoors as well.
   
• Cooler climates are more suitable for chows.  Air Conditions is important for a chow in hot climates or hot summer months.
   
• Chows are elegant & royal looking and very dignified.
   
• Non hyper and will always walk well on a lead.
   
• Great foot warmer.  Chows have a "thing" for feet. They will not only enjoy sitting  on your feet, they will kiss your feet too.

CON'S OF A CHOW:

• You must socialize a chow.  Only buy a puppy that has been socialized. I don't really consider this a bad thing, but unfortunately some people have not socialized their chow and this has helped to give chows a bad reputation.  ALL of our chows love people and are very socialized but would protect everyone in this family with their life. Please see SOCIALIZING for more socializing tips and info. REFERENCES
   
• Behaviors of a chow varies a little from chow to chow and genetic lines.  The typical chow dog is a little more challenging than some breeds but not a lot generally.  Some chows are more strong willed than others just like the differences as in children for example. Usually it does not take long for a chow pup or adult for that matter to realize you are the master not them.  The worse mistake people make is not staying consistent for the first week or two.
   
• Chows are known to be hard to breed.  Usually if bred or artificial inseminated the bitch will be pregnant.  Some females even though love being a mother will not stand for the stud and will need to be artificially inseminated.
   
• Jealousy with chows to another canine is not unheard of.  Please see this section FIGHTING for things to avoid if you will have multiple dogs. Chows raised with cats from puppies we have never heard of any problems.

CONCLUSION:

If you can stay consistent and teach your chow your rules, socialize him or her from the day you get your puppy a couple of times a week on average the first couple of months and then occasionally until around a year old, then you will have the most wonderful best canine friend.  A friend that will not be a barking nuisance, great trustworthy protection, easy clean maintenance without floating hair getting on your food and countertops then you will love having a chow. 

The only other thing really to consider is where you get your chow.  Go to a recommendable breeder and not a pet shop.  Pet shops puppies are almost always from "puppy mills" and not breeders that consider genetic health problems or temperament problems.  Buying from a breeder you should get a contract with the purchase of your puppy. 

Updated 10/15/2008

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