Chow Chow dog breed and 10 interesting facts

Originating from Northern China, the Chow Chow dog breed is known for its large size and thick, bear-like fur. Despite their imposing stature, these dogs have incredibly cute faces, which explains why they are adored by many. However, not all Chow Chow owners may be aware of all the fascinating facts about this breed. Let’s explore the top 10 intriguing facts about Chow Chow dogs to learn more about them. Let’s find out with Petlandlove!

Chow Chow dog is an ancient dog breed

Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about the Chow Chow dog breed! Did you know that these pups have been around for thousands of years? Historical documents and archaeological findings suggest that Chow Chows have been around since 2000 to 3000 years ago, with fossils dating back to the 11th century BC. It’s amazing to think that their bone structure has remained similar to modern-day Chow Chows all this time.

Chow Chows are also part of the Spitz family, which includes some of the oldest snow breeds in the world. Their exact ancestry is a bit of a mystery, with theories suggesting they may be a mix of Samoyed and Tibetan Mastiff, or possibly descendants of Norwegian Elkhound, Keeshond, and Pomeranian dogs. However, since there’s no concrete evidence, it remains just speculation. When it comes to looks, Chow Chows bear a resemblance to Tibetan Clams and sport the signature double coat of the Spitz family.

Chow Chow is used by the Chinese for many purposes

Although originally from the northern mountains of China, Chow Chow dogs are actually more commonly found in the southern provinces of China. In ancient times, these fluffy pups were utilized for pulling carts and herding livestock, tasks they excelled at. Nowadays, Chow Chow dogs are also trained for hunting, police work, and guarding temples in China.

During the Tang Dynasty, one emperor had a deep affection for Chow Chow dogs, amassing a staggering 5,000 of them. To care for this large pack, he employed 10,000 people to look after and train the dogs. These loyal companions even accompanied the legendary Genghis Khan during the Mongol invasion of China.

At one point in history, Chow Chows were unfortunately raised for their meat and fur, which was used in textiles. Thankfully, this practice has been widely condemned. Today, Chow Chow dogs are cherished as beloved family pets rather than for any other purposes.

The dog name Chow Chow is not of Chinese origin

We all know the breed as Chow Chow, but did you know that in China they have different names for this fluffy dog? In China, the Chow Chow is known as Songshi Quan (lion dog), Lang Gou (wolf dog), or Xiong Gou (sun bear). So, where did the name Chow Chow come from? Interestingly, the term Chow Chow was used in England in the 18th century to label various items coming from the East, including dolls, goods, and yes, even dogs. And that’s how the name Chow Chow stuck around till today.

Chow Chow dogs have upright hind legs

Most dog breeds typically have curved hind legs, with a thigh bone and lower leg bone forming a 150-degree angle. However, the Chow Chow breed stands out with its unique feature of having short and straight hind legs. This distinctive trait gives the Chow Chow a peculiar gait that sets it apart from other dogs. Due to its straight legs, the Chow Chow needs to put in extra effort to keep up with the pace of other breeds when walking. It takes around 2-3 months for young Chow Chow puppies to adjust to their legs and walk gracefully like adult dogs.

Are Chow Chow dogs aggressive?

The Chow Chow breed has its roots in the Tibetan Clam, which gives them a bit of influence from one of the fiercest dogs in the world. However, Chow Chows tend to have a milder and more gentle temperament compared to their ancestor, the Tibetan Mastiff. In 2000, Chow Chows were recognized as one of the top 10 dog breeds with the strongest personalities globally.

It’s important to be cautious with Chow Chow puppies that haven’t been properly trained and socialized. To help curb any aggressive tendencies in Chow Chows, it’s crucial to expose them to various people from a young age to help them become more sociable with humans. Additionally, consistent and thoughtful training is essential. Encouraging a positive and healthy environment for your Chow Chow will also contribute to their well-being and behavior.

The first teddy bear was made based on the image of Chow Chow

Did you know that there’s a fascinating fact about Chow Chow dogs? Queen Victoria once had a beloved Chow Chow that she adored so much, she would take it everywhere with her, even to important political gatherings. Since the real dog was not always appropriate for such occasions, a tailor crafted a fabric version of the Chow Chow stuffed with cotton. This creation is actually considered the very first teddy bear! The Queen approved of the teddy bear because it resembled her cherished Chow Chow. And now, teddy bears have become a beloved toy worldwide.

Chow Chows have famous owners

During the 1920s and 1930s, Chow Chows gained immense popularity in both the US and European markets. They were all the rage! Not only did the Queen of England have Chow Chow dogs, but even US President Calvin Coolidge and his wife had two of them. One was a black Chow Chow named Blackberry, and the other was a red one named Timmy.

Even the renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud, known for founding psychoanalysis, had a Chow Chow dog named Jo-Fi. He believed that these dogs had a unique ability to understand the psychology of patients due to their special intuition. That’s why he always had his Chow Chow by his side during therapy sessions.

Chow Chow often has genetic health problems

Chow Chow dog owners often boast about their pet’s overall good health, but it’s important to be aware that this breed is actually prone to genetic diseases, especially bone and eye-related issues. Common genetic ailments in Chow Chows include hip dysplasia, thyroiditis, diabetes, patellar luxation, myotonia, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Despite the prevalence of genetic diseases, advancements in veterinary care have significantly lowered the chances of dogs falling ill. This means that caring for a Chow Chow can be relatively straightforward. By providing your furry friend with a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can help boost their overall health and reduce the risk of developing these genetic conditions.

The truth about Chow Chow dogs – special tongue

People who raise Chow Chows definitely take notice of their unique tongues. Instead of the typical pink color, Chow Chows have tongues that are a striking purple-blue shade, similar to a lizard’s tongue. Interestingly, when they are born, Chow Chows actually have pink tongues like other dogs, but around 8-10 weeks old, their tongues start to change to this distinctive hue.

In China, Chow Chows are sometimes referred to as Hei She Tou (black tongue) due to this feature. It’s worth noting that the Chinese Shar Pei breed also shares a similar tongue color because it is closely related to Chow Chows.

Some other interesting facts about Chow Chow dogs

Chow Chow dogs are unique because they have 44 teeth, while other dogs typically have 42. Their teeth are straight, evenly spaced, and strong. When approaching a Chow Chow, it’s best to do so from the front, especially during training, as their deep-set eyes limit their vision and make them sensitive to movements from behind. In some cases, they may react defensively if approached from behind.

Chow Chows have a cat-like habit of using their tongue to clean themselves and prefer independence. They are very clean animals and dislike being disturbed or bothered.

While Chow Chow puppies are intelligent, training them can be challenging. These dogs are not always motivated to please their owners, making traditional training methods ineffective. To successfully train a Chow Chow, you need to use a suitable approach that works for their independent nature.

If you decide to raise a Chow Chow, be prepared to be a firm and assertive owner. Proper training from a young age is crucial, as an untrained Chow Chow can be quite troublesome.