It is impossible not to recognize at first glance the Chow Chow with its extremely dense fur that makes it look like a plush lion. Another characteristic: its tongue is blue.

Poil : abundant fur, short or long, unicoloured black, red, blue, fawn, cream or white.

Size (height at the withers): 48 to 56 cm for males and 46 to 51 cm for females.

Weight : from 20 to 30 kg.

Classification FCI : N°205.

We know very little about the history of this breed, which is said to be one of the oldest in the world. You have to go as far as China to find the very ancient roots of the Chow-Chow, where it served as a guard dog and a hunting dog. Before that, he would have been a war dog alongside Asian peoples like the Huns and Mongols. The Chow-Chow arrived in Europe (Britain, the breed’s patronage country) at the end of the 1865th century, with Queen Victoria receiving a specimen as a gift in 1920. But it went relatively unnoticed until the XNUMXs. .

He is a calm, dignified and sophisticated dog with a strong personality. He is very loyal to his master, but reserved and distant towards strangers, because they are of no interest to him. He is also independent and unwilling to please, which can complicate his upbringing. If his thick fur gives him a massive appearance, he remains a lively, alert and agile dog.

It is very difficult to know with precision the general health of the breed because the various studies relate to small numbers of individuals. According to the latest major health survey conducted by the British Kennel Club (1), 61% of the 80 Chow Chow studied suffered from a disease: entropion (a twisting of the eyelid), osteoarthritis, a ligament disorder , itching, hip dysplasia, etc.

The Chow Chow suffers from significant orthopedic problems. Indeed, according to the data collected by theOrthopedic Foundation of America out of more than a thousand individuals of this breed, almost half (48%) presented with elbow dysplasia, making them the breed most affected by this disease (2). Just over 20% of Chow Chows suffered from hip dysplasia. (3) This dog is also frequently affected by dislocations of the kneecap and ruptures of the cruciate ligament.

This breed is more comfortable in cold climates and does not tolerate high temperatures. Its thick coat and the folds of its skin expose the dog to chronic skin diseases, such as allergies, bacterial infections (pyoderma), hair loss (alopecia), etc. The Chow Chow appears to be particularly exposed to Pemphigus, a group of autoimmune dermatological diseases that cause ulcers, scabs, cysts and lesions to form on the skin.

It is necessary to clarify from the outset that this breed of dog is not suitable for everyone. Better is a master who already has a solid experience with the canine species and who is able to impose strict and consistent rules on him throughout his life, because the Chow Chow quickly tends to be authoritarian and domineering. Likewise, this dog needs to be socialized from an early age and throughout his life. It is only on this condition that he will accept the inhabitants of the home, human or animal. Slightly restless, apartment life suits him very well, if he can go out a minimum of twice a day. He barks little. Careful brushing of his coat is necessary on a weekly basis.