Mary Allen
What does it mean to adopt a Chow Chow puppy?
First of all, you should keep in mind that the fluffy little Chow-Chow puppy will not stay so small and fluffy for very long. At around 6 months he has almost reached his final size and then almost always gains weight. However, the life expectancy of the Chow Chow is up to 15 years. According to this, the chow is only a small ball of fur for a fraction of its life. Unfortunately, many overlook this when buying.
In addition, puppies are usually easy to control and initially listen to their owners, not so the adult dog. The Chow Chow can be self-confident and stubborn. He needs an experienced owner and lots of training and patience to grow into a well-balanced, socialized, and affable fellow.
Am I Ready for a Chow Chow Puppy?
With the purchase of the Chow-Chow puppy, you take on a great responsibility. Dogs of this breed are about 9 to 15 years old and should always be able to rely on you as the owner during this time. This not only applies to the good days but especially to the bad ones. Because of course, your Chow-Chow can get sick, maybe it gets a little more strenuous in old age, or as a pubescent young dog sometimes likes to test its limits and your patience.
Nerves like steel ropes, staying power, and a lot of consistency can only be an advantage for a stubborn head like the Chow-Chow. However, it is just as important to have a good financial cushion for unforeseen expenses. Unfortunately, veterinary costs in particular can quickly add up to a four-digit amount.
What else do you need? time, lots of time! Acclimatization and upbringing don’t just happen on the side. Especially not with a chow-chow, who likes to switch to draft when given commands and sometimes doesn’t see it at all in dancing to your whistle. A good dog school can help to overcome such hurdles and create a solid dog-human basis. In addition, the dog wants to go for a walk with you several times a day throughout its life, needs to be cared for, fed and cared for, needs work and of course, requires a lot of training. Keeping a dog requires a lot of your free time and you should be happy with it, even if your Chow Chow is no longer a puppy but a stately and self-confident adult dog.
Chow Chow Pros
Calm and confident
If you are looking for a stern breed, this might be the perfect choice for you.
Good watchdogs
Despite their tiny size and classification, these dogs make great watchdogs and are acutely aware of their surroundings.
Mannerly at home
These dogs do not create a lot of fuss at home, so they won’t turn your home into absolute chaos.
Chow Chow Cons
Grooming
They need regular grooming so if you are not looking for a high-maintenance animal, this might not be a good choice for you.
Decision-makers
These dogs have minds of their own. Therefore, any interference in their decisions could lead to troublesome behaviors.
Aggressive
These dogs can display aggressive behaviors sometimes and can get overly suspicious of strangers.
Owning a Chow Chow – FAQs
How old does a Chow Chow get?
Chow Chows can live up to 14 years.
How much does a Chow Chow cost?
From a reputable breeder, a Chow Chow puppy will typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000.
Why does a Chow Chow have a blue tongue?
The blue coloring of the tongue of the Chow Chow develops in the first 8 weeks of life. Before that, it has a pink tint. It is believed that the blue color is due to the good blood circulation in the tongue.
When is a Chow Chow fully grown?
On average, a Chow Chow is fully grown at the age of 9 to 12 months.
What does Chow Chow mean?
Translated from Chinese 松狮犬 (sōngshīquǎn) into English, Chow Chow means roughly lion.
Why you should not get a Chow Chow?
Overall, a Chow Chow prefers to be in a single-dog household with adults and older children. This breed is not for families with young children or other pets. They tend to be aggressive towards other dogs that they are not raised with, but, they excel at being a livestock guardian out in the field.
Is Chow Chow a good pet?
Chow chows are devoted to and protective of their families. To make them good family pets, they need plenty of early socialization including exposure to children. Chow chows do best with training to clarify their position in the family or they can become dominant.
Does Chow Chow have problems?
The Chow Chow has some health problems that can be a concern, especially if you aren’t careful whom you buy from. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, autoimmune thyroiditis, and eye problems such as cataracts, distichiasis, and glaucoma. Stomach cancer and gastric torsion are also seen in the breed.
Are Chows hard to train?
Temperament. Chow Chows are more independent than most dogs and are similar in many ways to a cat when it comes to their personalities. They are also more difficult to train than other breeds. Chow Chows are reserved around strangers and tend to be very protective of family members.