Quote: randy allen

Rob,
Did I say anything about the bullies? Did I say anything about Akitas? Did I say any anything about Shar Peis?

As all generalizations are fundimentally wrong, they are also generally true.
So if you really want a capitulation from me about my generalization okay.
Chows are fine up standing dogs of the highest order, whose temperament tend towards loving faithful followers. Making for the best companion dog in the world.

I just haven't met any Chows that match the description is all.

Is that better Rob?

Randy you don't have to capitulate to me or anyone. This is a discussion board, right? I was just attempting to contribute to the discussion, that's all.

Peace, bro

hmmm as usual when Chows come up it looks like I'm the only one who really loves the furballs. The ones I had(7) were all good with kids except one who decided that kids weren't to be trusted after getting an ear pulled by one. Never had any trouble with them at work(groomer) either but then I think they really pick up on any hesitation or mistrust in handling them which I've never had. They are not love everyone dogs tho and do take a lot of time and training while in the cute harmless stage. Pretty much if they don't consider you a friend they just as soon you leave then alone. Never have problems with Akitas at work either altho the male I had did seem to think if something was breathing it should't be. He went thru a pushy stage at about ten months but decided by 16 months or so that, that wasn't a good idea. I'd have another Chow or Akita in a heartbeat but just don't have the time for another dog right now. One of the current 4 is a Malamute/Akita mix. Only ever had anything to do with 1 Shiba and that dog was a waste of airspace. Crazy nasty aggressive.

 Quote: jessicakromer

This is a post from Eric about his Chow Bruno. You can follow his other posts by clicking on his name and going to "All Posts By This User"

Jessica thank you for the Eric/Bruno posts.
Rob, I am hoping that with time and work my chows remain good pets.
Randy,thank you as always for calling it as you see it.
I want this to work, and I want to be able to come here and post honest questions and get honest responses, I am not meaning to start friction. I thank all of you for taking the time to post.

No issues Lucille,
No worries here, it's all good.

Keep us posted on your progress with the dogs.
I honestly hope they are the dogs you've always dreamed about. They are quite the bundle aren't they?
So where are the pics?

Happy trails.
Randy

When growing up my youngest sister bought a cute furball baby chow. She herself was awesome with people but would kill anything with four legs or feathers. She put my old pug in the hospital a few times and she would beg me not to take her dog on a one way trip to the vet. I wouldnt have but it was funny watching her beg. I would never own either. I do groom a chow at work and he is a great ambassador to the breed as he is uber trained and very gentle natured.

Cath

I suspect using the techniques described on this forum could make any dog a trustworthy pet.
When I talk down chows, it's my own fear talking. Sure don't want to insult anyone's favorite---and I bet the breeding makes a huge difference. Also the "new ones" may be much different from the ones met years ago.
The great thing about dogs is that there is a "right kind" for everyone.

 Quote: betty landercasp

I suspect using the techniques described on this forum could make any dog a trustworthy pet.
When I talk down chows, it's my own fear talking. Sure don't want to insult anyone's favorite---and I bet the breeding makes a huge difference. Also the "new ones" may be much different from the ones met years ago.
The great thing about dogs is that there is a "right kind" for everyone.

That's wisdom spoken right there. Nicely put, Betty.

 Quote: tammy moore

I have known Chow's and Akita's that were the best pups you could ask for,no chewing, mouthing, very obidient as they mature,

I think this is so true and as has been said, because of this people tend not to put in the basic pack structure training and socializing needed for any dog at a young age.

As well, there is always going to be a certain amount of stigma that comes along with raising unpopular breeds.

These guys are big and fluffy and hard to read. Does that mean all Chows are dangerous? No. Does it mean that this is a dog that is, in general, better suited to an owner who knows what they are doing in regard to training and managing their dog at all times? Absolutely.

I think both humans and other dogs often have problems reading Chows because of their upright conformation, nothing droopy about them, kind of like they are “standing at attention” at all times. They have that thick mane that almost looks like they're constantly hackling. The deeper set eyes with the heavy fleshy brows give them that "scowl" that many dogs take offense to. Add to that the tail curled tightly over the back and it can look like the chow is assertively challenging even though it isn't.

Also, much like the Dalmatian, they were very popular at one at time (Queen Elizabeth, Martha Stewart) which always starts breeders heading down the road of the poor temperament to produce as many puppies as possible. As the large head and heavy bone structure became popular, they were bred to extremes, resulting in dogs that couldn't see well, couldn't always breathe well and temperaments were not stellar either.

I think this lack of ideal vision, in some cases, adds to (what we perceive) as no warning. Often we need to be right on top of them, in their face, before they’re startled into reacting. They are also very quick – all that fur makes them seem quite bulky, but they are really very agile. Not to mention that it's all packaged in aloofness.

They tend not to look at people or change expressions much. Not like most dogs who’ll give you a curled lip and growl. These guys actually become quite vocal, growling/grunting when they are happy. Very deceiving, sometimes scary for folks not expecting it and of course confusing for the Chow that has now scared the human with his eagerness to play.

I've always been a fan of Chows. It might have something to do with years spent with the Nordic breeds, but I know that "aloof" nature well. I would never judge a dog by its breed. I think Chows are wonderful animals, again just misunderstood.

Wow, well said CJ. Thanks for the detailed explanation of why they are difficult to read by both dogs and people.

I, too, am a fan of nordic breeds. I hadn't put Chows in that category before. Interesting and thoughtful. I appreciate that.

Very good CJ..I did research many years ago on Chows when a close friend had one. Your discription of "reading"them was right on.

 Quote:

The breed originated in the far east of Siberia, where the Anions used to live, using the Chow Chow's ancestors to fish, hunt and for sledge pulling. These Nordic dogs were crossbred with the Mongolian nomadic sheepdogs. They were brought to Chine over 2000 years ago, where they were used as guard dogs, for pulling carts and sheepdogs. The first Chow Chow arrived to England in 1780 but they were not officially accepted in the kennel Club until 1880.