In 1781, the Chow was described in a British book, Natural History and Antiquities of Selbourne, by naturalist Gilbert White. Chow chows were raised in China primarily on grains and have an overweight tendency with too much rich food. Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Chow Chows were all the rage among the rich and famous during the 1920s. You'll probably want to bathe your Chow at least monthly more often if he plays outside frequently and gets dirty. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. They don't tolerate heat well, so keep them indoors when the weather is sweltering. You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Do you have neighbors nearby? The fiercely proud and independent Chow will never respond to physical abuse.
These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Expect to brush your Chow Chow three times a week to keep the coat in good condition and to keep loose hair from landing on your clothes and furniture. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Special attention should be paid to keeping the eyes and the facial folds clean because the profuse coat can retain dirt and debris. The male Afghan hound stands some 27 inches tall, the female about 25 inches. They can be aloof if youre looking for a cuddle buddy, this probably isnt the best breed for you and downright suspicious of strangers. Despite his scowl, a good Chow should never be aggressive or shy. They'll play with their people, but strangers are of no interest to them unless they're approaching the Chow's home without invitation from his owner in which case he'll challenge the trespasser. In China, the breed went by several names: black-tongue dog (hei shi-tou), wolf dog (lang gou), bear dog (xiang gou), and Canton dog (Guangdong gou). Supports controlled bone & joint growth. For more on feeding your Chow, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won't chase, but you'll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Afghans generally weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. This is a straight, off-standing coat, which gives chow chow puppies a fuzzy, teddy bear appearance. Because of his deep-set eyes, the Chow Chow has limited peripheral vision; it's best to approach him from the front. Trim his nails as needed, maybe once or twice a month. This is, however, a highly territorial and protective breed, who'll give a clear warning to anyone approaching without his person's welcome. He's also dignified and aloof, as befits a breed that was once kept in imperial Chinese kennels. In addition to hunting, the dogs were used to guard their owners' possessions. attitude, in which case you'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests. Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blas attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. They have no doggie odor if the coat is brushed often. You can find a great jacket for your dog here! Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. The rough coat, which is what most people are used to seeing, is thick and abundant, standing off from the body like a parka. Because some health problems don't appear until a dog reaches full maturity, health clearances aren't issued to dogs younger than 2 years old. If you admire the Chow Chow's unique appearance and independent spirit, you'll have a fiercely loyal companion who will be a true treasure in your household. Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells. It wasn't until a century later, however, that Chow Chows were imported on a regular basis. A Chow Chow must be extensively socialized introduced to new people, dogs, and situations as a puppy if he's going to be safe and relaxed as an adult. Look for a breeder who doesn't breed her dogs until they're two or three years old. Schipperkes are active, intelligent and curious dogs and have stubborn tendencies. Instead, it's said that the Chow combines the nobility of a lion, the drollness of a panda, the appeal of a teddybear, the grace and independence of a cat, and the loyalty and devotion of a dog. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. The fiercely proud and independent Chow will never respond to physical abuse. No dog should ever be hit, but it's especially counterproductive with this breed. Chows can live in apartments or condos, so long as they get daily exercise. When they're raised with children, Chow Chows can do well with them, but they're not a rough and tumble dog that will tolerate a lot of abuse from a young child. Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. Despite the challenges of training, some chow chows compete and do well in obedience and agility. Chows do best in families with older children who understand how to treat a dog. Chows who are socialized and trained well can get along with other dogs and cats, especially if they're introduced to them in puppyhood. They do best, however, with dogs of the opposite sex; they may fight with dogs of the same sex. Keep your Chow in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Brush your Chow's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria.
The chow chow reached the Western world in the late 1800s and began a rise to popularity, which has landed it in the top-10 American Kennel Club breeds. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. As with any dog, always teach children how to approach and touch your Chow, and supervise all interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear pulling from either party. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. Tendency to Drool: Moderate Tendency to Snore: Moderate to high Tendency to Bark: Low Tendency to Dig: Low Social/Attention Needs: Low, Length: Medium/short Characteristics: Double coat, straight Colors: Red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream Overall Grooming Needs: High, AKC Classification: Non-sporting UKC Classification: Northern Breeds Prevalence: Common. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they're love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. He also stands out for his almost straight rear legs, which give him a stiff, choppy, or stilted gait. On the down side, their fur was used to trim coats and their flesh was considered a delicacy. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Chow Chow. If he has lots of positive encounters with strangers during his impressionable puppyhood, he'll handle strangers with equanimity. Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase--and sometimes kill--other animals. The breed's most memorable physical feature may be his blue-black tongue. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development. Some breeders describe their dogs' colors as champagne, silver, lilac, chocolate, or white, but these are just fancy names for the regular colors. Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. With his deep-set eyes and large head, accentuated by a mane of hair, the Chow Chow (Chow for short) is an impressive-looking dog. Like other terriers, the West Highland White is smart, independent with a slight touch of stubbornness. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here! The facial wrinkles (often obscured by hair) give the chow chow a scowling expression. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called "easygoing," "tolerant," "resilient," and even "thick-skinned," can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Experts have long speculated that the Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds, and genetic testing has proven that to be true. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment. Chow chows do best with training to clarify their position in the family or they can become dominant. Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin). Smart and easily trained, the ever-popular German shepherd is quite active and likes to have something to do. If you're interested in adopting an adult Chow Chow who's already gone through the destructive puppy stage and may already be trained, a rescue group is a good place to start. Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. Crates make housetraining easier and keep your Chow from chewing things while you're away. Breed isn't the only factor. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. Fanciers say the breed has changed little since White wrote about them more than 200 years ago. Start grooming your Chow when he's a puppy to get him used to it. Tailored nutrition with our special Small & Mini antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support, Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat, Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. More recent fans include Martha Stewart; Chows sometimes appear with her on her TV show.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. Analyst Sigmund Freud was also a Chow fan, and his daughter Anna kept and bred the dogs. According to Chinese legend, the tongue got its blue hue at the time of creation, when a Chow licked up drops of the color as the sky was being painted. Brush all the way down to the skin or you're likely to miss mats and tangles. Chow Chows are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can get certain health conditions. These colors may be solid or solid with lighter shadings in the ruff, tail, and feathering. Like any dog, an adult Chow Chow needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy, but not much he'll be satisfied with a couple of 15-minute walks daily or one longer walk. If you're new to dog parenting, take a look at101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog! Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a "What's in it for me?" Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Chow chows are fairly intelligent but they have both an independent and a stubborn streak, so training them can be a challenge. The ancient breed is believed to have originated in Mongolia and Northern China, slowly moving south with the nomadic tribes of Mongolia. Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. Chows tend to mind their own business and don't usually start trouble. The smooth coat is a shorter variation. The straight legs contribute to a somewhat stilted gait. If you pick a breed that's prone to packing on pounds, you'll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from a puppy mill, a pet store, or a breeder who doesn't provide health clearances or guarantees. Go with a low-sensitivity dog. Chow chows are fiercely protective and need training to control this guarding tendency. The breed can be traced back for thousands of years, and it is often questioned whether the chow chow developed from spitz-type dogs or whether spitz-type dogs developed from the chow chow. If you're considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Chiweenie Dog Breed - Facts & Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Cavachon Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, American Hairless Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Shih Poo Dog Breed - Information & Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Shorkie Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Morkie Dog Breed - Information & Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Puggle Dog Breed - Information & Personality | Hill's Pet, Schipperke Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Shetland Sheepdog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Weimaraner Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Standard Schnauzer Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Saint Bernard Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Welsh Corgi Cardigan Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Smooth Fox Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Saluki Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Facts | Hill's Pet, Wire Fox Terrier Dog Breed- Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Silky Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Rottweiler Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Skye Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, West Highland Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Shih Tzu Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Whippet Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Siberian Husky Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Scottish Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Vizsla Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Samoyed Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Welsh Springer Spaniel Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed Facts | Hill's Pet, Basset Hound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Bloodhound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Golden Retriever Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Lhasa Apso Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Old English Sheepdog Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Chihuahua Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Bullmastiff Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Dachshund Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Australian Cattle Dog Breed Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, English Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Havanese Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Kuvasz Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Facts | Hill's Pet, Belgian Malinois Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Border Collie Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Great Dane Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Japanese Chin Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Papillion Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Bull Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Doberman Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Bichon Frise Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, English Foxhound Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Labrador Retriever Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Belgian Sheepdog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Boxer Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, German Wirehaired Pointer Dog Breed Facts | Hill's Pet, Keeshond Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Brittany Dog Breed | Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Collie - Scottish Collie - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, English Bulldog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, German Shepherd Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Black and Tan Coonhound Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Finnish Spitz Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, American Eskimo Dog Breed Facts | Hill's Pet, Norwich Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Beauceron Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Italian Greyhound Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Newfoundland Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Brussels Griffon Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Portuguese Water Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Chow Chow Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed Facts | Hill's Pet, Akbash Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Boston Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Miniature Bull Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Boykin Spaniel Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Clumber Spaniel Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Facts | Hill's Pet, Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed- Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Flat-Coated Retriever Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Akita Dog Breed | Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Beagle Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Bernese Mountain Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Maltese Dog Breeds - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Norfolk Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Pug Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Bouvier Des Flandres Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Miniature Pinscher Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Briard Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Pomeranian Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Chinese Crested Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Dalmatian Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, French Bulldog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Bearded Collie Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Border Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Field Spaniel Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Ibizan Hound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Mastiff Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Pekingese Dog Breed Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Puli Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Great Pyrenees Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Cairn Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Poodle Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Chinook Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, English Pointer Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Basenji Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Borzoi Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Irish Setter Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Leonberger Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, American Water Spaniel Dog Breed Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Greyhound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Komondor Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Canadian Eskimo Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Curly-Coated Retriever Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, English Setter Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet, Affenpinscher Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Afghan Hound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Airedale Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Tibetan Spaniel Dog Breed: Personality & Information | Hill's Pet, Bracco Italiano Dog Breed: Personality & Information | Hill's Pet, Rough Collie Dog Breed Information | Hill's Pet, Cockapoo Dog Breed: Information and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Goldendoodle Dog Breed: Information & Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Pomsky Dog Breed: Information & Personality Traits | Hill's Pet, Shar Pei Dog Breed - Information & Personality Traits | Hill's Pet. The best place for a Chow is with you. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy. Health clearances prove that a dog's been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. Grooming varies with the coat type. Handle his paws frequently dogs are touchy about their feet and look inside his mouth and ears. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. Today, Chow Chows rank 64th in popularity among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they'll take off after anything that catches their interest. The hair is thicker around the head and neck, forming a ruff, or mane. A breed club formed in England in 1895. The smooth coated Chow Chow has a hard, dense, smooth outer coat with no obvious ruff or feathering (longer hair on the ears, legs, tail, or body). If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people.
Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog. Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Quick learners and adaptable, Miniature Schnauzers can be just as happy living in a city apartment or in the country. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. Queen Victoria, who loved dogs, took an interest in the breed, which boosted its popularity. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. The chow chow is a medium-sized dog ranging in height from 17 to 20 inches and in weight from 50 pounds to 75 pounds (23 to 34 kilograms). This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. And many hounds simply must follow their noses--or that bunny that just ran across the path--even if it means leaving you behind. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. They even made it to the White House, where President Calvin Coolidge and his wife kept Timmy, a red Chow, and Blackberry, a black chow. For brushing, you'll need a stainless steel Greyhound comb with medium-coarse teeth; a medium-size slicker brush for the legs; a medium pin brush for the longer body coat; and a spray bottle of diluted coat conditioner for misting the coat as you brush. He will, however, let strangers touch him if introduced by one of his owners. First, look down at him. The English cocker spaniel is slightly taller than long. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they're too long. Some dogs shed year-round, some "blow" seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. Recommended daily amount: 2 to 2 3/4 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Novice pet parents beware. If you're considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious "strangers" put your pup on permanent alert? He's not really fond of being hugged or fussed over, but he'll be a quiet, attentive companion to his favorite person, and his loyalty extends to other family members. While these dogs can adapt to apartment life, they need plenty of exercise, and they dont enjoy being left home alone for long hours of the day. Chow Chows may bond with just one person or to their immediate family. In Chows, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that the eyes are normal. They tend to be aloof with strangers and can be aggressive with other dogs, but are devoted and protective of their family. Schipperkes (pronounced SKIP-per-key) are small dogs weighing 12 to 16 pounds (five to seven kilograms).
