The Chow Chow is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world, thanks to its fluffy coat, round face and mysterious purple-blue tongue that begins to darken from childhood. You can often hear that it is called “the dog with a blue tongue”. However, an equally interesting personality is hidden behind an attractive appearance. Owners know that chow chow puppies have their own character and need special care and upbringing. So, having decided on replenishment, you will be interested to learn a little more about them.
Chow-chow behavior, character
Behind the magnificent appearance, a chow chow puppy dog with a unique character is hiding, which can be a real challenge for inexperienced owners. If you are planning to get a pet, you should remember that this fluffy ball has its own outlook on life and will not always enthusiastically follow commands without a good reason. And this means that a special approach is needed for successful education.
Chow Chow puppies are not always suitable for families with small children. They can be jealous and do not like to be disturbed or tried to engage in noisy games. They have their own comfort zone and are reluctant to break it. However, this does not mean that they do not love their owners. On the contrary, chow-chows can be extremely devoted, but their affection is not manifested through boundless playfulness, but through a calm and balanced companionship.
Socialization and education
Raising a Chow Chow requires early socialization and a firm but gentle approach. You should start from the first months of life. It is important that the dog gets used to interacting with other dogs, people and various life situations from childhood. Without it, he can become shy or even aggressive towards strangers. Here are some tips: invite friends to your home, take your puppy for walks in public places, attend special classes for puppies. This will allow your furry friend to learn to calmly accept new experiences. By the way, the chow chow dog gets along well with other dogs if they have a positive experience of communication. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to organize friendly meetings with other dogs for them, do not miss the opportunity!
Despite their stubbornness, Chow Chows are able to quickly learn basic commands such as “sit”, “lie” or “to me”. But here it is worth remembering that this process requires patience and positive reinforcement. Treats and praise are the best allies in education. Harsh methods or punishment can dehumanize your dog and destroy his trust in you, so be gentle but consistent.
The best time for active socialization of a Chow Chow dog is between 8 and 16 weeks. It is at this time that puppies best perceive new experiences and form their first impressions of the world. As soon as your pet receives the first vaccinations, start gradually taking him out for a walk and familiarizing him with the environment.
Physical activity chow-chow
Physical activity for Chow Chow should be moderate. These are not dogs that will run without stopping, like, for example, Labradors or Jack Russell Terriers. Walks twice a day for 20-30 minutes will be quite enough for them. This will help keep them in good physical shape and avoid gaining excess weight.
However, you should be careful when walking in hot weather. Thick wool does not allow Chow Chow to tolerate heat well, so it is better to choose morning or evening time for walks, when the air temperature is not so high. And be sure to bring water with you so that your furry friend has something to refresh himself with.
Chow-chow health
Chow Chow health is a topic that should be taken seriously, as these dogs are prone to certain genetic diseases. They can have problems with the hip joints (dysplasia), eyes and skin, which sometimes becomes the object of unpleasant allergies. Therefore, regular visits to the veterinarian are not just a recommendation, but a mandatory point.
Remember that one of the most important aspects in the first months of your pet’s life is vaccination. A small puppy has an immature immune system, and vaccinations help to create a protective barrier against many infectious diseases. The first vaccination is usually given at the age of 6-8 weeks, after which the schedule of repeated vaccinations should be followed. Until the main course of vaccinations is completed, it is best not to take your puppy outside to places where there may be other dogs or potentially dangerous areas. It’s a bit like quarantine, but it’s all for the sake of the baby’s health. It is better to wait until he is fully protected and can safely explore the world.
Chow-chow diet
The right diet for chow chows is not just a tasty lunch, but the basis of their health. Like all of us, they like to eat well, but this is where you have to be careful. Chow-chows are prone to allergies, so you should choose food that does not contain artificial additives or ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. Foods rich in protein, fat and vitamins are best to keep their joints, skin and coat healthy.
And here it is important not only what they eat, but also how much. They can gain weight quickly if portion sizes are not monitored, and excess weight can lead to joint and cardiovascular problems. Of course, watching your Chow Chow happily eat is a pleasant sight. But as a responsible owner, you should know that every extra serving can cause additional visits to the vet. Therefore, do not forget about the right balance: nutrition should be nutritious, but moderate, so that your pet remains in great shape and in a good mood.
Chow-chow grooming and getting used to procedures
The Chow Chow’s coat is the real pride of the breed, but it can also be a challenge for owners. Thick, fluffy, it gives these dogs their majestic appearance, but requires constant attention and hygienic care. After all, without proper grooming, wool quickly falls out, gets tangled, and can even lead to skin problems. Therefore, proper care is not only about beauty, but also about the health of your pet.
From childhood, it is important to accustom the puppy to grooming procedures. Combing is a mandatory ritual that should become a part of his life, just like walks or games. The coat of this fur consists of two layers: a soft undercoat and a long, stiffer mane. And it is this unique composition of wool that requires regular combing, especially during shedding. As soon as you miss a week of grooming, be prepared for gagging, which can make life much more difficult for you and the dog.
It is best to comb the coat 2-3 times a week, and even more often during shedding. Start at the neck, gradually moving down the body, and do not forget to pay special attention to such problem areas as the armpits, stomach, neck and rear. These are places where wool is most prone to tangling, so you will have to be especially careful here.
Bathing is a separate story. They do not need to be washed too often, once every few months or as needed is enough. But here it is important to use only special shampoos for dogs to avoid skin irritation. After bathing, the coat must be thoroughly dried with a towel and then a hair dryer, because a wet undercoat is an open invitation for fungal infections.
Your Chow Chow’s claws also need attention. They should be trimmed once a month or when they get too long. Use special scissors and do not forget to check the paw pads, especially in winter. Salt or sand accumulating between the toes can cause discomfort.
Do not forget about ears and eyes. Because of the thick coat around these areas, Chow Chows can suffer from infections, so periodic inspection and cleaning is the key to their health.
And so that these procedures do not become stressful for your pet, start getting used to grooming from an early age. Start with simple touches on the coat and paws, gradually introducing short brushing sessions. To make grooming a pleasant part of your Chow Chow’s life, you can make the brush an element of the game, and reward the dog with treats after each procedure. So the pet will associate care with something pleasant and will happily participate in this ritual.
A regular visit to the grooming salon (once every 2 months, depending on the condition of the coat) will not be superfluous. The specialist will help to carefully trim the claws, clean the ears, as well as carry out professional combing and removal of snot. Especially during molting, the groomer will help get rid of excess fur, which will make life easier for you and your pet.
Grooming a chow chow puppy is definitely a big responsibility. Yes, you may have to fight a little bit with coots and persuade your pet to comb again, but with the right approach, this process will become pleasant and exciting for you. Chow Chows, despite their independence, are extremely loyal and love their owners. So, with a little effort, you will raise a balanced and happy dog that will become a real member of your family for many years.
