Some Questions about Chow-Chow Puppies?

Q: I have some questions about Chow-Chow puppies?
My fiancee bought me a 10-week-old Chow-Chow puppy as a way to ask me to marry him. I have no experience with the breed and she was very unexpected. I also have a 10-month-old Pit Bull puppy and my fiancee has a white Bull Terrier. I have had experience raising Pit Bulls and Rotties but this is my 1st Chow.

Photo Credit: postman.pete/Flickr CC

Here are my questions.

1.How do I get the new puppy to get along with my other dogs?
2.What are the best training methods for them?
3.What sports do they excel in?
4.Are they good with children because I have younger siblings?
5.Her mother and father were AKC registered. Can I show her?
6.What are some of the bad things that these dogs do? Ie. chew furniture, attack small animals, hard to train.
7.Are they banned in some places?
8. How hard are they to groom? How often should they be professionally groomed?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Peter Wright
The Chow, just like the Pit Bull, just acquired a bad reputation because at one time there was high demand for them (because of their looks) and as a result, there was a lot of irresponsible breeding and a lot of irresponsible owners. The other thing with the Chow is that they are a pretty aloof breed. Make sure to do a lot of handling exercises and socialization with her and she will turn out great. Chows are also stubborn and independent, so they need structure and discipline but through the control of resources (reward techniques) not physical force.

Chows are just a lot more reserved with strangers, they CAN bite, though, and I am not certain about how they are With other dogs, but all the Chow chows I've met are very kind dogs,. Generally they wouldn't bite anyone, they are just very barky and growly if someone comes into their yard. It really depends on how protective they are of their owner

Generally, chows are a one-person dog and don't like children BE AWARE OF THAT

Answer by Holly
I've had a number of Chows, although always male. But I can offer some breed tips.
1: Chows are a dominant breed by nature. Being raised with others will help, but she will always throw her weight around as an adult. The dogs who aren't home constantly could be a problem when she's grown up, but I doubt you'll have issues with the ones in the home when she is a pup.
2: They are stubborn but smart. Train with a firm consistent hand. They are sensitive though, so don't go overboard with punishment. Praise and treats help them understand what is good behavior.
3: Sports? They are naturally a lazy bunch. Although I know a farmer who used to use them for cart pull. With mine, a long walk a day and some fetch were all they showed interest in.
4: They can be good with kids with the right training and socialization when they are pups. Keep kids around them frequently as she is growing up, and it shouldn't be an issue. They do dislike roughhousing and being nagged by small children and often will get grouchy by it. I've never had one snap, but almost all I've owned have growled at a child. Short tempered with little ones but will protect the ones who are part of the family.
5: As long as she is registered with AKC as well, yes.
6: Stubborn, dominant, and can be aggressive towards other dogs and small animals they are not raised around. They shed like crazy too. Not terribly destructive though (chewing).
7: If so, I'm not aware of it. Most people will avoid your chow like a pitbull because they have a reputation for being aggressive.
8: They have a double coat, so grooming is a pain. But professional groomers know how to handle this.
And, in my experience, chows are a one-man dog. They strongly bond to one family member and stick to them for life. They will treat the rest with detached disinterest. But a wonderful dog, with the right training. Not for everyone, you really have to be alpha with this breed to earn respect.
Hope this helps!

Answer by mungo
I think I would have killed him for bringing me a dog especially a chow
I have been around a lot of dogs and never felt comfortable around a chow, i am sure
there are some that would disagree with me but that is how i always felt

I remember reading that chows are a formidable opponent, by nature they are disobedient, you have to make sure right from the beginning they respect your authority or you are doomed and they do not really like children

• Are Chow Chows a Good Breed for 1st-time dog owners?
• A chow chow or a samoyed dog?

Answer by JenVT
1. Expect it. Since she is the opposite gender of your pit they should get along fine but one or the other needs to be altered. No one wants a chow pit mix. I hope your fiance's dog is a female and altered as well since at some point they will all be living together.

2. Strong, experienced obedience training in a formal class at least through the intermediate level. The same for your pit.

3. They are not sporting dogs. They are companion dogs. They may do well at obedience or agility if trained.

4. Not necessarily. With everything else, it depends on the dog and the children.

5. All dogs have behavioral problems unless addressed by the owner. The only dog that I have ever had attack my dog was a chow- totally unprovoked on MY property and I had a huge vet bill and a dog that was afraid of other dogs after that- I personally don't like them, but to each his own.

6. You absolutely can show her if she has a full AKC registration, but just because she is AKC registered does not mean she is show quality. What did the breeders say about her potential? What does your contract say?

7. Yes. Check city/town ordinances however if you can live there with your pit, you can live there with your chow.

8. Something to ask the breeder.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!