Chow Pup or commonly termed as Chow Chow is a kind of dog breed that originated from China. It is referred to as Songshi Quan, meaning "puffy-lion dog". According to the recent DNA analysis, it is confirmed that this kind of breed is one of the oldest dog breeds. It is also indicated by research that this breed is one of the first primitive breeds to evolve from the gray wolf and is believed to have been originated in the barren prairies of northern China/Mongolia, although some other theorist's speculation claims that it had originated in Siberian regions of Asia.

What do Chow Chows look like?

The Chow Chow or Chow pup has a sturdy body and is square in profile with a broad skull and small, triangular, upright ears with rounded tips. It is popularly known because of its very thick double coat, which can be either smooth or rough. They are very cute and charming because its fur, specifically in the neck part is very dense which give this breed a distinguishing mane appearance. They are very known to have straight hind legs. This breed typically has a curly tail, with thick hair which lies curled to its back. Common coat colors of this kind of dog are blue, cream, red, black, or cinnamon.

This type of breed, with regards to its eyes, has typically deep set and almond shaped which give them an alluring charisma. Speaking of its tongue, they have a distinguished blue-black/purple tongue by which the bluish color extends to their lips. It is believed that only this dog breed has a distinctive bluish color in its lips and oral cavity. The nose of this type of dog should be black, but most blue-coated Chow pups may have a solid blue or slate-colored nose.

What are some temperaments of Chow Chows?

Chow Chows are commonly kept as pets by some because of its adorable face. However, this kind of dog tends to show discernment of strangers and can become aggressively protective of their owners and property. They are very affectionate and devoted to family and have cat-like personalities which make them self-governing, stubborn and less interested to please than other breeds. It can be aggressive toward other dogs but is generally good with other household pets.

Chow Chows are not extremely active that's why; they can be housed in an apartment. Downside of housing this kind of breed in an apartment will entail daily exercise to prevent restlessness and boredom. They will tend to be more self-confident with owners in eagerness of such activities upon realizing that exercise is a daily occurrence.

Health Concerns

Chow Chows are active dogs that require regular but not vigorous outdoor activity. This type of dog does not do well in hot humid weather. Their necessities are best met with unplanned morning or evening walks in warm weather or some short play sessions throughout the day. They can live outdoors in temperate or cool weather, but it is best allowed to stay inside during warm weather. The smooth type requires brushing once weekly; the rough kind needs brushing every other day, and daily when shedding.

This breed is prone to suffer some illnesses and health problems including entropion, glaucoma, juvenile cataracts, diabetes mellitus, canine pemphigus, lymphoma, hip dysplasia, and gastric cancer. This kind of breed is at high risk for autoimmune disease and is at a predisposition for skin melanoma. They can be prone to flea problem because of their thick coat.

Indeed, Chow Chow can be a good buddy but may require more effort with regards to coat maintenance and exercise.