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==========


   
                                  CHOW CHOWS
                                       
Editor

     * Steven M. Miller, Updated January 22, 1995 [miller@wingra.COM]
       
   with information from the Chow Chow Club Inc. ("Hello I am the Chow
   Chow")
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * History
     * Description
     * Training
     * Medical Problems
     * Care
     * Confinement
     * Standard
     * Resources
          + Books
          + Magazines
          + Newsletters
          + Chow Chow Club Publications
          + Videos
          + Organizations
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
History

   The Chow Chow, often simply called the Chow, is one of the oldest
   breeds. His exact history is lost in the China of antiquity. Some
   historians record that the Tarter invaded China in a thousand years
   before Christ and brought back to the West some middle-sized dogs that
   looked like "lions" with blue-black tongues. The Chow as it is known
   today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese
   Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 22 A.D.); other artifacts indicate that he
   was even a much older breed and that he may have come originally from
   the Arctic Circle, migrating to Mongolia, Siberia and China. Some
   scholars claim that the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed,
   the Norwegian Elkhound, the Pomeranian and the Keeshond. In more
   recent times, that is, in the Taeyung Dynasty (7th Century A.D.), it
   is reported that one Chinese emperor kept something like 2,500 of
   these "Chow Dogs" as hunting and sporting animals to accompany his ten
   thousand hunters! Admired by emperors as well as by Western royalty,
   used by Chinese peasants for food and clothing, and adopted as a
   "favorite" of the movie star set in Hollywood in the 1920's, the Chow
   Chow has had a dramatic history.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Description

   The Chow Chow is a highly intelligent dog and values his independence.
   He can be hugged and played with. He can even be corrected -- often by
   a tone of voice, but he should never be allowed to dominate the
   household. He is usually amenable to being touched by strangers if he
   is introduced by one of his owners and approached properly. Quiet,
   refined, he should not be teased or treated as a lap dog. His dignity
   and aloofness must never be confused with a fierce or intractable
   temperament. He minds his own business and does not generally initiate
   trouble. Bad-tempered Chows are not representative of the breed, but
   are usually the result of indiscriminate breeding and a woeful lack of
   "socialization". The Chow's appearance and personality suggest the
   nobility of a lion, the drollness of a panda, the appeal of a
   teddy-bear, the grace and independence of a cat, and the loyalty and
   devotion of the dog. The Chow has a little of all these qualities in
   his appearance and in his behavior. It is, however, his particular
   intelligence and devotion, his independence and dignity which make him
   unique.
   
   It is often said by Chow owners who have had years of experience with
   Chows, as well as with other breeds, that the Chow is perhaps the
   cleanest dog of all. Most puppies are easily housebroken by the time
   they are eight weeks. The Chow has very little body odor if he is
   brushed often, and he does not seem to be readily accessible to every
   passing bug, vermin, or virus. He is a good eater. and he does not
   require a great deal of exercise so that he may live happily in an
   apartment.
   
   Because some Chows are independent and because some Chows may wish to
   attach themselves to one person or to one immediate family, the Chow
   must be "socialized" so that he is completely amenable to being
   handled by strangers. Socialization is the process by which the Chow
   puppy is taught to meet and like human beings, other dogs, different
   environments from his own home, and other foreign situations, with
   steadiness, calm, and even affability.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Training

   Most Chows are intelligent so they may be lead broken and trained
   easily although at first they may be stubborn. Some Chows are
   especially willful and most are sensitive enough so that correction
   can come from the tone of your voice and not from physical means. Some
   Chows have been trained in obedience work and quite a few have earned
   the C.D. (Companion Dog) title, a few less the C.D.X. (Companion Dog
   Excellent), and only one or two have earned the U.D. (Utility Dog)
   degree. One Chow has won a tracking degree. Chows can be used as
   hunting companions, splendid show dogs and wonderful pets for the
   family. Their versatility proves their value as an all-round dog. Like
   any other canine, the Chow can become a playmate for tots and
   youngsters provided that they do not mistreat him and provided the
   Chow has been raised with young children. Many years of experience
   have taught the Chow breeder that "socialization" is the only way to
   bring up any Chow. The socialized Chow is a more stable, contented dog
   than if he had been left on his own. A Chow which is not socialized
   and trained is a constant concern to his owner. When the owner has
   socialized and trained his Chow properly, both are happier.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Medical Problems

  Anesthesia
  
   Generally, Chows are "poor risks" when anesthesia is involved, and
   Chows should be treated by the veterinarian as he would treat a
   Bulldog or any extremely short-muzzled dog.
   
  Entropion
  
   If your Chow tears more than you feel is normal, he may have
   "entropion," a turning-in of the eyelashes. If your Chow tears
   excessively, consult your veterinarian for advice.
   
  Heat Prostration
  
   Another problem with the Chow is that he is subject to heat
   prostration if left in a hot, closed-in area or in the sun. He is
   particularly bothered by extremely high humidity, especially if the
   temperature climbs above eighty degrees.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Care

   The Chow needs to be brushed at least twice weekly or more if
   possible. Grooming is essential to keep the long, thick coat in peak,
   clean condition. Chows have a dense undercoat that supports the
   coarser outer coat and gives it its fluffy appearance. Many adult
   Chows have a ruff almost like that of a lion that must be handled with
   care because it can be stripped away by too much grooming. The puppy
   undercoat, however should be brushed out when it starts to loosen so
   that the adult coat may come in properly. Always brush out the dead
   coat and be careful that the remaining coat does not mat. Both a rake
   brush and a pin brush (both kinds are available at any pet store and
   even at most supermarkets) are needed to keep the coat in good, clean
   condition. The rake is useful in the removal of the fluffy undercoat
   and the pin brush to groom the longer, off-standing guard hairs which
   are of coarser quality. Nails should be trimmed regularly to a
   comfortable length.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Confinement

   Chows should be kept in a fenced-in area or inside the house in a room
   where they have a good deal of freedom. Chows should not be put on a
   chain for they resent the feeling of being "trapped". Let your Chow
   have as much freedom as you have to offer within the limits of his
   safety and welfare.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Standard

   The Standard is the physical "blueprint" of the breed. It describes
   the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed
   otherwise known as _type_. Some characteristics, such as size, coat
   quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function
   for the dog. Other characteristics are more cosmetic such as eye
   color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all others.
   The Standard describes an _ideal_ representive of the breed. No
   individual dog is perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the
   breeder to strive towards.
   
   Because of copyright concerns over the collection of all the Standards
   at any single site storing all the faqs, AKC Standards are not
   typically included in the Breed faqs. The reader is referred to the
   publications at the end of this document or to the National Breed Club
   for a copy of the Standard.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Resources

  Books
     * _The Book of the Chow Chow_ by Dr. Samuel Draper & Joan Brearly
     * _The Canadian Chow Sourcebook_ by Jennifer Bunting
     * _The Chow Chow_ by Anna Katherine Nicholas
     * _The Complete Chow Chow_ by Kip Kopatch
     * _The World of the Chow Chow_ by Dr. Samuel Draper & Joan Brearly
     * _Topsy: The Story of a Golden-Haired Chow_ by Marie Bonaparte
     * _The Proper Care of the Chow Chow_, Bob and Love Banghart, 1995
     * _Ko-Ko the Chow Chow_, Jay Hanover, KoKryp Press, P.O. Box 211545
       August GA, 30917
       
  Magazines
  
   
   
   _The Chow Chow Annual (Hardcover)_
   Hofflin Publishing Ltd
   4401 Zephry Street
   Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-3299
   (303) 934-5656 or (800) 352-5678 for orders only
   $40.00, add $5 outside USA
   
  Newsletters
  
   
   
   _Smooth News_
   The Society for the Preservation of the Smooth Chow Chow (SPSCC)
   Editor: Douglas Johnston
   22833 Bothell Evt. Hwy. Suite 1189
   Bothell, WA 98021-9315
   (206) 485-3322 FAX (206) 485-9282
   $10 for 4 quarterly issues, add $5 outside USA
   
  Chow Chow Club Publications
  
   _Chow Life_
   The official publication of the Chow Chow Club, Inc.
   Carol Patterson, Editor
   P.O. Box 1070
   Chester, CA 96020
   (916) 596-4309
   $30.00 year, $50.00 outside USA
   
   _Handbook for the Chow Fancier_
   Bonnie Young
   Chow Chow Club Inc.
   Recording Secretary
   2375 North Ola Road
   McDonough, GA 30253 (404) 957-1618
   $25.00, add $10 outside USA
   
   _Yearly Chow Chow Club Inc. Statistician's Reports (1980-1994)_
   Bill Atkinson
   CCC Inc. Statistician
   121 Mountain Drive
   Sound Windsor, CT 06074
   203-644-0668
   $10.00 each.
   
   _Summary of the Statistician's Reports (1980-1993)_
   See address above.
   $25.00.
   
  Videos
  
   _The Chow Chow_
   The American Kennel Club
   Video interpretation of the Chow Chow standard with examples of Chows.
   $36.00
   
   _How To Raise A Happy, Healthy Chow_
   Deep Cove Productions
   6282 Kathleen Avenue, Suite 502
   Burnaby, BC V5H 4J4 Canada
   Tel (604) 431-2917; Fax (604) 431-2918
   $39.95 + $5 shipping & handling
   Local taxes apply for Canadian and BC customers
   
  Organizations
  
   _The Chow Chow Club, Inc_.
   National organization of Chow fanciers. For breed information, breeder
   referrals & regional Chow clubs, write to:
   Irene Cartabio, Corresponding secretary
   3580 Plover Place
   Seaford, NY 11783
   (516) 826-3051
   
   _Chow Chow Fanciers Of Canada_.
   For information please contact:
   Corresponding Secretary
   Suzanne Staines
   32829 Bakerview Ave.
   Mission B.C. V2V 2P8
   (604) 826-3284
   Fax (604) 820-9098
   E-Mail harry_staines@mindlink.bc.ca
   Membership includes the Club Newsletter published 6 times a year.
   Membership fees per year are:
   SINGLE--------------------$10.00
   COUPLE--------------------$15.00
   OVERSEAS-SINGLE-----------$15.00
   OVERSEAS-COUPLE-----------$20.00
   U.S.Residents please remit in U.S.Funds.
   
   
   _Maple Leaf Chow Chow Club_.
   for information please contact
   Christine Farnell, Secretary
   Brantford, Ontario Canada
   N3S 1H2
   (519) 752 1291 Home
   (519) 759 4262 FAX
   E-Mail bob.farnell@eclec.com.ca
   
   
   _National Chow Chow Club of Sweden_
   _Chow Chow Ringen_
   For information please contact:
   Jessica Bjorling
   Trumpetgatan 10
   871 61 Harnosand
   Sweden
   E-Mail Marita.Bjorling@va.itv.se
   Chow Chow Ringen publishes a magazine 4 times per year (in Swedish)
   
   _Society For The Preservation of the Smooth Chow Chow_
   for information about smooth Chow Chows, write to:
   Larry Pilgrim
   Route 3, Box 1405
   Byron, GA 31008-9714
   (912) 956-4853
   
   _Chow Chow Welfare_
   Vicki Rodenberg
   9828 E. County A
   Janesville, WI 53546
   (608) 756-2008
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
    Chow Chow FAQ
    Steven Miller, miller@wingra.com
