The Chow Chow is a thoughtful companion animal, but its distinctive independence and stubbornness frequently manifest itself in hardships related to training. That’s exactly why this important member of the family requires calm and pragmatic parents who have the time and willingness to free up the necessary resources to train and socialize their furry friends. Short daily exercises, walks, and playing with interactive toys will aid in keeping your Chow Chow healthy and delighted. 

Chow Chows often demonstrate indifference to strangers and focus all their devotion on one person. Even with this in mind, with proper training and socialization, these unique companion animals coexist harmoniously with all household members, including children.

Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a medical term that refers to a partial or complete loss of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can cause bone wear and tear and pain associated with this process. Most companion animals have hip dysplasia from birth. If hip dysplasia is diagnosed at an early stage, you can easily correct the problem. In other cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the bones.

Although genetics play an important role in the development of this disease, maintaining a healthy weight is especially important to reduce stress on the joints. Daily walking and swimming will help to form the muscles around the pelvis and maintain their strength.

Panosteitis

Panosteitis is a painful inflammation of the surface of the Metatarsals (long bones of the foot). It evolves suddenly and spontaneously without any trauma or excessive exercise. Although the disease can occur in any companion animal, large breeds are mostly prone to panosteitis.

Affected canines are usually between 6 and 18 months, although initial symptoms may appear as early as 2 months. The cause of panosteitis is still unidentified, but genetics, stress, infection, metabolism, or nutrition may be precipitating factors.

Entropion

Entropion is a medical condition when the eyelid turns in the direction of the eye and touches its surface. If the edge of the eyelid is turned inward, the eyelashes will touch the surface of the eyeball and cause an ulcer. Entropion results not only in the feeling of having something in the eye, but also in lacrimation, and redness. Veterinarians often employ artificial tears and moisturizing ointments to soothe irritation.

A Chow Chow’s nutritional requirements greatly depend on its age, size, activity level, and health conditions. These important family members are prone to obesity, so portion control is vital to maintaining their recommended body mass. To prevent excess weight, avoid uncontrolled feeding and regularly monitor the weight of your furry friend. 

For providing competent care, consider the lifestyle of your companion animal when determining the amount of servings. If your Chow Chow is especially active, it’ll need more calories than less energetic dogs.

When choosing food for your furry friend, give preference to a high-quality option that is specially designed for large breeds and contains balanced ingredients tailored to their needs. A protein-rich, high-quality food will effectively ensure the health of the animal’s joints and proper muscle development. As a rule of thumb, remember to avoid harmful artificial additives as they can provoke problems not only in the digestive system but also in the whole body as well.

Due to the tendency to Panosteitis, an important member of your family may have a decreased appetite. In this case, offering properly balanced and appetizing food is advised. In certain cases, based on the advice of a nutritionist, it may be wise to provide omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants.

Another influential issue related to Chow Chow feeding is the risk of developing an allergic reaction. To avoid the concern, pay attention to any signs of food sensitivity (itching, digestive system problems, or skin concerns), and if you suspect that an important member of your family suffers from a food allergy, immediately consult a nutritionist to create effective treatment strategies.

Chow Chow is an ancient breed of Asian origin, portrayals of which have been preserved in Chinese artifacts dating back 206 years. The breed spent its early years of evolution next to Chinese aristocrats and accomplished the roles of guarding Buddhist temples and hunting along with Chinese emperors. It’s even confirmed by the bas-relief carvings found in China dating back more than 2000 years.

A DNA test revealed that the Chow Chow is related to the Shar-Pei, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Like other companion animals, Chow Chows are born with a pink tongue. Their tongue changes color only when these important members of the family begin to open their eyes and perceive the world. The tongue may turn blue, purple, or black. Scientists pinpoint the presence of extra pigmentation in the oral cavity as the reason for this unique coloration. 

These companion animals were referred to by several names in China. However, none of them were “chow chow”. The establishment of this name in society is deeply affiliated with the cargo brought from the East by English traders in the late 1700s, which was called “Chow Chow”. Simply because these unique companions of Chinese origin were also part of this cargo, their name was derived from the term “Chow Chow”.

President Calvin Coolidge had two Chow Chows in the White House. Another famous owner of Chow Chow was Sigmund Freud. Because of its unique contribution to Freud’s personal life, Joffe is often cited as an early example of the therapeutic advantage of the human-companion-animal bond.