Of all the dogs that I’ve had, and I’ve loved them all, I’ve loved my Chow
Chow the most.

Chow Chows are an amazing and loyal dog breed.

Marius-Kristensen from Pixabay via Canva.com

I’ve Loved My Chow Chows the Most

Currently, I don’t have a dog. A man needs a dog, and this really can’t be
argued. The next dog that I get—and I will be getting another dog—will be a
Chow Chow. In my 37 years (so far), I’ve had many dogs; or rather, my family
has had many dogs, and I’ve had a few dogs that were just mine and nobody
else’s. Of all the dogs that I’ve had (and I’ve loved them all with increasing
levels of affection as I’ve grown older), I’ve loved my Chow Chows the most.

Now, first off, we do not call these dogs “Chow Chows” in Texas; we simply
call them “Chows” or “Chow dogs,” so from this point on in this article, I’m
mostly going to refer to these dogs as either “Chows” or “Chow dogs.” That
doesn’t change the fact, however, that they are mostly known as Chow Chows.

The Chow Chow’s Temperament

Now, it should be stated clearly that the Chow Chow is not the most friendly
dog that you will encounter in your life. I’d say that if you are looking to
run into friendly dogs to visit with, pet, and get licked by, then you should
look towards a breed like the Labrador.

The Chow Chow, however, is a family dog or even a one-person dog. It’s not the
dog that is going to like you very much unless it’s your dog. If you buy,
raise, and love a Chow Chow, then the dog will forever love you as if you are
its mother, father, brother, and sister. Honestly, the Chow Chow that you
love, care for, and raise yourself will regard you as God almighty.

But your friends who only visit every once in a while, and your long-lost
cousins. would best keep their distance and behave as they should around you,
at least whenever your Chow dog is present. Your Chow dog will simply not
tolerate any disrespect towards you from other people, other dogs, or anything
else that might come around. Satan himself had best beware in front of the man
or woman who’s raised a beautiful and wonderful Chow dog, lest the devil lose
a chunk of flesh from his rear end.

The Chow dog is the ultimate family guard dog, in my opinion, and my opinion
in that regard is based on lots of experience with Chows. I’ve owned German
Shepherds, another very fine and beautiful breed of dog; I’ve owned Labradors,
an exceedingly friendly breed of dog, but only the Chow dog has ever proved to
me that he is so utterly and completely devoted to me and my well being that
he’d even had the foreknowledge to check blind corners before I get to them.

What do I mean? I mean that should I be walking the length of my home, the
Chows would run ahead of me and look around the corner to make certain that my
path was without intruders or any sort of danger. Those dogs, with their
lion’s mane and their deep growls of confidence and authority, are a force to
be dealt with should you be out of place, and they will promptly let you know
it.

Sampson The Red

1 / 4

Chow Chow History

According to Wikipedia, the Chow Chow (or Chow Dog) is one of the oldest
breeds of dogs in existence. I can also confirm the statement below about
Chow’s being friendly towards children. I clearly remember when my youngest
niece was first able to walk around on her own, and that was when she was
first introduced to my Chow dog, “Rambo,” who promptly walked up to her on my
parent’s back porch and licked her in the face; a clear way for my dog to say,
“I love you too!”

From Wikipedia:

Recent DNA analysis confirms that the chow chow is one of the oldest
breeds of dogs. Research indicates it is one of the first primitive breeds
to evolve from the wolf, and is thought to have originated in the arid
steppes of northern China and Mongolia. A Chinese bas-relief from 150 BC
shows a hunting dog and a dog very friendly toward children similar in
appearance to the chow. Later, chow chows were bred as general-purpose
working dogs for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home.

For anyone interested in becoming the owner of and raising a beautiful Chow
dog, I strongly suggest that you read up on this breed of dog from a number of
sources; the Chow isn’t a dog for rookie dog owners unless you are properly
educated for the experience.

The experience of “owning” a Chow is very rewarding, and should you be a good
owner to the dog, then you will have a lifetime of beautiful memories and
experiences from this. You must be educated for it, though, as the Chow dog
has a very strong will and a very dominant personality, especially in regards
to persons that the dog is unfamiliar with and other dogs.

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The Chow Chow also has some particular health concerns that are commonly
occurring with the breed, and the thick coat when shedding may cause some
irritations with owners who were not ready for that. It is no fault of the
beautiful Chow Chow should you be an ignorant and ill-prepared dog owner.

Rowdy Dog!

The Chow Mix

My cream-colored Chow Chow, “Rambo,” had been “apprenticed” by our older Chow
dog, “Sampson.” When Sampson passed away, my mother decided that Rambo needed
an apprentice of his own.

The First Monday flea market in Canton, Texas, is not only a wonderful place
to shop for everything under the sun, but it is also a great place to purchase
animals. And so, my mother and father returned one weekend with a Chow mix
pup. The man selling the litter of dogs had tried to pass these off as Chows,
and when my mother asked him, “Are these really Chow Dogs?” The man promptly
replied, “These are good dogs!”

‘Nuff said!

And “Rowdy Dog,” our Chow dog mix, was indeed a very, very good dog for a very
long time. While he had a completely blue/black tongue, which is the hallmark
of a Chow Chow, it was obvious that he was not a full-blooded Chow dog. We
never held it against him, and he never disappointed us.

The Chow mix can be a supremely wonderful pet, as well. Of course, we have no
real idea of what he was mixed with, but he displayed a lot of the
characteristics of a Chow but was also less inclined to get into fights with
other dogs, while at the same time had all of the guard dog and loyalty
characteristics of a family Chow dog. You could have called this particular
Chow mix, a “Chow Light.”

Me and Rowdy Dog

The Chow Chow Is One of the Oldest and Most Loved Dog Breeds on Earth

I hope that I have shed some light and interest in the beautiful animal that
is the Chow Chow, one of the oldest and most loved, most loyal breeds of dogs
on Earth. While the Chow Chow does have a somewhat bad reputation, this is not
due to the nature of the dog; there are no bad dogs, there are only bad
owners.

Chow dogs, however, are simply not dogs that are going to become friends
with or friendly towards strangers or even semi-consistent visitors. It’s a
dog that will love the family around it unconditionally and be very, very
protective of it. It is perfect for single women, or rural families, or just
anyone who wishes to have a powerful, loyal, and not so hyper a dog. The Chow
isn’t a dog that needs or wants constant attention. He is all at once aloof
and hyper alert, but he is always your closest friend anywhere.

© 2011 Wesman Todd Shaw

Comments

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on July 29, 2020:

Thanks Elena. I’m in Texas, and they are damned hard to find here too.

I don’t think I’ve seen a chow anywhere in years. Last time I was in Mexico I
saw Chows were popular residential guard dogs down there, but no way I can
afford to travel that far to buy a dog. I can’t speak the language, even.

Elena Lawson on July 29, 2020:

I love Chows!! They are my favorite breed. I also owned two in my lifetime and
would love to have another. I agree with everything you said, I’m from
Pittsburgh and would love to find one!!

Bernestine BrownIm looking for a chow and cant fine one on July 28, 2020:

Looking for a chow

I live in Pa

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on June 30, 2020:

You lost a home and some family members, Octavia. I’m truly sorry to hear it.

Octavia on June 29, 2020:

Chows are very smary and loyal dogs one of a kind dogs i had two red and blue
chows name king and queen i love them so much i had to give them up cause i
had no home for them any more i cry all the time wondering are the ok

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on June 18, 2020:

@Michaelanthony – I’m really sad to hear about the horrible family situation.

Mothers are supposed to be the best thing in every child’s life.

I am glad for you and the dog though. Dogs are so very very wonderful if you
treat them well at all. You only have to be half nice to a dog, and it will
love you forever and ever.

I hug mine about ten times each day, at the least.

Michaelanthony on June 17, 2020:

I had a chow chow he was a really great dog my mother was not really kind to
me I remember one time my mother tried to bet me like always for no reason But
she always put my chew bear outside before she started to bet me But one time
I spilled a glass of milk like kids to she ran at me and I screamed and chew
bear went off I mean really crazy he Attacked her and she was in the hospital
for a while I told my dad what happened when he came back home from his
business trip and he let me keep my chew bear and got his Divorce from that
hateful mother of mine and told me he always wondered why I always had Bruises
on my face and body And mother always said he falls a lot down the steps I
spoke up that time for once in my life and he asked my mother why no bruises
on his face now this time he comes back home so he got my chew out of the dog
pound and we lived happy ever after I will never own any other breed of dog to
be with my wife and two sons thir great dogsI have not seen my mother in 46
years now thank god

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on August 22, 2018:

I would, but I’ve currently got 3 accounts in ‘facebook jail.’ I hate the
nannies on that website.

Chow Chows on August 22, 2018:

https://www.facebook.com/robgolfi/photos/a.1015516…

If you love chows, come like this photo to help them shoot to the front of the
line in the cutest dog concert!

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on August 20, 2018:

I hope you find one, Mildred. I hope to have another one some day too. There
is something different about Chow dogs. They seem to, of this is possible,
love their humans even more than other breeds of dog do.

Mildred on August 20, 2018:

My first doggie was a Chow, adopted from the Toronto Humane Society at two
years of age. He was my baby, my comfort and my best buddy. Our vet called her
a ‘lovely lady’ and that she definitely was. Would love to have another Chow
and my next one hopefully will be another loyal, protective, loving and
georgous regal Chow.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on December 08, 2017:

Absolutely Stephanie. Yours sound much of the same mind as the chows I have
had.

Stephanie ward on December 08, 2017:

We could not live without our chow,most loyal breed on earth,not a dog for
everyone at all,very agressive,very protective, my Chevy likes two people my
husband n i,he’s our dog,he’s never once touched anything while he’s home
alone,easily house trained,very thick coated,if u don’t love to brush then not
the dog for u,nobody but me n my husband can touch him period I’m just being
honest,if u mistreat them or hit them,it breaks their heart n spirit,their
life is spent making every step u make n guarding u every minute,no breed
thinks as highly of itself as the chow,they aren’t scared of anybody or any
animal, when I have company my chow is on people’s trail every move n it gets
worse the longer they stay,not better,it’s scary to people once again I’m
being honest,we have given our lives to our boy n its been great,but a chow is
not for everyone trust me,mine is very hot natured n we leave our ac on even
when we’re cold bc chows are very expensive n have allergies n ear yeast
often,mine is on grain free,ask me if u want to know anything I’ll be
honest,if u want a dog that can be touched by strangers or friendly company
dogs,do not own a chow,they are weary of strangers,vet cannot touch my chow,I
am always at his face its a ritual n ordeal once again I’m being honest,most
don’t like kids that I’ve known unless they are raised,my brother can touch my
chow he’s the only one besides my husband period,he will bite,he hates
kids,dogs,horses,n cats,he kills cats if they come around

Suzie from Carson City on April 05, 2017:

Wes….As a dog lover in general, I appreciate any & all sources of
information on breeds of dogs and the experiences of individuals who have
raised them. I have to comment that from all that I have ever been able to
glean, so much of our dog’s behavior & tendencies, (aside from instinct, of
course) largely results from their training, how we raise them and the dog-
owner relationship. Would you agree with this? The popular & expert “Dog
Whisperer,” Caesar Milan, has a couple of invaluable books out on just about
anything we could possibly want & need to know about man’s best friend. His
expertise is astounding and I have one of his books. I refer to it often.

In any event, Wes, I have a little background info on Chows via second hand
information and observation. I have never had a chow myself nor do I believe
they are a good breed for me, personally. My cousin (from Texas) actually
raised chows for years. From everything the family could tell, she was totally
devoted and wrapped up with her dogs and worked at it constantly. So much so,
that for years, we never saw her at family functions (weddings reunions etc)
because she simply would not leave her babies in the care of anyone at any
time.

Then, after many years, came the shocking day, one of her Chows turned on her
and viciously attacked her. She had serious injuries, to include horrendous
trauma, as you might suspect. What transpired, sadly, was she gave them up and
never went back to raising chows. Believe it or not, it took her a long time
to completely get over this incident. Years later, in talking with her, it was
still emotionally difficult for her to discuss it. She did however, offer up
quite an education on Chows and their very unique personalities (can we use
the word, “personalities” for dogs?) I guess it’s OK.

As a result, I would be extremely leery to even consider owning a chow. There
are several other breeds I much prefer anyway.

Thanks for another great hub, Wes. Peace, Paula/Effer

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on April 04, 2017:

I’m so glad, Ashley, to hear you rescued a Chow mix. I figure those may not be
in for such a good outlook for adoption. Chow’s don’t do submission to larger
dogs well at all. Thanks again! 🙂

Ashley on April 04, 2017:

Loved reading your post! Just adopted a Chow mix from the pound and was
nervous about his temperament. He’s only had one incident where I’ve seen any
sort of aggression (my friend’s rottie growled and my chow stood in front of
me and growled/barked back until we separated them). So far he is great with
all kids, adults and animals. Couldn’t have a better companion and protector!

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on January 05, 2016:

Thanks Joyce! They are wonderful dogs!

Thanks Judy, I find most dogs are frightened by fireworks, and it is very
understandable for them to be so. Chows love their families far more than they
love themselves!

Judy on June 29, 2015:

My Chow Chow is wonderful. She is so protective of me and my family.

She hates fire crackers and changes from a strong proud protective dog to a
scared dog following me everywhere I go, even wanting to get into my recliner
with me. I get so angry when people have to have fire crackers around the 4th
of July. Are they not illegal?? I appreciate the 4th of July but do not look
forward to the idiotic people that must use fire crackers, days before, during
and after the 4th of July. It scares my Chow Chow so much and I feel so much
love for her and feel her pain.

Joyce on August 16, 2014:

I too have a chow mix. Have had her since she was old enough to be away from
her mother. I don’t know what she is mixed with but she’s a great dog, soon
going on 15 years! Still plays like a little pup, is very active – only have
to lift her in/out of car… Great health other than that… Wouldn’t trade
her for the world… Hope this encouraged future chow-mix owners.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on June 04, 2014:

I so love chows. I’ve not had one in many years now…this year adopted some
mixed pups from a neighbor…I really just love dogs, and have seldom met one
that would be aggressive towards me, as I know how to speak and approach them
in a friendly manner. I do know that sometimes chows just aren’t the slightest
bit interested in ever having a stranger pet them at all….but they’re
especially concerned with the well being of their human family.

blaze on June 04, 2014:

I have a chow her name is Stella and I have three daughters we just love
Stella but she will only obey me. ….she has never barked once she dose not
know she has a voice yet lol

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on April 01, 2011:

Hey Christopher! I used to surround myself with both. It was always amazing to
me how our fierce chows would allow our cats to just lay on top of them as if
they were pillows!

Christopher Antony Meade from Gillingham Kent. United Kingdom on April
01, 2011:

That seems to be a very interesting and intelligent breed of dog. I am a “cat
man” myself. But I can see the attraction in such a loyal pet as a Chow Dog.

I hope you have many happy years together.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on March 27, 2011:

Hey Willie, I can literally see it. I love reading how you psychoanalyze both
dogs and owners, and I only wish that in the past I had had your insights,
like I do now.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on March 27, 2011:

Crystolite, Thank you very much!!

Hey A.M., yeah, I like German Shepherds, and Labs; and I bet a mix of them
would be a great dog!! German Shepherds. . . those pups cost a ton of money
around here. Chows are less expensive, but they are pretty hard to find.

Chows aren’t really “small,” but I’ve never seen one that was as big as a lab,
rott, or Shepherd; but I’ve seen Chows that were a lot bigger than any of mine
were. pound for pound, the chow is a beast though.

You know, I forgot to mention it in the hub, but our chows never bothered cats
at all. The red chow at top was a very aggressive dog, but he used to just let
our cats curl up on top of him, which was very strange to see.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on March 27, 2011:

Hey AliciaC, thank you!! Yeah, it’s a smaller dog, of course, but generally
will be more intimidating. I HAVE seen some black labs that could be fairly
frightening too though.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on March 27, 2011:

kashmir56, thank you very much! I’m still pretty sad about the dog we had
coming up missing. I should have spent more time training him. :=\

DoItForHer on March 13, 2011:

A childhood classmate had a Chow that had poor training. It bit me one time
simply because I was walking towards my classmate on his unfenced property,
but despite its poor training, it would not go after anyone outside of its
property. It did not bark incessantly. It did not chase cars or kids on
bicycles. This dog had an exceptional ability to discriminate when to protect
and when not to protect; unfortunately, the owner allowed the dog to decide
what the boundaries were and what situations needed protection. This dog
decided to protect the family from anyone no matter the circumstances, but
once I learned what the boundaries were, I was safe. I could ride my back back
and forth across the road or, from a specific distance, yell at my friend to
come out, but as soon as I got about three feet from the yard- game on!

If the owner had taken the time to establish the boundaries and the
situations, the dog would have been excellent. Instead the dog had to be
locked in a room whenever company came over. This is typical of the breed and
shows that a competent owner is necessary.

I want to be clear that I’m not saying bad things about the Chow. My
experience with this one Chow was that it excelled as a guardian and was
highly consistent in its behavior; these are highly desired traits that, if
guided in the proper direction, would have produced an excellent guard/family
dog. The dog was left to try to figure out what the boundaries were on its
own, which didn’t work out so well.

Allen Werner from West Allis on March 10, 2011:

I’m going to forward this to my eldest daughter. She and her boyfriend keep
talking about getting a dog and he wants a rottweiler which she doesn’t want.
I’ve always mostly had GermanShepherd-Lab mixes and they were awesome dogs.
Still my favorite is anything with some GermanShepherd in it. Never had a
small dog even though other extended family members did. Afraid our big old
cats might beat it up. Every time we get cats they get as big as small dogs –
must be how we feed them or something. Also liked the pics. Peace

Emma from Houston TX on March 10, 2011:

Awesome work with cute pics,thanks for sharing.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on March 08, 2011:

I’ve had several breeds of dog but never a Chow. Chow Chows sound like an
interesting breed, but they certainly have a different personality from my
black lab! I enjoyed learning about them.

Thomas Silvia from Massachusetts on March 08, 2011:

Hi Wesman, great information on the Chow Chow, loved the video to ! Hope you
are able to get a dog soon !

Awesome hub !

Elefanza from Somewhere in My Brain on March 08, 2011:

Heehee. Awesome. 🙂

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on March 08, 2011:

Oh, but see, if YOU raised one, then you’d not have to worry at all. You’d
have a beast that thought you were a Goddess, and would go all Helm’s Deep on
anyone that moved wrong around you!

Elefanza from Somewhere in My Brain on March 08, 2011:

A family of mine had a chow and that dog was scary! She would glare at you if
you moved improperly. The other chow they had was much nicer, but I’m still
scared of chows.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on March 07, 2011:

Thank you very, very much, DOGS 101!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DOGS 101 from Planet Earth on March 07, 2011:

Loved reading your hub. I learned some new things.

justom from 41042 on March 07, 2011:

You got that right!

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on March 07, 2011:

Cool story Tom!!! My lab ran off about a month and a half ago, and I’m lonely
for another dog. I’m gonna save me some money and get myself another AKC Chow
dog, ain’t nobody coming in the yard then!

justom from 41042 on March 07, 2011:

What up Todd? I’ve been lame lately trying to get stuff done to make some $.
Dude I owned a black chow in the mid 90’s. She was 2 when we got her and
knowing how they are I wasn’t sure how she’d do with a second owner. That dog
was the best dog I’ve ever owned. When my friends came over (male only) she
would greet them at the door, sniff their leg, then lower her head and raise
her nose up to smack them right in the nuts. It was hilarious! Taking her for
a walk was funny too, folks would move to the other side of the street when
they saw her coming. At night was a real trip. Good hub man, you brought back
some nice memories. Later! Tom