I need information on Chow dogs

@TriciaW (2441)
United States
March 13, 2007 2:12pm CST
I just got a puppy that my niece found behind a dumpster. I thought a lady wanted it so told my niece I would take it for her. Well the lady didn't want it because it wasn't a lab. I held my tongue and didn't say what do you expect when you find a puppy behind a dumpster??? Anyway examining it the puppy seems to be mixed but some Chow in it and I have no experience with that type of dog. Is it a good dog to have around children? I have a feeling I will be keeping another stray.*L* We keep saying we are going to say no to people that find animals but we have such a hard time. I took it to the Vet and he said it is at the most 6 weeks so it had to be really little when someone dropped it off and that really makes me mad. That is a whole other topic.*L* So any advice or info on Chows?
3 responses
• Philippines
13 Mar 07
I have a female chow., most people misunderstood chows. 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 a voice, but he should never be allowed to dominate the household. he is usually amenable to being touched by stranger 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 ;)
@TriciaW (2441)
• United States
13 Mar 07
It is so funny that you would say some of these things as today I picked him up and said you look just like a little teddy bear we should have called you teddy. Yes I tend to talk to my dogs. He also moved away from me this morning when I had a stern voice with my daughter. I also noticed this morning how he pranced around like my cats letting me know when he wanted to be petted and when he wanted to be alone. I do have another question because he has become very spoiled. He whined last night while everyone was sleeping until he was picked up, petted and then was fine when set back down. Since you said he should not be allowed to dominate the house would us reacting to his whine give him that feeling?
1 person likes this
• Philippines
14 Mar 07
Yes, like most dogs will. the puppies/dogs are afraid of being abandoned by his pack and is sounding the alarm so that he can be rescued. the reason of excessive whining continues is because the dog has learned that whining gets whatever he wants - attention, food, affection.. often what starts out as a demand whining soon becomes an unconscious whining habit. he's new to your place and probably just scared to be left alone. to prevent an annoying whining habit, teach your dog to accept short period of confinement before leaving him alone for a long periods of time. spend time with your dog in the area where he is left and show him that this is a fun place to be. if he starts whining or howling when you leave, don't rush back to let him out or reassure him. if you do, he will soon learn that he can control you with his whining blackmail. however, if barking, whining or howling continues then he probably is not yet comfortable in his confinement area. spend a little more time with him there. then when you leave, if he continues barking/whining or howling, give him a loud and sten "NO!" after he has been quiet for a few minutes, return and praise him lavisly. practice leaving and returning several times so he becomes accustomed to your departures and realizes that you not abandoning him forever. he will see that you will return and there's nothing to worry about. practice leaving him for a longer and longer periods of time.
@Signal20 (2281)
• United States
14 Mar 07
Chows are supposedly known to not be a good kid's dog, BUT it's young, you're obviously familiar with dogs, train it good. It's a mix, so maybe the other "better" quality of dog will come out. I always thought my one dog was black lab and chow mix, only because she has a small blue spot on her tongue. I've since found out that's common for a lot of dogs, and I don't think she's chow, think she's part pit bull judging by her head shape. Eh, who knows, she may be all three lol :) And you know, she takes after the lab for the most part. Never been aggressive in a "mean way" to any of us humans. I personally think mutts are the best "breeds" out there. You don't necessarily have the typical problems familiar with certain breeds. I wouldn't worry about it. Good training for it, it'll be fine.
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
13 Mar 07
Yep both my dogs are Chow mix...and they are somewhat stubborn but train very well and have been fabulous with not only my kids but also all our cats too....And poop on the finiky lady! man ppl like that tick me off!