The Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is an ancient breed of dog that originates from northern China. The Chow Chow is thought to be one of the oldest recognizable dog breeds in the world! It is believed that the Chow Chow breed is the forefather to modern breeds such as the Pomeranian, Norwegian Elkhound, Keeshond and Samoyed. The breed's name in Chinese is 'Songshi Quan' which translates to 'Puffy-lion dog.' It is believed that the Chow Chow is one of the native dogs used as inspiration for the Foo dog, the traditional stone guardians found throughout China in front of palaces, Buddhist temples and places of importance. The Chow Chow was originally bred as a general purpose working dog and would have been commonly used for herding, hunting, guarding and cart pulling purposes. Some historians believe that the Chow Chow is described in ancient texts to have accompanied the Mongolian armies as they invaded southward into China - which would suggest that the Chow Chow has also been used for war purposes. Due to its working history the Chow Chow has a sturdily built square shaped body. The breed has two unique aesthetic features: its thick double coat and its uncommon blue-black tongue. The breed's coat comes in both a smooth and rough variation and comes in the following colorations: red, black, blue, fawn and cream. In modern times the breed is commonly found as a household pet. The breed as a whole is known to be incredibly loyal and affectionate towards their owners but wary of strangers. Due to their history as guard dogs they are also known to be fiercely protective over their family unit and families property. To avoid the potential for a fierce nature it is important that Chow Chow owners prioritize their dog's socialization with strangers and other dogs. Before purchasing any pet it is important to understand that as a pet owner you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your pet. It is important to try and learn as much as you can about the animal you are considering to keep as a pet to make sure that your lifestyle, household and financial status are suited to provide your pet with the best possible care. This guide has been designed to provide you with both precise and concise information about a Chow Chow's basic needs to help you provide your pet with the best quality care practices. This guide will give an in-depth explanation on training your Chow Chow, raising your Chow Chow from a puppy, grooming, health care and everything in between! "The Chow Chow: A Complete and Comprehensive Owners Guide to: Buying, Owning, Health, Grooming, Training, Obedience, Understanding and Caring for Your Chow Chow," by Michael Stonewood is the perfect purchase or gift for a first time Chow Chow owner. This guide includes sections on caring for a puppy, breeding, health care, training, the basic cost of owning a Chow Chow and much more. This book is the second edition - the first edition was published by 'Dog Care Professionals.'