CHOW-CHOW

Chow Chow is a truly ancient breed of dog. In 2004, studies of the canine genome showed that out of 85 dog breeds, 14 belong to the ancients, including the Chow Chow. Most likely, the Chow comes from the ancient Tibetan Mastiffs. Its family tree may be traced back to the ancient Norse Elkhounds.

As we have already mentioned, the homeland of the Chow is China. The image of this dog can be found on ancient Chinese bas-reliefs of the Han Dynasty, where the Chow is depicted as a hunting dog. Such bas-reliefs date back to 150 BC! In China, the Chow was used as an excellent hunting dog for game and, sadly, the Chinese loved Chow Chow meat, and its fur was a great product!

Although the Chow was bred in Northern China, nevertheless, this breed was very common in the southern part, especially in commercial ports. Often these dogs were part of the ship's cargo. Perhaps the name arose precisely because of this. The fact is that "chow-chow" means any trinket that you can take with you, including on a sea voyage.

According to surviving sources, it is known that the first Chow Chow was introduced to Europe in 1880, he appeared in England. The dogs were exhibited at the London Zoo. Chow Chow was very much liked by Queen Victoria. From England the dog came to the USA. A separate Chow Chow breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903, and already in 1906 a Chow Chow Club appeared in America. This dog is ranked 65th among the registered breeds.

Chow Chow has a thick coat, which is of two types: hard and soft. In both cases, there is an upper part of the coat and an undercoat. And it has a not entirely pleasant property - collect various organic substances, which means that it requires regular and high-quality care. If the owner of the dog is negligent about the issue of grooming the coat, then the problem will be guaranteed.

To prevent problems with the coat, it is necessary to trim it every week. The haircut will take 1 to 2 hours weekly. In addition, the owner of the Chow Chow should regularly brush his coat with a special brush. This procedure will rid the dog of various organic substances present in the animal's fur.

In addition, if the dog gets dirty often, then at least twice a month it must be thoroughly washed. In this case, you must use a special shampoo - conditioner for dogs. When brushing, use a special steel brush that will penetrate deep into the thick coat on all parts of the body: on the back, legs and back of the body.

For convenience, the dog can be placed on a wide chair or table. Cleaning the coat is best done outdoors. During shedding, a large amount of hair will fall out, and therefore, during this period, the dog, more than ever, needs regular grooming. It is necessary to remove excess hair according to hair growth. Particular attention should be paid to the parts of the body in the area of the legs and ears. When trimming, only special tools should be used. All unnatural and unaesthetic areas of the coat must be removed. If cutting is difficult, then you can seek help from a professional. Sometimes, out of their ignorance, many try to have a short chow-chow cut, even resorting to shaving some areas. You don't need to do this, otherwise your dog will look unnatural and funny.

Be sure to control not only the coat, but also the growth of the Chow's claws. Carry out a weekly grooming routine! Active dogs need grooming less often. It should be borne in mind that long claws will break off, which can lead to painful sensations, discomfort, and in some cases can even lead to the emergence of a number of infectious diseases. If you hear a slight clatter of claws on a hard surface while moving your dog, be sure to take it to the veterinarian or professional groomer for trimming, or perform the appropriate procedure yourself.

Chow - loyal dog, but at the same time - very stubborn. When cutting, be sure to leave hair of sufficient length around the collar. This will be not only a distinctive feature of the breed, but also a fairly effective method of dealing with stubbornness. You will be able to grab the dog by the collar without making it painful. Always remain calm, and communication with the animal will only bring positive emotions.

You should brush your teeth as often as possible. This will help maintain healthy teeth and fresh breath. A thorough weekly ear check is a must. Ears should be examined for infections, inflammation, and irritation. If the dog's ears are dirty, then they must be wiped with a swab dipped in a special solution prescribed by a veterinarian. It is better not to wipe your ears with cotton wool. To do this, you can use special tampons.