Aug
10
2009
0

Brazilian Mastiff

Male Brazilian mastiffs come in at well over 100 pounds and will stand upwards of thirty inches at the shoulder when they are full grown. Females are similarly large, though they tend to average around 90 pounds and are a few inches shorter as well. Both males and females will have short, soft fur, an extremely thick neck and resemble a bloodhound in the face. You might find this breed sporting coats of brindle, black, yellow and reddish tan, making it a very handsome dog.

The Brazilian mastiff was bred to run fast and to have a bone structure that could support an attack if need be. Their courage is known to be intense, and they are also known to be an alert dog. While they can be quite savage and hostile to strangers, they are considered to be very loving with children.

When you are looking at a Brazilian mastiff, there are a few features that you will notice right away. They have the hunting instinct of the bloodhound as well as the guarding instinct of the mastiff. They have been used to watch over cattle, and they are a wonderfully rounded animal. They are trained to attack and hold as well as to hunt and in years past and in more dangerous times, they were even trained and taught to hold wild jaguars at bay from the cattle that they were protecting.

The Brazilian mastiff also has a history as a slave tracking dog, and interestingly enough, the word Fila means to hold in Portuguese. Not only do these dogs excel at hunting and holding, they can also run fast and hold an impressive gallop.

Remember that when you are dealing with this dog that it is never so keen on strangers. They are suspicious of people that they do not know, and though this might be a good thing if they are guard dogs, it might be as good if you have visitors. In many cases, they will undergo character testing to see whether they can be trusted to only attack when they are instructed to. It is important to keep this mind when you are thinking about purchasing a Brazilian mastiff. During dog shows, they maintain this aloof and wary quality and judges are often instructed not to touch the dog.

While they can be absolutely savage with strangers, remember that the Brazilian mastiff is still a gentle and loving animal to his own pack. He can be very loyal to his master and is very protective of his own property. He will attack strangers and it is his natural instinct to attack when he is with someone he doesn’t feel comfortable with.

If you are thinking about adopting a Brazilian mastiff puppy, look for a good breeder. Consider going to the shows and going to the homes of private breeders. Do not stop at looking at just one breeder. Ask every question that you think of and see whether the breeder is someone who really feels for their dogs. Remember that they should be able to answer any questions that you throw out at them. Remember that you can always check out pictures of the breed online as well.

The Brazilian mastiff is quite adorable, with its blocky shape, its droopy long ears and its soft floppy lips. Always be careful when approaching an animal that you do not know well, and remember that the breed’s reputation as a guard animal is well earned. Despite this, you’ll soon see that with the right training, he can be amazingly sweet with the family in his care.

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Jun
21
2009
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The Ancient Japanese Dog Breed, Shiba Inu

Of the six breeds that originally came from Japan, the Shiba Inu is considered to be the smallest. This breed is said to have been brought to this country by early migrants during the Jomon Period which was about 8000 BC to 200 BC. This breed flourished in the mountainous regions near the Japan Sea and this is one of the reasons why the modern Shiba can strive well in mountainous terrains.

Originally, this breed was used as a hunting dog, flushing out rabbits, birds and other small animals from their dens. Breeders say that the Shiba Inu is a big dog trapped inside a small dog’s body. It is only 23 pounds for male and 17 pounds for female but it is strongly independent, intelligent and stubborn.

Training a Shiba can be quite difficult due to their stubborn and independent nature but once you expose and socialize them early on, it would somehow ease the learning process along the way. If owners are successful in socializing and training the Shiba from puppyhood, it is likely that this dog will grow up to be sweet, amazing, affectionate and lively. However, this dog has been a fervent hunter for centuries and it is manifested even now through its overwhelming hunting drive.

To be an effective owner of a Shiba, one must be equipped with the same levels of persistence and authority as the Shiba. This dog has a habit of running away without heeding commands to come back and so experts always advise to hold them in a leash. As the Japanese breed standard dictates: The dog has a spirited boldness and is fiercely proud with a good nature and a feeling of artlessness. The Shiba is able to move quickly with nimble, elastic steps.

Although this breed may be a tough cookie in training, it is however considered a fastidiously clean breed. It likes to keep itself clean and odorless by means of licking its paws and coat just like how a cat cleans itself. Moreover, the Shiba’s intensity in hygiene goes as far as it going out of its way in the purpose of evading a puddle, mud or dirt.

Additionally, hygiene is not the only amusing fact about the Shiba but also its unique and distinct high pitched and loud sound called the ” shiba scream”. It screams in this way whenever it feels great unhappiness, disapproval of mistreatment, or it could also be that it feels utterly happy and excited about something. Some things that make the Shiba wail is when a long gone master is finally coming back or a favorite person is coming for a visit.

The Shiba Inu has a double coat which is soft and waterproof, the outer coat being straight and the inner coat being soft and dense. This dog also appears in shades of red, black, tan, sesame, cream, buff or grey. It sheds excessively twice a year but on a regular basis, it sheds but not strongly and thus needs daily brushing as a form of coat maintenance.

The Shiba Inu, according to DNA testing of experts, is one of the oldest breeds in the world because of its existence that dates back as early as 3rd century BC. In Japan, this dog is considered as a national symbol and was declared to be so in 1936 through the Japanese Cultural Properties Act. It was first brought to the United States in 1954 by migrating families from Japan and in 1992 it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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Jun
20
2009
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Shih Tzu Essentail Training Tips

While you are having your meals you should train your shih tzu to sit in a designated area until you are done eating. This may take several tries, but eventually the shih tzu will get the hang of it and you will not be bothered during dinner anymore. Of course, once you are finished eating make sure you praise your shih tzu by providing them with a nice meal in their own bowl, but only after you are completely finished with yours.

Body language plays a major part in how your shih tzu will react to your commands. Using body language properly will allow you to train your shih tzu a lot quicker. It also will help stop negative behavior in its tracks.

As with any animal, sometimes our shih tzu’s actions will upset us. Some pet owners chase their animals around the house yelling and screaming. You should not do this under any circumstance. Your shih tzu will only think you a playing with them and will continue to run.

When it comes time to give commands to your shih tzu take note of your posture. You should stand almost like a marine with your chest out and head back. Also, speak in a firm voice. This will let your shih tzu know that you mean business and the shih tzu will have more respect and also be slightly intimidated. This will help in the training process.

If your Shih Tzu dog is extremely excited then do not add to the problem by getting feisty. Instead, move slowly and talk in a soothing tone of voice. Display the same behavior you wish them to use. Doing so will calm them down and it will be much easier to change their behavior.

Here is a great retrieval training tip: get some snacks together and sprinkle them on the floor a few feet away from your shih tzu. Do not let them run up and grab them right away. Make the shih tzu wait a minute or so in a seated position and when you are ready give the command “pickup” and allow your dog to eat.

This type of training works best when your shih tzu puppy is hungry. Every time you place food in front of them repeat the “pickup” command until they associate it with putting food in their mouth. Then you can start working with a tennis ball or whatever else you would like.

When your shih tzu is less than one year old make sure you confine them to one room in your living quarters. You might even want to use some child safety equipment until you are comfortable that they will not get into any trouble while you are away.

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Jun
18
2009
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The Fastest Dog in the World, The Greyhound

The Greyhound is famous for its speed and agility and as further proof of this, racing circuits features them for competitions and companies like the Greyhound Bus uses the breed to define their service. Being the fastest dog in the world, the Greyhound is indeed quick enough in capturing the hearts of many families around the world. Whence years ago the breed is merely a racer, today it is a well-loved family pet of many households around the world.

Gifted with long and powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim body frame, the Greyhound is able to run as fast as 70 kilometers an hour. Additionally, its large heart, light muscular build and high percentage fast-twitch muscle allows it to stride and gallop in immensely long distances. This gallop of the Greyhound is described as the “double suspension rotary gallop” wherein the dog is able to assume two movements in one stride, contraction and extension, while its four legs are up in the air.

The thin frame of the breed is a manifestation that they lack in body fat therefore they are likely get affected by extreme temperatures easily. In view of this, it is highly recommended that they be sheltered indoors. The Greyhound of today is not merely limited to racing and course games anymore but is pitted in dog shows and dog sports as well.

It is surprising to know but the amazing speed and infinite energy of the Greyhound in the race tracks is not equal to aggressiveness or noisiness. When this breed is active in racing, inside the house it is calm, quiet and laidback. When it is not the proper time to run, the Greyhound just stays put and enjoys being quiet and happy with the family.

Despite being a natural athletic and fast breed, the Greyhound is never described as energetic. It doesnt have to run everyday and does not have an impulse to do so without reason and in fact, just like any other ordinary breeds, the Greyhound is satiated physically and mentally through daily 20 or 30 minute walks or runs. Because of these surprising characteristics of the breed, people have tagged them as the “Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes.”

However, just because the breed is not much of a runner when it is not told to be, it doesnt mean that they shouldnt be given time to run freely. When a Greyhound is deprived of its natural instinct to run, it becomes agitated and will have the tendency to become aggressive. The breed should be given a chance to release its excess energy or else it will become destructive outside and inside the home.

Naturally sweet and gentle, the Greyhound makes a devoted, obedient and loyal companion. In fact, whatever the master tells it to do, it does biddably and whenever the master goes, it is there acting sweetly devoted. The Greyhound is also very friendly and accepting to other people and therefore, it is suitable for an apartment or suburban kind of life.

The coat of the Greyhound comes in 30 or more different colors and to name some, there are: fawn, black, white, brindle, red and blue. The coat is short, single- coated and a minimal shedder and may be marked with different combinations of the aforementioned colors. The ancestor of this breed is thought to have been the Arabian Sloughi and was brought to England in 900 AD by traders.

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Jun
17
2009
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The Talking Dog of France, The Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a French breed of dog that’s famous for its unique physicality because it possesses short legs, long limbs, droopy eyes and flappy elongated ears. As seen in many paintings and sculptures, the Basset is a favorite of many French people because they are often depicted cuddling or surrounded by this breed. Before being known all over the world, the Basset firstly became popular in its native country France and was appreciated by many French people.

Bassets are short legged dogs that have keen sense of smell, particularly smelling small games such as rabbits. This breed was intentionally bred to have osteochondrodysplasia or dwarfism in order to reach dug outs and burrows of games. Although short, this breed surprisingly can reach tall heights such as table tops but because of their heavy musculature and short legs, they cannot stay above water and therefore should never be encouraged to swim.

This breed’s natural hunting skills are superb and were put to good use decades ago by hunting enthusiasts. Today, the Basset is not used so much for hunting but instead for show ring, dog sports and family pet purposes. Efforts of enthusiast groups, however, are trying to bring back the glorious days of the Basset as a hunter and so they established Basset hunting clubs such as The American Hunting Basset Association.

The Basset has an amusing ability to use low and bold sound that emanates “talking” whenever it whines to get attention. Usually, it does this to beg for food or treats and the longer it has begged, the louder the “talking” gets. Moreover, the Basset is the type of breed that needs to be bribed with treats for it only listens and participates in training sessions if given food as a reward.

The droopy eyes and long ears of the Basset may look sweet but they pose serious health risks if not cared for properly. The droopy eyes usually accumulate mucus by the eyeballs and this may cause eye irritations and infections. The dangling ears often touch the ground and food and this causes the development of chronic diseases that sometimes are fatal to the dog.

This short creature weighs heavily in 50-65 pounds, is 12-15 inches tall and heavy in bone mass than any other dog breeds out there. The coat of the Basset is short, stiff and glossy but is prone to shedding excessively. The coat color of this breed is often seen in tricolor, red spots and white, solid red with white tail and feet, honey and white, and lemon and white.

Naturally playful, sweet, devoted and friendly, the Basset Hound is a great playmate for children. It is sociable and never aggressive and loves especially to be a part of the family. This dog also howls and barks as a form of warning that something is wrong or that it wants something.

The name Basset came from the French word bas meaning short. The parent breed of this breed is said to be the Bloodhound Artisien Normand and Basset Artisien Normand, a couple of French dog breeds that are existent to this day. The Basset became popular through the portraits of Emperor Napoleon III, as the portraits are said to depict the royal being surrounded by his glorious Basset Hound pets.

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Jun
16
2009
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Basset Hound: The French Talking Dog

The Basset Hound is described physically as a dog having short legs, a long body, droopy eyes and flappy long ears. You might be familiar with this breed for often, it is seen in many artworks depicting a floppy- eared dog accompanying French personalities in their everyday lives. This breed was first develop in France from two different French dog breeds and became popular in this country first before coming to other parts of the world.

This short-legged creature is surprisingly excellent in smelling small games and so hunters often used it for this purpose. Intentionally developed to be dwarf, the Basset makes a perfect fit for burrows and ground holes hunting. Even though it is small, however, it still can reach tall heights such as table tops; but, due to its heavy bone mass, it is not capable of staying above water and so shouldn’t be allowed to swim.

Decades ago, the Basset is a premium hunter but as time went by, people seemed to confine it into show ring, dog sports and household companionship. Through the efforts of some enthusiasts, however, hunting clubs such as The American Hunting Basset Association were organized to make use of the old skill of the Basset.

The Basset is an amusing breed in terms of its vocal cords for it can splendidly imitate “talking” sounds whenever it whines about wanting attention. Most whining is the result of wanting for treats or food since this creature is a big treats-as-a-reward fancier. Moreover, the Basset would only respond to training if it is reinforced with treats as a reward.

Cute and adorable the Basset may seem but the low hanging ears and drooping eyes have disadvantages and sometimes lead to a fatal risk. The drooping eyes of the Basset cause mucus to build-up under the eyeballs and this collects dirt and bacteria causing the eyes to get infected. Its ears that are dangling freely to the ground and in food may catch or develop chronic diseases and some are potentially fatal.

This short creature weighs heavily in 50-65 pounds, is 12-15 inches tall and heavy in bone mass than any other dog breeds out there. The coat of the Basset is short, stiff and glossy but is prone to shedding excessively. The coat color of this breed is often seen in tricolor, red spots and white, solid red with white tail and feet, honey and white, and lemon and white.

This breed is an excellent pet for children for they are friendly, gentle and playful. They are never aggressive and are equally friendly to strangers and very devoted and faithful to their masters. The Basset also tends to howl or bark in order to signal its owners that something is wrong such as a storm coming or sometimes, they do this to suggest that they want something.

Bas is a French word meaning low and the Basset is called as such because of its obviously low to the ground height. The parent breed of the modern day Basset Hound is said to be the Bloodhound Artisien Normand and Basset Artisien Normand. The French emperor Napoleon III made this breed famous because he was often painted by Emmanuel Freimet, a famous French painter, surrounded by his packs of Basset Hounds.

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Jun
10
2009
0

The Flat Coated Retriever: Excellent Retriever on Land and Water

The Golden Retriever and the Labrador are probably the undisputed breeds in water retrieval but there is one dog that is unpopular but undisputed nonetheless in both water and land retrievals. This breed, a gundog originating from United Kingdom in the middle of 1800s, is the Flat Coated Retriever. This breed was introduced to North America in 1860 but only gained stability as a breed 20 years after.

The Flat Coated Retriever was developed to be a versatile hunting dog by means of retrieving shot games both on land and water and other tasks expected of a working dog. From then till now, this breed enjoys a steady stream of fanciers as it is not only an excellent companion in hunting but as a family pet and animal friend as well. Whence outdoors it has a terrific nose for game, inside the house it is a loving and devoted companion to the family that owns it.

Without a doubt, in terms of retrieval, the Flat Coated performs better than the Golden Retriever and the Labrador, however, in terms of trainability; the Flat Coated performs poorer than the two. Additionally, this breed is prone to boredom whenever training lessons are repetitive and slow. To keep its interest during training, the owner must keep it varied, interesting and short.

The owner of this breed must exert an effort to be kind and patient in teaching this breed because it does not receive harsh criticisms and hard handling very well. Moreover, this breed is extremely welcoming to all kinds of creatures no matter if they are humans or animals and because of this, the breed does make a poor watchdog. Animals such as cats, squirrels and other dog breeds are befriended by the Flat Coated sincerely.

The Flat Coated Retriever is a sure positive force to have because it always wears a sunny disposition untiringly. It is one of the best companion dogs because it is active, extremely sociable, kind-hearted, playful and devoted. It also loves being playmates with children but remember to only allow older children as little ones are easily knocked over by this dog’s exuberantly happy behavior.

This dog’s energy and youthful playfulness is also manifested even if its still a young puppy and continues until it grows as an adult and because of this, people tag this creature as the “Peter Pan of Dogs”. The Flat Coated’s affection towards humans and animals is also manifested through its unusual likeness for kissing. In fact, when it wants to show affection to a human, it would jump up and lick that person’s face and towards another dog, they would lick each other’s mouth as a form of greeting and people call it the “flat-coated kiss”.

For a dog as active as the Flat Coated Retriever, a constant stream of activities and exercise are needed in order to maintain and stimulate its mental and physical health. Inside the house, it might be dormant or less active but once outside the house, it displays its natural restless and playful self. Even though this breed is an excellent gundog, it nearly entered extinction during World War I due to its fading popularity in comparison to the Labrador and Golden Retriever but luckily, some fervent believers revived this breed and until now, careful breeding is still being done in order to keep its existence afloat.

There are several breeds that are said to have contributed to the stability of the Flat Coated’s breed and they are the: Collie-types for increased trainability, Newfoundland for strength, and Setter for stronger sniffing ability. This breed is called Flat Coated because its single coated fur is indeed flat, medium-length, lustrous and dense. The main and standard colors of this breed are solid black and solid liver, however, there are some that appear cream and yellow and these are considered as disqualifications by the breed standard.

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Jun
09
2009
0

The Great Dog of the Pyrenean Mountain, The Great Pyrenees

Considered as the aristocratic relative of the St. Bernard and the Newfoundland, the Great Pyrenees is another wonderful large breed that’s been captivating the hearts of many people for hundreds of years. From nomadic adventures to royal treatment and from heroic wartime efforts to household companionship, this dog definitely went through it all. This breed was greatly known to be a working dog and up to this day, many families still take them in for this purpose and more.

The Great Pyrenees or also known as the Pyrenean Mountain dog was first discovered roaming the mountains of the Pyrenees which divides the vast topography of Spain and France. It is thought to be a very ancient breed and was found as the companion of the Basque people, a group that inhabited the different areas of the Pyrenees mountain range in the south of France and north of Spain. During these times, this breed was largely used as a livestock guard and family protector.

Its discovery in the middle ages of one aristocrat led to its fame among almost all of the aristocratic population all over Europe. It was written in historical documents that the Great Pyrenees was used as a castle guard, such as the Castle of Lourdes, and treated as a royal pet. Especially, in the royal French court, this dog became the official royal dog and this fad about the Great Pyrenees lasted until the mid nineteenth century.

The ancestors of the Great Pyrenees are said to be the ancient large dog breeds that roamed the vast mountainscapes of Asia. Together with their nomad owners, they led a nomadic life; going from place to place until eventually they reached the Pyrenees. In the Pyrenees Mountains, the Great Pyrenees is said to have developed to be the modern dog that it is today.

The ancestors of the Great Pyrenees are said to be the ancient large dog breeds that roamed the vast mountainscapes of Asia. Together with their nomad owners, they led a nomadic life; going from place to place until eventually they reached the Pyrenees. In the Pyrenees Mountains, the Great Pyrenees is said to have developed to be the modern dog that it is today.

As a flock guard dog, the Great Pyrenees is unquestionable because it is naturally imposing, reliable and courageous. It distrusts unknown presence such as unfamiliar canines and persons; however, towards non-canine creatures such as cats, it is gentle and friendly. If left alone, this dog is capable of being well-collected and well-behaved and it is loving and playful around children.

Towards the family that owns it, the Great Pyrenees is loyal, obedient and loving. It is extremely devoted such that sometimes it sacrifices itself just to be able to prove its loyalty and devotion. If around unknown people it is suspicious but around family and friends it is gentle and playful.

This breed is distinct for having white flowing hair with highlights of gray, tan and rust all over. This breed’s face should possess jet black eye rims and muzzle because it is the accepted standard. It also has a double coat wherein the upper coat is long, coarse and straight or slightly wavy while the lower coat is dense and soft.

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Jun
09
2009
0

The Chow Chow Dog as China’s Most Ancient Lion Like Dog Breed

If there’s a dog breed that is as noble as a lion, as whimsically amusing as a panda, as adorable as a teddy bear, as graceful and independent as a cat and as loyal and devoted as a true dog breed, then that is no other than the Chow Chow. Believed to be in existence for than 4000 years, the Chow Chow is considered as one of the most ancient of dog breeds which thought to have first appeared in Mongolia. In China, countless of Chinese ancient arts depicted a lion-like dog that is believed to be the ancestors of the Chow Chow.

In recent DNA testing efforts, the fact was revealed that the Chow Chow is one of the oldest breed of dogs and that it is one of the first descendants of the wolf which resided in the northern parts of China and Mongolia. Some believes that the Chow Chow is originally from the Arctic Circle and only migrated later on to Siberia, China and Mongolia. Experts also conclude that the Chow Chow is the predecessor of several modern breeds such as the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Keeshond and the Norwegian Elkhound.

In ancient China where this breed was firstly seen, it was used mainly as a hunting dog, a cart-puller and a boat guard. According to history, one emperor was so fond of this dog that he owned as many as 2500 Chow pairs, all of which accompanied his 10,000 hunters. Its meat was also eaten by the Chinese and is considered as a delicacy. In more recent times, popularity of the Chow Chow was manifested through famous people’s adoration of it just like President Calvin Coolidge’s Chow named Timmy.

The Chow Chow is a unique kind of dog and a lot of owners don’t understand this kind of personality and so misconceptions often arise. Owners who do not fully understand the characteristics of Chows tend to mistreat and mishandle the dog and these results to a disconcerting disposition of the dog. The best thing that owners can do, however, is to research well about the Chow Chow so they may understand the special trainings and unique treatments that the dog needs.

The Chow Chow is a naturally independent and generally aloof kind of creature. Saying this, however, does not mean it doesn’t like to socialize because it does love to be around people only if it was trained to be so at an early age. The Chow Chow can live peacefully in a house with cats and other creatures so long as it is trained to live harmoniously with them in puppyhood, however, when it reaches adulthood and the owner failed to introduce it to other kinds of people and animals, it may become aggressive and unwelcoming to new faces.

A Chow owner must be a good leader and by this it means that the owner should be consistent, firm, confident and patient in handling and training the dog. If the owner fails to impose that he/she is the leader of the pack, the Chow will manifest bad behaviors and these include aggressiveness, irritability and small dog syndrome wherein it tends to act as the leader of humans and not the other way around. The Chow is also interested in new activities and will love to participate in training sessions so long as it is not repetitive as Chows tend to get bored easily.

The Chow is not the best breed when it comes to obedience and conformation competitions because it is hard to train and in fact, ranks only as 76th in Stanley Cohen’s Intelligence of Dogs. The Chow is also not a very outgoing dog and it loves to stay inside the house for the most part of the day. Because of this, the Chow is suited to live in an apartment with a very small yard remembering only that it still needs to have a daily exercise in order to keep it healthy and fit.

This dog is covered with a very dense double coat and its neck is surrounded by a huge ruff and this gives the breed a lion- like appearance. Some distinct features of the breed are its blue-black or purplish tongue, straight hind legs which gives it a stiff gait and a thickly-haired and curled tail. The Chow Chow is often seen in shades of red, black, blue, cinnamon, fawn and cream.

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Jun
07
2009
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The Ancient Lion-Like Dog Breed of China, The Chow Chow

If there’s a dog breed that is as noble as a lion, as whimsically amusing as a panda, as adorable as a teddy bear, as graceful and independent as a cat and as loyal and devoted as a true dog breed, then that is no other than the Chow Chow. Believed to be in existence for than 4000 years, the Chow Chow is considered as one of the most ancient of dog breeds which thought to have first appeared in Mongolia. In China, countless of Chinese ancient arts depicted a lion-like dog that is believed to be the ancestors of the Chow Chow.

Latest studies have revealed that the Chow is one of the most ancient breeds of dog and that it is the product of evolution of the wolf breed that resided in the northern regions of China and Mongolia. Studies also conclude that the Chow is a former resident of the Arctic and migrated to Siberia, China and Mongolia. Other studies also state that the Chow is the predecessor of some of the modern dog breeds including the Pomeranian, Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound and Samoyed.

During its time in ancient China, the Chow was used in hunting and was assigned to pull carts and boat guarding. One interesting fact states that in ancient China, an emperor owned 2500 pairs of Chows which accompanied all of his 10,000 hunters during hunting. Additionally, Chow’s meat is also considered as a delicacy by the Chinese and until now, dog meats are still being eaten in their country. The late President Calvin Coolidge also had a Chow named Timmy and their companionship was popular during his time.

People often misinterpret the Chow Chow and a lot of owners misunderstand the breed. As a result, they fail to give the proper care that the Chow needs and this results to the breed as having an ill-temper. The Chow is a unique breed with special needs and so, to avoid Chows from having bad dispositions, research must be done before owning one.

The Chow Chow is dignified and noble in temperament and is generally a one-person kind of dog therefore it often chooses to be alone when there are a lot of chaotic people around it. It doesn’t mean, however, that this breed does not like to socialize for it does love meeting new people only when it is trained to be so at an early stage. Chows who are raised to be social can live with cats and other dogs inside the house and can be accepting to strangers but only when being introduced gently by the master.

This breed reacts well to owners who has firm and imposing tone, is consistent and confident. People who own or will own a Chow Chow should develop these characters in order to instill to the dog that the master is the leader and should be obeyed pertinently. A Chow Chow is active and participative in activities that it doesn’t know how to do yet at first but when such activities become repetitive, it becomes bored and would turn away and ignore commands indefinitely.

In terms of obedience and intelligence, the Chow Chow performs rather poorly and ranks 76th only in Stanley Cohen’s The Intelligence of Dogs. Indoors, the Chow Chow is not very active and is in fact, placid for most part of the day. An apartment living suits the Chow Chow and a small fenced yard will suffice their activities, however, it still needs daily forms of exercise such as walking in order to keep it healthy mentally and physically.

This breed is wrapped all over with a fluffy, double coat of hair and its head is surrounded by bushy hairs giving it a lion kind of appearance. Moreover, the Chow is one of the rare breeds that have a black/blue or purple colored tongue, a hairy and curled tail and stick straight hind legs that give it a stiff gait. The most common coat colors of this breed are red, black, blue, cinnamon, fawn and cream.

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