Anyone own a chow chow???

[chyam]

If all the warnings from most of the people on this thread still have not changed your mind another thing to consider is the amount of hair that a chow has and since you live in FL it could be a problem, also with all that thick hair you will have to devote sometime to grooming, I just think there are dogs that would much better for you especially as a first time owner.Check out the akc site and I believe there is a test on there to help you determine which breed would suit your lifestyle.
I own a Saluki and although there are not a good dog for everyone they suit me well since they are very catlike and I love cats!But they too are defineately not for everyone, since they are very aloof, not mean just not jump in your face pet me pet type dogs.

 

[Jynohn]

I hate to be negative, but have to chime in as another person who knew an aggressive chow who had to be put down. He was my cousin's dog and when my cousin passed away, my aunt was determined to keep that dog because her son loved him so much. He was so aggressive he had to be barricaded in a room whenever people came over. My aunt was heartbroken when she finally had to make the decision that he was no longer safe to keep around.

I have no doubt that there are many gentle and loving chows out there, but with a breed that is known for aggression, please be sure that you know what you're getting in to. If you're a first time dog owner, and plan on having children in the future, this might not be the breed for you.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

[Kimberly]

Used to own two of them when I was very little. I remember when my parents brought them home for the first time they looked like little furbies... extremely adorable puppies!

 

[Crankyshank]

I can't help you with breeders, but I would hesitate to recommend a chow for a novice dog owner.
These dogs can be loving and wonderful family dogs if handled correctly, but if you are not familiar with dog training - especially aggressive breeds, then you are likely to be dealing with a difficult situation.

 

[Snoopymom]

Owned two, first one we got as a puppy, very intelligent, but we had to put her down for the unpredictable agression despite working with her and our vet and hiring an experienced trainer to help, broke my heart and my wallet.

The 2nd one was an older sweet one we adopted. We had her put to sleep when her arthritis in her hips got so bad she couldn't get up to go potty on her own, which as others have mentioned, is a big issue with chows. Most will not go in the house no matter what, which is a good trait, but she was so particular and miserable she would snap at me. She spent the weekend at a kennel once when she was younger, and she did not go the entire time, so we couldn't vacation and leave her.

I agree with everyone, if this is your first dog, you plan to have kids or live in a neighborhood, I would not get a chow. I love them, but I will never own one again. If you do decide on a chow, I would spend a lot of time checking out the breeder and the puppy's parents. I'm sorry I don't have one to recommend.

Good Luck!

 

[MELISAZACK]

We had a pedi. chow when I was growing up - got him when I was 12...
pure breeds are very tempermental and do their own thing...Very defienant
loved to run off - if he was mad at you he would get even somehow..
agree was not good with small kids - did his own thing and if he wanted to be left alone he meant it....shed.....lol....oh yes they shed.
Would I have one now - no....not that bread again.