I rescued a new puppy last night!

[Pea-n-Me]

Congratulations! As someone who grew up with chows (my grandfather had them), and who has been a chow owner for the last 30 years, I can tell you that they are not a mean breed. However, they are a stubborn and independent animal that requires an owner who lets them know that the owner is boss, not the other way around. Chows will not do something just because you want them to; they have to want to do it too! They pick and chose what tricks they will perform.

They care deeply about their owners and can become overly protective if you don't socialize them properly. You'll need to take the puppy out with you and get them used to being around all types of people, including kids. Do not use this puppy as an "outside dog", or he will never be socialized and you will have problems.

As to children, my DD is 24 and my DS is 13, and have both grown up with chows. When DD was a baby, we didn't need a monitor, because our female chow slept next to her crib, and came and woke me if she even made a peep. When DS was a toddler, he stuck our male in the nose with a fork, and the big guy just sat there and looked at him!

This is a loyal and loving breed if raised properly (just ask Martha Stewart!), but you must put the time and effort into their training. I suggest that you go to chowchow.org and mychowchow.org to learn more about your new puppy ASAP.

Good information about Chows. My father had a Chow growing up and it was one of his favorite dogs ever. I don't have much personal experience but have heard they have a stubborn streak and have seen some reports of bad behavior with them in inexperienced hands.

With me, my biggest familiarity is with German Shepherds. I've had them all my life as well. IME reading about dogs in books and owning them are two different things as far as understanding of the breed goes. (As a matter of fact, this would make a good thread! )

I have more experience with Rotties than I do with Chows just in knowing some (all great dogs, btw).

But an example of what I'm trying to say is that although Chows, German Shepherds and Rottweilers are considered among the "difficult" breeds, it's not a one size fits all difficulty. They are difficult for their own reasons, and it behooves any owner to figure this out ahead of time and see if it's something they can or want to deal with for a lifetime.

JKL Lady has says that Chows are stubborn and independent. Good to know.

I can say that German Shepherds are independent thinkers who are happy to follow but need a firm leader in order to do so. The way they bite is also different than the way that other dogs bite.

Maybe we'll hear from the Rottweiler crowd. One thing I know about them is that they are extremely protective of their properties and families. (Also traits of other dogs as well.)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I appreciate your post and completely agree with what you are saying. OTOH, actually it will be more of my GFs dog, she has always had dogs, some being agressive breeds. Like I said, I am already looking into training classes and yes I am doing lots of research. I have a great vet alread lined up. The girl had the puppy for 2 weeks, so I really don't think that's going to have a great bearing on how the puppy acclimates to us. My GF works from home so she is there pretty much 24/7 therefore she will have the time to put into the puppy, whereas I work outside of the home 40 hours a week and have after school activities that my kids are involved in.

Basically I felt that if I hadn't taken the puppy, she would have been dropped off somewhere to fend for herself. I'm happy with the decision that I/we made in taking the puppy in. My friend's 4 year old was over yesterday and played with her and she was so calm and didn't jump bite or scratch. In the event that something happens in the future, we will make the proper accomodations for this puppy. I know my limits, I aquired a dog that I couldn't handle once before (long story) and found a proper home for him, and a year later he is the best dog ever. But I trust that my GF will be able to properly raise this puppy and have her turn into a wonderful dog.

Thank you for not being offended. I do wish you well and would love to see pics of the little guy. It sounds like you're heading in the right direction.

I do think that saying one person will do all the training is a little like saying one parent will do all the parenting but if that's what works for your family, then hey. The one thing I'd caution about is that there will be times when you have to handle the dog, maybe when you least expect it (as in always the worst time imaginable, like with a houseful of kids running around, or during a dinner party, while the dog officer is standing at your door, etc). Cause even with the best laid plans, dogs get out of pens, people open doors, etc, and the dog "appears". (It happened to me yesterday when I had an electrician here that my Shepherd aged about 10 yrs, lol.)

 

[mickeylove2]

Thank you for not being offended. I do wish you well and would love to see pics of the little guy. It sounds like you're heading in the right direction.

I do think that saying one person will do all the training is a little like saying one parent will do all the parenting but if that's what works for your family, then hey. The one thing I'd caution about is that there will be times when you have to handle the dog, maybe when you least expect it (as in always the worst time imaginable, like with a houseful of kids running around, or during a dinner party, while the dog officer is standing at your door, etc). Cause even with the best laid plans, dogs get out of pens, people open doors, etc, and the dog "appears". (It happened to me yesterday when I had an electrician here that my Shepherd aged about 10 yrs, lol.)

I never thought about it like that. I will be attending the training classes and of course will be around every day doing what I can, but she will be the main 1 KWIM? I'm going to do everything I can to learn about the breed combo and get as hands on as I can, it's not like I will never have any type of authority over her and I understand what comes along with that. I'm getting as prepared as I can and I'm ready to get my hands dirty lol.

 

[mickeylove2]

Good information about Chows. My father had a Chow growing up and it was one of his favorite dogs ever. I don't have much personal experience but have heard they have a stubborn streak and have seen some reports of bad behavior with them in inexperienced hands.

With me, my biggest familiarity is with German Shepherds. I've had them all my life as well. IME reading about dogs in books and owning them are two different things as far as understanding of the breed goes. (As a matter of fact, this would make a good thread! )

I have more experience with Rotties than I do with Chows just in knowing some (all great dogs, btw).

But an example of what I'm trying to say is that although Chows, German Shepherds and Rottweilers are considered among the "difficult" breeds, it's not a one size fits all difficulty. They are difficult for their own reasons, and it behooves any owner to figure this out ahead of time and see if it's something they can or want to deal with for a lifetime.

JKL Lady has says that Chows are stubborn and independent. Good to know.

I can say that German Shepherds are independent thinkers who are happy to follow but need a firm leader in order to do so. The way they bite is also different than the way that other dogs bite.

Maybe we'll hear from the Rottweiler crowd. One thing I know about them is that they are extremely protective of their properties and families. (Also traits of other dogs as well.)

My aunt and uncle had a farm and had a chow, rottweiler, 2 german shepherds, husky and alaskan malamute (I think) but they were all out door dogs that they kinds got "stuck" with. I remember the chow being pretty mean until you got to know him, they would never let kids around him alone and my uncle always had to be the 1 to introduce you to him. All the others were awesome, loveable and gentle. None of them were raised by my aunt and uncle so their temperments were ingrained before they came to live there.

I otoh grew up with dobies, love them want 1 again! Great dogs. But just like with any dog, I beleive it's all in how they are raised and trained. Any dog can be mean and aggressive, heck I know some really vicious shi tzus! lol

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Sounds good!

 

[punkin]

My aunt and uncle had a farm and had a chow, rottweiler, 2 german shepherds, husky and alaskan malamute (I think) but they were all out door dogs that they kinds got "stuck" with. I remember the chow being pretty mean until you got to know him, they would never let kids around him alone and my uncle always had to be the 1 to introduce you to him. All the others were awesome, loveable and gentle. None of them were raised by my aunt and uncle so their temperments were ingrained before they came to live there.

I otoh grew up with dobies, love them want 1 again! Great dogs. But just like with any dog, I beleive it's all in how they are raised and trained. Any dog can be mean and aggressive, heck I know some really vicious shi tzus! lol

me too.

 

[MM27]

Congratulations on the new puppy. My dog is a Chow/Lab mix and we've never had a problem with insurance.

 

[FergieTCat]

We can't properly welcome the puppy unless we have pictures!!

 

[pixiewings71]

Pictures please!!!!!! Congrats on your new baby. I hope it all works out great, I'm sure you guys will do right by the pup and make sure she gets her training. What's her name? Share pictures, we love puppies. I have 2 dogs of my own.

 

[mamamary]

Congrats on your new furbaby!

 

[gawrsh2008]

Well hopefully that's how it comes across.

Of course, the dog could be the sweetest dog in the world and one of those who's "naturally" just fine.

But OTOH, many dogs, often the bully breeds, develop problems.

I think that with any dog, it's good to go into it with your eyes fully open.

This.

We adopted a puppy at 8 weeks that was a lab/chow/? mix. This was in 1996 when my son was 2. We didn't have any issues until 2005, when he was almost 10 years old. Up until then he was the best dog anyone could ever ask for. He went in and out as he pleased. Then he started to get aggressive and within 6 months started with seizures. We had to put him down after about 9 months when he bit my husband in front of my MIL during a visit.

I was a vet tech for over 5 years and have dealt with chows and other supposed "vicious" breeds. (I think the worst one I ever had to deal with was a Rhodesian Ridgeback in for rabies monitoring, but that's another story.) In my experience, Chows tend to bite without warning, so be aware of that. I saw it happen several times. Keep in mind that this is only my experience with other people's dogs.

Good luck with your new puppy! And, yes - we'd love to see pictures!

 

[pigletgirl]

Awww, thats wonderful!

Enjoy the new dog!