Canidae-+Kientzler

Chow Chow Dogs!!! By: Cole Kientzler

**__Introduction:__**

A Chow Chow is a very common pet. They can be aggressive if approached by strangers. A Chow is extremely loyal to its master and family. Two male’s chows do not live together as well as a boy and a girl. A Chow Chow is a breed of dog that was developed in China where it is referred to as Songshi Quen, which means “puffy-lion dog”. A Chow is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. Chows came from wolves and long ago were used as working dogs for herding, hunting, pulling and home protection. A Chow is recognized by the AKC “American Kennel Club”.

**__Movement__**__:__ Square in profile, medium in size, muscular and heavy boned and walks on 4 legs and paws. The Chow Chow is a square balance arctic type dog with beautiful stature. The Chow was bred to hunt and guard. They have a strong character, lordly like. They conduct themselves with reserve both males and females.

**__How Chows eat__**__:__ Domestic Chows eat with their mouths. They eat dog food and whatever their feed them. If you feed your Chow dry food, they eat about 4 cups of food per day, two cups in the morning and 2 cups in the evening. Some say that Chow’s will eat anything that doesn’t eat them first. They tend to like a lot of table scraps which is not good for them. They prefer dry food over moist.

**__Mature length of time__**__:__ 14-24 months. Chows require lots of fun and activity. Daily exercise is a good idea. Just like other dogs, chows develop a regular schedule and owner will learn it too. Chow puppies play together really well. I don’t think they could ever be bored.

**__Gestation length__**__:__ 58-64 days the normal gestation period is 63 days. This can vary if the female has had previous litters. In order to determine if the female is pregnant a veterinarian can usually feel her tummy at about 25 days.

**__How many puppies in one litter:__** 5-7 Chow puppies are usually happy and healthy. They almost always require some type of professional training to help them grow into well socialized adults. If not they can grow up to be aggressive. It is recommended to buy Chow from a breeder.


 * __Color difference between Males and Females__**__:__ There are very little differences between males and females. 5 different colors: Red, red-Brow, Cinnamon, Tan-Brown, Blue Grey. Their coats are very full like a lion with a full fur around the neck. A Chow’s coat is not always soft sometimes it grows extra thick and is made rough. A Chow has a curly tail not a straight one.


 * __Size difference Males and Females:__** Males 55-70 pounds 19-23 inches tall. Females 45-60 pounds 18-20 inches tall
 * __Any other differences between Males and Females__**__:__ Not much. Males are less dramatic but much more protective on the home front. Females tend to be hyper and easier to train. Both sexes are known for their blue/black/purple tongues and very straight hind legs. Both are uneasy around strangers and do not like bratty children.


 * __The Family of Chows:__** come from the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian and Keeshond.

__**Classifications:**__ K- Animalia, P- Chordate, C- Mammalia, O- Carnivara, F- Canida, G- Canis, S- Canis Lupos Familiaris

1. __Chow American Kennel Club__ 2. __Chow.ORG__ 3. __Chow AKC.__ 4. __Quality dogs.com__ 5. __Dog breeders of America__ 6. __Wikipedia.com__
 * __Sources:__**

They like dry cool climates because of their heavy coats Thing they can do to adapt to environment: · A Chow needs good training by a breeder or trainer · A Chow needs to be introduced to strangers slowly and be around well behaved kids · A Chow needs a regular exercise program and daily program help to make them happy.
 * __General characteristics of the family of Chows:__**

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