Guide to Owning a Chow Chow: Puppy Care, Grooming, Training, History, Health, Breed Standard (Re Dog Series)

Rating:
Summary: Not enough information in this book
Review: The title of this booklet is somewhat misleading. It isn't so much a guide to owning a chow chow as it is an introduction to the breed. There is a very good section on the origin and the history of the breed and there is a decent section on the physical description and characteristics of the show quality purebred chow. The section titled "Living with a Chow" paints a much too rosy picture of the breed. Although the author briefly refers to the chow chow's poor reputation for "sharpness and lack of steady reliability", the author says almost nothing further about the tendencies and characteristics which make chow ownership such a challenge and, subsequently, offers little help by way of behavior modification advice.

Chows are typically strong-willed, powerfully-built dogs who do not readily trust humans. There are a number of factors to be considered before adopting a chow. Because of the breed's reputation for unpredictability, some kennels refuse to board chows and, in some states, chow owners have a difficult time finding homeowner's liability insurance. In general, first time dog owners, families with very small children and people with little time to devote to a pet should be discouraged from owning a chow. Chows are also unusually beautiful and are exceptionally loyal and protective once they bond with a human. Many (but not all) chows are mild-tempered, playful, affectionate and sociable. If you are considering a chow for your household and need more information on the breed, I recommend Beverly Pisano's book, "Chow Chows". It contains much more information than this book and describes methods for curbing an aggressive dog's dominant and threatening behavior.