Chow Chow dogs

Fast Facts

Group classification: Non-Sporting Country of origin: China Date of origin: Antiquity

Weight (M): 50 - 70 lb Height (M): 18 - 20" Life expectancy: 8 - 12 years

Weight (F): 45 - 65 lb Height (F): 17 - 19"

1.General Description of the Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a firm, powerful, squarely-built dog of medium size. Heavy bones and solid muscles endow the breed with its characteristic working appearance. The Chow Chow can have black, cinnamon, red, blue and cream coloring, and its appearance reflects northern roots and capability of enduring extremely cold temperatures. The breed’s wide-set, triangular ears are carried erectly with a slight forward incline and rest on a short, small and flat skull. The Chow Chow’s medium-sized, deep set, dark brown eyes are well separated and have an almond shape. It is possible for the breed to have two different coat-types; smooth or coarse, both of which are double-layered. The coarse-coated Chow Chow has a wooly, dense undercoat and a straight, extended outer-coat that forms a teeming ruff encircling the head and neck. The smooth-coated Chow Chow lacks the off-standing outer-coat but is otherwise identical. The tongue is blue-black and the inside of the mouth is black.

2.Chow Chow Temperament

The Chow Chow is an independent, dignified and intelligent breed—characteristics some say cause the breed to come across as detached, or cold. The breed is notoriously reserved and cautious in the presence of strangers but is not aggressive toward people. Although most Chows will work hard to dominate other dogs, the breed is usually quite good with children. The Chow’s compatibility with other pets depends on its exposure and socialization early in life, but is usually not good. Because of the breed’s determined and often over protective personality, it is crucial that obedience training begin at a young age to assure a well-adjusted adult dog.

3.Caring for a Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a heavy shedder that, regardless of coat type, will require extensive grooming and needs to be shampooed on a regular basis. Owners should use a steel-toothed comb and devote special attention to the areas behind the ears and beneath the legs, as knots can form quite quickly in these regions. The Chow Chow has the potential to do well in an apartment, but it should receive adequate exercise in order to prevent excess weight gain. A daily walk will likely suffice. It is vital for owners to remember that the Chow Chow originated under very cold conditions and watch carefully for signs of over-heating, particularly in humid environments. Major health concerns for the Chow Chow include canine hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation and entropion. Other concerns include distichiasis, cataracts, persistent papillary membrane, elongated palate, glaucoma, gastric torsion and stenotic nares.

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs

The Chinese Shar-Pei is also known as: Chinese Fighting Dog

Fast Facts

Group classification: Non-Sporting Country of origin: China Date of origin: Antiquity

Weight (M): 50 - 60 lb Height (M): 19 - 20" Life expectancy: 9 - 10 years

Weight (F): 45 - 50 lb Height (F): 18 - 19"

1.General Description of the Chinese Shar-Pei

A unique and intelligent dog that most often is recognized for its wrinkles, the Chinese Shar-Pei initially was developed as an all-purpose Chinese farm dog: a medium sized, square and compact dog, close coupled with a large yet handsome head. The Chinese Shar-Pei has a unique look all their own, wrinkled loose skin — with a short bristled coat — that covers the body and head, small ears, a “hippopotamus” muzzle, and a high set tail. The dog’s wrinkles are more pronounced in a puppy than in an adult. Shar-Pei commonly have two coat types, either “horse,” short; or “brush,” up to an inch long. A third rare coat-type, which is not recognized by the AKC, is the “bear” that is longer than one-inch. The large head has dark, small, sunken, almond-shaped eyes that lend a scowling expression; the extremely small ears lie flat on the skull and are set high and forward; the muzzle sports a large and wide nose, and a blue-black tongue. The coat can be of any solid color, and is absolutely straight and off-standing on the main trunk of the body but generally lies flat on the limbs.

2.Chinese Shar-Pei Temperament

The Chinese Shar-Pei takes itself seriously, and demands that others do likewise. The dog’s ever present scowl is indicative of its attitude toward strangers or anything else it sees as a threat to its family, including other dogs. This is not to say the dog cannot be socialized – quite the contrary, in fact – but its first instinct toward outsiders is definitely suspicion. Once the newcomer has been brought into the fold, however, he will have a proud, loyal and devoted friend. The Shar-Pei’s independent nature can make training a chore, as the dog is unlikely to obey anyone it sees as weak or not in control. Though not a particularly playful breed, the Shar-Pei gets along well with children and other pets. Take care when training your Shar-Pei that it does not become antisocial or too much of an “alpha dog.”

3.Caring for a Chinese Shar-Pei

Training a Shar-Pei requires a firm hand and plenty of patience. Establish dominance over the dog, and do not let it display aggressive behavior in front of strangers, pets or children. Make sure the dog is thoroughly socialized as a puppy with other dogs to avoid problems in adulthood. As a working breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei needs plenty of exercise, and should have an opportunity every day to go on a long walk or play off the leash in a dog-friendly park. The most common health conditions seen in the breed are fever, amyloidosis, canine hip dysplasia and eye entropion; other concerns include patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, allergies and skin fold pyodermas.

Chinese Crested Dogs

Group classification: Toy Country of origin: China Date of origin: 13th century
Weight (M): 5 - 12 lb Height (M): 11 - 13" Life expectancy: 14 - 15 years
Weight (F): 5 - 12 lb Height (F): 11 - 13"

1.General Description of the Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is a delicate, chic and nimble breed that comes in two distinct varieties (often dogs of each variety are part of one litter): the Hairless, which has hair only on its head, feet, and tail and its littermate the Powderpuff which is entirely covered by a double coat. A member of the Toy Group, this slender dog is somewhat longer in length than height, has straight legs, small feet resembling those of a rabbit or hare, and a slender curved tail that is carried gaily. The dog has eyes shaped like almonds, large ears, which stand erect on the Hairless while they may drop on the Powderpuff; the cheeks narrow cleanly into the muzzle combining for an alert, intense expression. The coat can be of any color or combination of colors. The Hairless Chinese Crested features silky-soft hair on the head “the crest,” tail “the plume,” and feet “socks.” Where the body is hairless, the skin is delicate and velvety. Powderpuffs have a double silky-soft coat and long thin guard hairs over a short undercoat of a similar texture. Overall, the coat is straight, of moderate density and length.

2.Chinese Crested Dog Temperament

Affectionate, energetic, and playful the Chinese Crested Dog has the reputation of a devoted family pet. Their hare foot allows them to climb and hold their toys, food, or people; owners often describe the way they “hug” when held. The Crested is usually friendly toward other pets and dogs and sociable with strangers. Although Chinese Crested Dogs crave human companionship, it is very important not to “over-baby” the dog as a puppy. Adult dogs become very attached to their owner and do not adjust well to a new one. Highly intelligent and alert, the Chinese Crested Dog likes to learn and perform tricks; they are exceptionally good with children. They do not bark, but love to climb and dig holes.

3.Caring for a Chinese Crested Dog

The Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dog requires more maintenance than the Hairless variety. They should be brushed daily with extra attention to the uniquely textured undercoat to prevent matting. Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs’ skin requires regular care: prevent sunburn by applying sunscreen when outdoors, massage with a moisturizer to keep skin supple, and bathe often to prevent blemishes. This breed sheds very little and is a good choice for those who suffer from allergies. The Chinese Crested is an extremely clean dog and is usually not prone to body odor, ticks, or fleas. They are good apartment dwellers and love to play games. They are very active indoors and require minimal exercise. The Hairless Chinese Crested is sensitive to the cold and should wear some sort of covering when taken outside in the winter months. The Chinese Crested Dog is susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation and glaucoma; the dog may also suffer from deafness, patellar luxation and seizures.

Chihuahua dogs

Group classification: Toy Country of origin: Mexico Date of origin: 16th century
Weight (M): Less than 6 lb Height (M): 6 - 9" Life expectancy: 15 - 18 years
Weight (F): Less than 6 lb Height (F): 6 - 9"

Chihuahua dogs

1.General Description of the Chihuahua dogs

The very smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua dogs is ever vigilant and fleet of foot, with a spunky attitude. Compact with a terrier-like temperament, the Chihuahua has the appearance of a fine-boned but muscular dog that carries his sickle-shaped tail like a flag. The distinctive apple dome head features large eyes, dark or a luminous ruby in color, and large ears that stand erect when the dog is alert and flare out to the sides when at rest. The muzzle is short and pointed with a self-colored nose. Chihuahuas have two coat types, smooth and long. The smooth coat should be soft and close, with a perceptible sheen. Long coats can be flat or wavy, with an undercoat, fringed ears, feathering on the feet and legs, and a tail that looks much like a plume. A Chihuahua's coat can be of any color or patterning. Many Americans recognize the Chihuahua as the Taco Bell Dog from the popular "Yo quiero Taco Bell" advertising campaign.

2.Chihuahua Temperament

Alert with terrier-like qualities, the Chihuahua can be irritable, overconfident or downright nasty when provoked. Nevertheless, this spunky little Toy's intense devotion to its "person" has earned the affection of millions of owners. The Chihuahua is brave and is known to defend itself and its home from large dogs and invaders by barking in protest and threatening mayhem. Chihuahuas are not recommended for homes with small children but do well with elderly individuals or couples, or an owner who loves to spoil. The Chihuahua is typically wary of strangers and unknown dogs (except other Chihuahuas), but gets along well with other pets in the house.

3.Caring for a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a long-lived breed with minimal grooming needs. The smooth coat type should be brushed or wiped with a cloth occasionally; the long coat should be brushed daily. A monthly bath is recommended, but take care to keep the ears dry. This breed is an average shedder. Resist the temptation to carry these little dogs everywhere. They are much happier and fitter when walked; use a harness rather than a collar. Chihuahuas dislike the cold and appreciate a sweater on cool days. They are perfect for apartment living. Their “shivering or trembling” is not always a cold or health issue but often happens when the dog is excited or stressed. Do not allow your Chihuahua to jump off high furniture or from your arms as the impact could have serious consequences. For the same reason, do not allow children to play roughly with or to carry a Chihuahua. A rather healthy breed, the Chihuahua may nevertheless suffer from pulmonic stenosis, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia and hydrocephalus. Have your veterinarian perform all appropriate tests.