Although these dogs have fluffy fur coats and have the ideal physical disposition to be cuddle buddies, Chow Chows have developed a bad reputation over the years. People are often baffled that a breed so physically disposed to be a companion dog has such a bad reputation. So why are Chow Chows have such a bad reputation?
Stick around as we dive into why Chow Chows have developed a bad reputation and the issues you can expect to face when you own a Chow Chow.
Table of Contents
Why Do Chow Chows Have A Bad Reputation?
Chow Chows have developed a bad reputation because of their aggressive nature. Chows are naturally hostile toward strangers, other dogs and often react violently towards them. Their hunting instinct kick in when they are around smaller animals. Some Chow Chows have even been reported to have severely injured children and their owners.
4 Reasons Why Chow Chow Have A Bad Reputation
Frightened With Strangers
One of the most significant issues regarding Chow Chows is their unpredictability when faced with strangers. Chow Chows are protective and loyal dogs; they tend to form strong bonds with their families while being suspicious of other people. Chows tend to react aggressively towards strangers and have been reported to have attacked strangers in the past.
Super Seriousness
The Chow Chow is an ancient and proud breed. They have been used as working dogs over the centuries in various ways. They have worked hunting, guarding, and retrieving dogs. They are also naturally stubborn and independent, making them a severe and rigid breed. Many Chows are not affectionate and do not get along with younger children.
Aggressive With Other Animals
As previous hunters, Chow Chows have an instinct to hunt when they see small animals. They are also overprotective dogs who are intensely territorial. When other animals enter their territory, they immediately put up their guard and react aggressively towards the other animal. If you have other pets, you may find it challenging to house them and your Chow Chow.
Need Excessive Care
We all love the Chow Chow’s gloriously fluffy and mane-like coat fur. However, such beauty does not come without some sacrifice. Chow Chows require regular and intensive grooming. They should be bathed at least once every six weeks, and sometimes even as often as once a week. Chows are also prone to several health issues, especially those affecting their respiratory system. This is a result of their flat muzzles.
Are Chow Chows Banned Because Of Its Bad Reputation?
Yes, Chow Chows are banned because of their bad reputation. Although Chows are well-liked amongst many dog owners worldwide and could be great family dogs if they were trained accordingly, their aggressive tendencies could not be ignored.
Suggested Read – Why Are Chow Chows A Restricted Breed?
Yes, many dog breeds exhibit some level of aggression and violence, and most of these dogs usually end up that way because of inadequate training. However, since the Chow Chow is such a difficult breed to train and many people could get a Chow Chow simply because they are cute and not considered their trainability, Chows have developed a bad reputation over the years.
Chow Chows, with proper training, are generally loyal dogs who could make the ideal family dog. Despite what people may say about Chow Chow being antisocial, a Chow Chow that has been exposed to early socialization tends to love having their owner’s or family’s attention.
Hence, Chow Chows should only be adopted by experienced owners with the adequate knowledge to handle and train a Chow Chow with a firm hand. Alternatively, if you are a novice dog owner willing to get professional help to train your Chow Chow, you could add them to your family.
Why Do People Think Chows Are Aggressive?
People have assumed that all Chow Chows are as aggressive and violent as the poorly trained Chow Chows that have attacked others. All dogs have the potential to be aggressive. The main difference is that while some dogs are easy to train, others are much more of a hand full. The Chow Chow is the latter. Chows are intelligent, stubborn, intensely territorial, and do not get on well with strangers.
Although most dogs who are quite as fluffy as the Chow Chow tend to enjoy being cuddled and treated like teddies, the Chow Chow can quickly feel suffocated. They are not the most affectionate breed, so they tend to be quite aloof if you have not formed a bond with them.
Only a more stubborn owner can handle having a Chow Chow. Chows need an owner that would take on the dominant role in the relationship. If you do not take on the dominant role, Chow Chows will take it upon themselves to assume it.
How Aggressive Is A Chow Chow?
Chow Chows are so aggressive that some have reportedly attacked their owners. Some of which being children who were fatally injured by their Chow Chows. Children often do not understand the concept of personal space, especially when dealing with dogs, and Chow Chows are dogs who value their personal space.
So when children poke at and pester them, Chows responds aggressively. However, this is a result of poor awareness on the children’s side and inadequate training of the Chow Chows. Therefore, if older children are taught how to behave around Chow Chows, they could coexist peacefully.
Chow Chows attack small animals and other dogs. Suppose you have a small dog, cat, or any other animal. A Chow Chow may not be the ideal breed to add to your family. Their hunting instinct and territorial nature overcome them when they are around other animals. This was especially the case when your Chow Chow was not exposed to early socialization. Your Chow Chow will need to learn how to react appropriately toward other animals.
What Are The Problems Of Chow Chow?
Chow Chows have temperament-related issues as well as many health-related problems. The stubborn and disinterested Chow Chow is difficult to train. Novice dog owners would not be able to handle a Chow Chow, and inadequately trained Chow Chows are dangerous to their owners and other people. Chow Chows should generally only be adopted by experienced dog owners.
If any breed desperately requires early socialization, it is the Chow Chow. If they are not exposed to early socialization, Chow Chows tends to become antisocial and hostile towards others.
Although Chow Chows generally have low energy levels, they require regular exercise. Not only is exercise a way to release their pent-up energy, but it is a health precaution. Chow Chows are prone to excessive weight gain and diabetes.
FAQ
What Are Chow Chows Known For?
Chow Chows are known for their mane-like fluffy fur coat. They are also known for their aggressive and aloof nature. Chow Chows are generally not the friendliest dogs, especially not to strangers and other pets. Smaller animals should be kept away from Chow Chows because they may hunt them.
What Is The Bite Force Of A Chow Chow?
Chow Chows have a bite force of 220 PSI, and Chow Chows have one of the most potent bite forces. Although Chows are not the most giant or most energetic dogs, however when they are triggered, they can put up quite a fight.
Conclusion
Despite their cuddly physical appearance, Chow Chows have developed a bad reputation. This bad reputation is a result of their aloof and aggressive nature. Chow Chows do not naturally get along with strangers and other dogs. However, they can be trained to be more social and gentle dogs.
Early socialization is the key to ensuring that your Chow Chow can interact with strangers and other dogs without being aggressive and violent. Early socialization will also make your Chow Chow happier and more affectionate.
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