The Chow Chow is very intelligent but not always simple to train. They don’t have the strong desire to please their masters as do breeds like the Golden Retriever. They seem to please themselves first and do not respond to the average methods of training and motivation. They do not tolerate physical punishment and cannot be forced into anything. Hitting or beating a Chow will either result in viciousness or a broken spirit. Like a cat, a Chow is only willing to do what suits his mood at the time. He’s an independent thinker and will make his own decisions if you do not stay a step ahead of him! The Chow is a powerful, regal, beautiful animal and he knows it. He expects to be treated with dignity and respect respect that he will return if you show you’re worthy of it.

From this description, I think you can see that the Chow Chow is not a breed for everyone. Its temperament is often misunderstood and many people mistakenly believe that Chows are vicious dogs. This breed is naturally suspicious of strangers and very territorial. They take their homes and family very seriously as well as their responsibility to protect what they love. On his own property and especially without his owner present, the Chow can appear to be quite fierce. He will seldom let a stranger pass unchallenged. People used to the warm welcomes of other breeds are unprepared for the seriousness of the Chow; guests must be greeted by the owners before the dog accepts them.

The Chow’s appearance also contributes to the myths about his temperament. The scowling, sometimes wrinkled face, small deepset eyes, and lionlike ruff are intimidating. Some people complain that they can’t “read” a Chow’s expression as easily as other breeds’. The Chow’s natural aloofness, dignity and indifference to people outside his family is often misinterpreted by people who expect most dogs to be outwardly friendly and affectionate. The Chow saves his affections for those he cares about dearly and finds Littlereason to seek attention from anyone else. He minds his own business and simply doesn’t care what other people think of him!

The strong-willed Chow needs an equally strong-willed owner. They have definite minds of their own and can easily become your master if you allow it. Chow puppies are naturally well-behaved, more so than most breeds. They’re seldom destructive or disobedient. Because of their good behavior, many people fail to train them properly. When an untrained Chow reaches adolescence, that dreadful teenage stage all dogs go through, he may refuse to accept your authority. We’ve found that most people who’ve had behavior problems with their Chows failed to train them and earn their respect.

Although the Chow adjusts well to being alone during your working hours, he prefers to be with you when you’re home, not kept as an outside dog. He adores to spend time outside but tied up or confined away from people, he’ll become very anti-social. Because of their hunting instincts, Chows without training do not always get along with cats or little dogs. They aren’t “pack” dogs either and seldom get along withMassivedogs of the same sex.