Page 82 - Chow Life - 2025 01 Spring
P. 82
the CHOW CHOW
Foundation Bitch
by LOVE BANGHART
One of the most important contributors to Our experience that has taught us that a proven
any breeding program is the dam who easily Chow Chow brood bitch will often produce
and consistently produces healthy puppies of another excellent brood bitch, thus producing a
high quality. These bitches are hard to find and line of Chow Chows who consistently produce
unfortunately are often not deemed to be the ROM recipients, based upon the quality of their
“pick of the litter” until many years after they have get. A breeding program that includes at least
passed away and the consistent quality of their one excellent brood bitch in each generation can
puppies has been recognized. allow the breeder to develop a distinguished line of
Chow Chows without having a kennel of 20 or
In studying pedigrees and our Chow more dogs and bitches. Once a brood
Chow ROM (Register of Merit) bitch has been retired from the
lists, the breeder recognizes breeding program, she should be
what a great contribution a “ spayed to avoid future health
foundation bitch (that is, As she matures, problems and allow her to
brood bitch) has made to live a long and happy life
the breeding program. it may become in her following years.
The brood bitch puppy They are excellent house
is often one who is apparent that she companions and family
extremely sound and is a very deserving members.
displays no obvious
breed faults but is contender for an Spaying will usually
considered to be plain cause a noticeable
in comparison with the AKC conformation change in their coat
litter mates. She has a quantity and texture, but
wonderful temperament championship... this can be easily managed
and learns quickly. with regular grooming and
Whether kept by the breeder “ occasional trimming. They may
or allowed to go to a new home, also be prone to gaining weight,
she is carefully placed with an thus requiring diet management.
experienced breeder who will have her During conversations with other Chow
tested for hereditary defects (including dysplasia, fanciers, we often hear the phrase “That puppy is
sight and hearing defects, hormonal imbalance, only a brood bitch and not show potential.”
and immune system disorders) prior to breeding
and will be very conscientious in selecting the I challenge you to consider that the puppy who is
sire for each litter. As she matures, it may become “only a brood bitch” may well be one of your most
apparent that she is a very deserving contender significant contributions to our breed.
for an AKC conformation championship and/ or
an AKC obedience title. Hopefully, the owner will
pursue these objectives as well as their breeding This article first appeared in the December 2024
objectives. issue of AKC Gazette and is reprinted with
permission.
80
