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Correct Movement Is A MUST!

By Love Banghart
CCCI Gazette Columnist

A question posed during a recent conversation with an all-breed fancier is the basis for this article. The
question presented was “In evaluating the Chow Chow, is the assessment best made when the dog is
standing or moving?” My immediate reply was “Moving of course!” This response was based on the
summary statement of the AKC-approved standard for our breed which states: “Type should include general
appearance, temperament, the harmony of all parts, and soundness especially as seen when the dog is in motion.
There should be proper emphasis on movement which is the final test of the Chow’s conformation, balance and
soundness.” This statement is a very succinct definition of Chow breed type.

One of the most important unique characteristics of our breed is the Stilted
Gait. Due to the lack of angulation of the powerful rear structure of the
Chow Chow, the dog exhibits limited reach and drive as he moves. The
rear leg should appear to move straightforward and back from the pivotal
point of the hip (similar to a person with a full-leg cast might move). This
gait is best observed from the side gait of the animal. It is impossible to
evaluate the Chow for this important characteristic if the dog is not judged
in motion.

There was a period in the 1970s and early 1980s during which the Chow Chow was promoted as a “head
breed” and many breeders and judges were encouraged to follow the principle of “more is better”. Balance
and movement were frequently overlooked as the focus remained on developing heavier massive heads. In
an effort to return the breed to it’s original character, the Chow Chow Club Inc. formed a committee of
key breeders to rewrite the official standard for the breed. This committee’s efforts culminated in a new
approved breed standard in 1986. Thanks to the efforts of this dedicated group, the standard now more
clearly reflects the requirement for balance and correct movement and defines the characteristics of the
desirable head. The Illustrated Standard for the Chow Chow pictorially depicts this standard and should be
used as a tool for breeders as well as judges. This illustrated standard is available on the Chow Chow Club,
Inc. website www.chowclub.org.

Love Banghart
Chow Chow Club Inc.
3530 W. Rangeview Road
Greeley, CO 80634

(This article first appeared in the June 2005 AKC Gazette and is reprinted with permission. To read the online
Gazette, visit www.akc.org/pubs.)

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