Page 66 - Chow LIfe - Spring 2020

The Chow Chow Breeder’s Code

AKC Gazette Excerpt
By Love Banghart
CCCI Gazette Columnist
Through the years, I have enjoyed collecting Chow Chow memorabilia and books. One of the
more enlightening books was “The Chow Chow”, written by Captain Will Judy, a past editor of Dog
World magazine and considered to be a recognized canine authority of the time, published in 1933.
It is always a pleasure to periodically review this book and refresh in my mind the vision of the
Chow during that period.
I share with you a quote that was written by the author a number of years prior to 1933. The book
states that this “Chow Breeder’s Code” has been quoted many times in different languages.

I. I will give chief attention to the bitch.
II. I will study grandparents rather than parents.
III. I will keep breeding records.

IV. I will read a pedigree not by names and titles but by breeding
facts.
V. I will put away all culls and weaklings at birth.

VI. I will never breed a shy or excessively nervous dog, not sell or
give away such dog.

VII. I will pay no attention to superstitions and untested ideas about
breeding.
VIII. I will honor the bred-by-exhibitor most of all.

IX. I will judge stud or matron by the offspring.
X. I will breed dogs for disposition as well as for physical
perfection.

This breeder’s code contains many guidelines that continue to be applicable, not only to Chows, but
to most of today’s breeds. The knowledge shared from publications of the past may well continue
to guide us through the confusion of the present.
In addition to this breeder’s code, the book
contains sections entitled “Origin and history
of the Chow; Official Chow standard and
interpretation; Principles of Chow breeding;
Mating and whelping of Chows; Feeding, care
and training; Showing of Chows; and Efficient
and profitable kennel management”
I encourage you to search for these books and
articles from respected chow fanciers and canine
authorities, as they furnish us with an insight
to the origins, problems and early history of the
Chow Chow.

(This article first appeared in the March 2006 AKC Gazette and is reprinted with permission. To read the online
Gazette, visit www.akc.org/pubs.)
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