Page 60 - Chow Life - Spring 2016

AKC Gazette
Excerpt
Chow Chows
for the Future
ne of the foremost goals of
Oevery Chow Chow breeder
should be to do all that they can to
encourage the breeding of quality
in Chow Chows, not only in health
matters but also in accordance with
the ideal description defined in
the Chow Chow breed standard.
It is the responsibility of the
breeders to maintain the breed
with the required characteristics
and good health to insure that
the Chow Chow will survive well
into the future. The future of the
breed depends upon a consistent
international effort by many
generations of dedicated fanciers
who share a common vision for
the breed. The Chow Chow is one
of the oldest breeds, and as we
view photos of Chows of the past,
it is apparent that the renowned
dogs were not exaggerated in any
aspect of the standard. The Chows
were well balanced with correct
proportions, coat and breed-unique
characteristics.
The Chow is a unique breed of
58
by Love Banghart
dog thought to be one of the oldest was exhibited. The Chow Chow
recognizable breeds, with DNA Club was founded in England in
analysis confirming the fact. In the 1895. The Breed Standard was
early times, the breed functioned based on a famous dog of the day,
as a sporting dog. A bas-relief was Chow VIII and this is still the
discovered from the Han Dynasty Standard that is used in England.
(approximately 150 B.C.) that shows The Chow was recognized by The
the Chow as a hunting dog. The Kennel Club of England in 1894.
AKC breed standard states “While A number of Chow Chows were
primarily a companion today, his exhibited at the Crufts dog show of
working origin must always be 1925.
remembered when assessing true The breed was exhibited for the
Chow type.” Throughout history the first time in the United States in
Chow Chow has served mankind by 1890. The American Kennel Club
performing tasks done by nearly all officially recognized the breed in
other recognized breeds (drafting, 1903 and the Chow Chow Club of
protection, herding, etc.). America was admitted as an AKC
The first Chows were brought to member club in 1906.
England in 1781 from the Canton Through the dedication and
area of China by a member of the tenacious efforts of the Chow
East India Company. As news Chow fanciers through the years,
of the arrival of the new breed our breed has continued to florish.
spread, the importation of Chows Education of new fanciers has
into England increased in the mid always been a foremost effort of the
1800s and the breed began its clubs.
ascent to present popularity after In the last century, techniques
Queen Victoria took an interest have been developed for health
in this "Wild Dog of China," as it evaluation of our dogs. Via available
was called when on display in the certification and examination
London Zoo. Queen Victoria was processes, it is currently
given a Chow in 1865 and in 1881 documented that the Chow Chow is
the Prince of Wales had one which the dog race most affected by elbow
dysplasia. They are also prone to hip
dysplasia, patellar luxation (slipping
knee caps), thyroid disease, and
ocular disorders such as entropion
and ectropion.
Prior to planning a breeding
for any Chow Chow, the breeder
should use available evaluation
processes to evaluate the positive
and negative attributes that the dog
can contribute to the future of the
breed. Long live the Chow Chow!
This article first appeared in the June 2008AKC
Gazette and is reprinted with permission. To read
the online Gazette, visit www.akc.org/pubs.