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32-503: The Chow Chow is a spitz -type of dog breed originally from Northern China . The Chow Chow is a sturdily built dog, square in profile, with a broad skull and small, triangular, erect ears with rounded tips. The breed is known for a very dense double coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick in the neck area, giving it a distinctive ruff or mane appearance. The coat may be shaded/self-red, black, blue, cinnamon/fawn, or cream. The Chow Chow has been identified as

64-539: A basal breed that predates the emergence of the modern breeds in the 19th century. A research study has concluded that the Chow Chow dog breed originated from other indigenous dogs in central China about 8,300 years ago. The ancient breed evolved and manifests both morphological and physiological features, including its dark tongue, coat of fur, and stronger build. One Chinese legend mentions large war dogs from Central Asia that resembled black-tongued lions. One Chinese ruler

96-462: A Chow Chow retain that tongue color. However, the blue-black/purple tongue can also be found on the Shar Pei . This is not to say that every mixed breed dog with spots of purple on the tongue is descended from Chow Chow, as purple spots on the tongue can be found on other purebred dogs . Owning a Chow Chow can raise the cost of homeowners' insurance because some companies consider them high-risk dogs. In

128-517: A patient's mental state. U.S. Navy admiral George Dewey acquired a Chow Chow in Hong Kong in 1898 and named it Bob. Bob rarely left the admiral's side and had the run of the cruiser USS  Olympia . Bob died in 1899 from eating chocolates given to Dewey by well-wishers upon Olympia ' s arrival in New York City. Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian Disney , had a Chow Chow named Sunnee. It

160-563: A piebald pattern skin in their mouths). Another distinctive feature is the curly tail. It has thick hair and lies curled on its back. The nose should be black, but blue-coated Chow Chow can have a solid blue or slate-colored nose. According to the American Kennel Club breed standards, any other tone is not acceptable for contests. FCI countries, however, do allow a self-colored nose in the cream. The blue-black/purple tongue gene appears to be dominant, as most mixed breed dogs that come from

192-417: A structural defect, often related to its cartilage . This initial condition, known as a "primary lesion", causes an abnormal level of wear and tear and gradual degradation of the joint, at times disabling or with chronic pain . Secondary processes such as inflammation and osteoarthritis can arise from this damage which increase the problem and add further problems of their own. The most common cause

224-739: A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association , Chow Chow were responsible for 8 out of 238 fatalities related to dog bites from 1979 to 1998. Chow Chows can come in a variety of coat colors. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has classified Chow Chow colors as either standard or non-standard (rare colors). The standard colors for Chow Chows are black, blue, red, cream, and cinnamon. However, colors such as fawn, white, and merle are not considered standard for this breed. Different canine clubs worldwide may acknowledge different coat colors or even use alternative names for

256-466: Is osteochondrosis , which is a disease of the joint cartilage , and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD), the separation of a flap of cartilage from the joint surface as a result of avascular necrosis , which in turn arises from failed blood flow in the subchondral bone . In OCD, the normal change of cartilage to bone in the development of the joint fails or is delayed. The cartilage continues to grow and may split or become necrotic . The cause

288-419: Is a common condition of certain breeds of dogs. Most primary lesions are related to osteochondrosis , a disease of the joint cartilage , and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), the separation of a flap of cartilage on the joint surface. Other common causes of elbow dysplasia include an ununited anconeal process (UAP) and fragmented or ununited medial coronoid process (FCP or FMCP). Osteochondritis dissecans

320-522: Is a complex joint, bears 60% of body load, and tolerates problems less well than the hips. As a result, elbow replacement is more complex than hip replacement , rehabilitation can take significantly longer, and some degree of lameness will remain. The surgery is classified as of 2010 as a "salvage" operation - that is, a last resort for an otherwise viable animal. Success rates of around 80 - 85% (approximately 5 in 6) were being discussed by sources in 2005 and again in 2008. There are also fewer options if

352-461: Is difficult to diagnose clinically as the animal may only exhibit an unusual gait. Consequently, OCD may be masked by, or misdiagnosed as, other skeletal and joint conditions such as hip dysplasia . The problem develops in puppyhood, although often is subclinical, and there may be pain or stiffness, discomfort on extension, or other compensating characteristics. Diagnosis generally depends on X-rays, arthroscopy , or MRI scans. While cases of OCD of

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384-590: Is most evident in the tiny Pomeranian , which was originally a much larger dog closer to the size of a Keeshond before being bred down to make an acceptable court animal. The Keeshond, the Wolfspitz variety of the German Spitz , is an affectionate, loyal, and very energetic pet that was bred as a watchdog for barges (hence the name Dutch Barge Dog). Often, these breeds are recognized for their "smiling" mouths. Other spitzes that have been bred away from working uses are

416-484: Is often enough for cases of FMCP and OCD of the medial humeral epicondyle. The dogs are exercised regularly and given pain medication, and between the ages of 12 and 18 months the lameness will often improve or disappear. Control of body weight is important in all cases of elbow dysplasia, and prevention of quick growth spurts in puppies may help to prevent the disease. Surgery for FMCP consists of removal of cartilage and bone fragments and correction of any incongruity of

448-456: Is uncertain, but possibly includes genetics , trauma , and nutrition (including excessive calcium and decreased vitamin C intake). OCD lesions found in the elbow at the medial epicondyle of the humerus are caused by disturbed endochondral fusion of the epiphysis of the medial epicondyle with the distal end of the humerus, which may in turn be caused by avulsion of the epiphysis. Specific conditions related to OCD include fragmentation of

480-490: The American Eskimo Dog , Alaskan Klee Kai , German Spitz , Volpino Italiano and Japanese Spitz . Elbow dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint in the dog , specifically the growth of cartilage or the structures surrounding it. These abnormalities, known as 'primary lesions', give rise to osteoarthritic processes . Elbow dysplasia

512-670: The Pomeranian , have manes . Several spitz breeds (such as huskies ) are bred for one purpose only. However it is common for many spitz breeds (such as the Russian laikas ) to be general purpose dogs in their native lands, used for hunting, hauling, herding, and guarding. Smaller breeds have faces that resemble fox faces, while larger breeds have faces that resemble wolf faces. Spitzes, with their thick fur, fluffy ruffs, curled tails and small muzzles and ears, have been bred into non-working dogs designed to be companions or lap dogs . This trend

544-503: The Chow Chow to be predisposed to alopecia X . A review of studies in Australia found the Chow Chow to be prediposed to atopic dermatitis with a 7.1 odds ratio. A US case study found a predisposition to pemphigus foliaceus with an odds ratio of 12.3. A breed specific mutation causing tyrosinase deficiency which results in leukotrichia exists in the Chow Chow. A UK study looking at exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in breeds found

576-422: The Chow Chow to be predisposed to the condition. An Austrian case series found an odds ratio of 23.53 for contracting stomach cancer . A US study looking at cases of oral melanoma found the breed to be over-represented with an odds ratio of 7.89. In a Belgian study Chow Chow bitches made up 6.4% of cases of pyometra despite the breed making up 1.6% of the population. Pyometra was found to be more extreme in

608-462: The Chow Chow to have the highest prevalence of elbow dysplasia , with 48.6% of dogs over the age of 2 having elbow dysplasia. A North American study looking at glaucoma in dog breeds found the Chow Chow to have the third highest prevalence with 4.7% of Chow Chow dogs having glaucoma compared to 0.89% overall. A study looking at records from a small animal clinic at the University of Montreal found

640-409: The breed standard. Chow Chow eyes are typically deep set and almond shaped. The breed is unique by their purple/blue-black tongue which no other breed has except Shar Pei , and has very straight hind legs, resulting in a rather stilted gait. The bluish color extends to the Chow Chow's lips; this is the only dog breed with this distinctive bluish color in its lips and oral cavity (other dogs have black or

672-441: The breed with anaemia and endotoxaemia reported. The Chow Chow can suffer from diabetes mellitus , and gastric cancer . Chow Chows are a high risk breed for autoimmune disease . Sigmund Freud had a Chow Chow named Jo-Fi Ling who attended all of his therapy sessions because he felt that dogs had a special sense that allows them to judge a person's character accurately, and admitted he depended on Jo-Fi for an assessment of

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704-682: The breed, and hence of uncertain origin - possible and folk etymologies refer to Pidgin English . The Chow Chow is a sturdily built dog, square in profile, with a broad skull and small, triangular, erect ears with rounded tips. The breed is known for a very dense double coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick in the neck area, giving it a distinctive ruff or mane appearance. The coat may be shaded/self-red, black, blue, cinnamon/fawn, or cream. Not all these color varieties are recognized as valid in all countries. Individuals with patchy or multicolored coats are considered to be outside

736-560: The colors mentioned above. A UK study found the life expectancy of the Chow Chow to be 12.1 years, just higher than the 12 year average for crossbreeds and lower than the 12.7 years average for purebreeds. A North American study looking at more than a million records of dogs found 6.44% of Chow Chow dogs to have hip dysplasia compared with 3.52% overall. The study also found 4.3% of Chow Chow dogs to have cranial cruciate ligament deficiency compared to 2.52% overall. Another North American study looking at more than 250,000 elbow scans found

768-642: The joint. Reattachment of UAP with a screw is usually attempted before the age of 24 weeks, and after that age the typical treatment is removal of the UAP. Without surgery, UAP rapidly progresses to osteoarthritis , but with FMCP osteoarthritis typically occurs with or without surgery. Osteoarthritis is also a common sequela of OCD of the humerus despite medical or surgical treatment. Elbow replacement surgery has been developed and can be an option for treatment. Conservative therapies include NSAIDs , pain medication, weight management and exercise restrictions. The elbow

800-456: The medial coronoid process of the ulna (FMCP) and an ununited anconeal process of the ulna (UAP). All types of OCD of the elbow are most typically found in large breed dogs, with symptoms starting between the ages of 4 and 8 months. Males are affected twice as often as females. The disease often affects both elbows (30 to 70 percent of the time), and symptoms include intermittent lameness, joint swelling, and external rotation and abduction of

832-442: The paw. Osteoarthritis will develop later in most cases. UAP is caused by a separation from the ulna of the ossification center of the anconeal process . FMCP is caused by a failure of the coronoid process to unite with the ulna. Diagnosis is through x-rays , arthroscopy or CT ( computed tomography ). In cases with significant lameness, surgery is the best option, especially with UAP. However, conservative treatment

864-582: The paws protects the dogs from sharp ice. Many spitz breeds, like the Japanese Akita and Chow Chow , retain wolf-like characteristics such as independence, suspiciousness, and aggression towards unfamiliar humans and other dogs, and they require much training and socialization when they are puppies before they become manageable in an urban environment. Some, such as the Karelian Bear Dog , are more difficult to train as companion dogs . Some breeds, such as

896-409: The replacement fails; arthrodesis (surgical fusion of the joint) can result in a pain-free but lame gait. However, arthrodesis is itself a complex surgery with a long recovery time, and if arthrodesis is required, additional strain will be borne by other nearby joints, so other leg and shoulder conditions such as osteoarthritis may become more significant. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in

928-409: The stifle go undetected and heal spontaneously, others are exhibited in acute lameness. Surgery is recommended once the animal has been deemed lame; otherwise, non-surgical control is usually used. Elbow dysplasia is a significant genetically determined problem in many breeds of dog , often manifesting from puppyhood and continuing for life. In elbow dysplasia, the complex elbow joint suffers from

960-504: The tombs of the IVth dynasty of Egypt. Toy dogs of spitz type have been depicted since 500 B.C. in Ancient Greek pottery . Spitzes are well suited to living in harsh northern climates. They often have an insulating , waterproof undercoat that is denser than the topcoat to trap warmth. Small, upright ears help to reduce the risk of frostbite , square proportions and thick fur that grows on

992-478: Was said to own 5,000 Chows. The Chinese also used Chows to pull dog sleds through swampy terrain, and this was remarked upon by Marco Polo . Today, the American Kennel Club registers approximately 10,000 Chow Chows a year. The Canadian Kennel Club registers approximately 350. The English name Chow Chow is unlinked to any Chinese name such as the modern 鬆獅狗 ( song shi gou , lit. "loose lion dog") for

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1024-632: Was the couple's first dog. Allegedly, Walt gifted Lilly the Chow Chow inside a hat box, which inspired the scene in Lady and the Tramp where Lady is gifted in the same way. Spitz The exact origins of spitz dogs remain unknown, though most of the spitzes seen today originate from the Arctic region or from Siberia . Johann Friedrich Gmelin described the type as Canis pomeranus in his 1788 revision of Systema Naturae . Dogs of spitz type have been depicted on

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