Pop quiz time: What’s funny and blue and fluffy, all over? You may be thinking of a smurf, but we’re talking of our four-legged friend Chow Chow. But you need to look beyond the puffball cuteness to unveil their hidden mystery – are they truly guard dogs?
Bred in ancient China, chow chow’s appearance has been a cherished one — lion-like, fluffy, with blue tongue and almond-shaped eyes. With a history that dates back over 2000 years, this breed was initially used as a working dog for herding, hunting and to guard homes. They made a cozy place for themselves being the guardians of the Buddhist temples and even jingling off to the hunting excursions with the Mongolian armies.
Chow Chow dogs have prowled around China, and their ancient statues are still very much a part of Mayhen Temple’s rich heritage. They hopped across mountainous regions, kept watch over sacred territories, and fulfilled crucial roles for their masters. In this journey, they honed their instinct to safeguard their territories, leading us to ponder if the lion-dog is suitable as a guard dog.
Let’s dive into the intriguing world of Chow Chows and explore their suitability as a guard dog.
Characterizing Chow Chows
Chow Chows are known for their noble and aloof demeanor. They are reserved and independent-true to their ancient canine ancestry. Unlike their canine counterparts, they are not very outgoing and often quite selective about their company. This “cat-like” attitude may be the reason why they are not generally seen as stereotypical, cuddly man’s best friend. Don’t take it as a sign of their lack of affinity though, they are particularly loyal to their owners, relishing their undivided attention.
Guard Dog Material?
Chow Chows are fiercely protective of their family and territory, which is one of the primary traits of guard dogs. Their inherent, stubborn streak could be attributed to their early days of guarding temples and homes back in China. This protective streak makes them extremely wary of strangers. They maintain their distance and are unlikely to make the first move.
Their aloof demeanor, plus strong guarding instincts, make for an effective deterrent to potential intruders. However, these traits do not necessarily mean they are guard dogs by default. Bringing up these fluffy creatures as guard dogs is a serious commitment, not a joke.
Training is Essential
Here’s a piece of advice for those considering a Chow Chow as a guard dog. Training and socialization are critical. It’s no secret; Chow Chows are a strong-willed breed. This independent nature often makes them challenging to train. They are smart dogs; they sometimes even outwit the trainer. Therefore, training them requires an experienced hand which can competently handle this ancient breed and curb their stubbornness.
Both obedience and socialization training are essential for chow chows. Like any other guard dog, they need to understand their owner’s expectations of them. They must also differentiate between a ‘threat’ and a ‘guest.’ In short, you need to help them dial their protective instincts in the right direction.
Pros and Cons of Chow Chow as a Guard Dog
A plus point is that Chow Chows are relatively quiet pups. They aren’t those yappy dogs that bark at every passing squirrel or at the mailman at the gate. When a Chow Chow barks, you know it is serious- most likely, a threat has infiltrated the dog’s territory. Their intimidating built and bark usually serve well against unwelcome intruders.
Contrarily, their stubbornness can work against their guardian roles. If the Chow Chow deems an instruction as “unnecessary,” it might choose to ignore it. This trait might prove to be a hindrance if you require your guard dog to be highly responsive.
The Chow Chow dogs are also notorious for being overprotective. At times, they even have issues with family members if they feel that a member they consider theirs is being threatened. Thus, a solid understanding of their protective drive is necessary for their role as a guard dog.
Final Thoughts
While the Chow Chow’s puffy lion-like appearance and blue tongue intrigue many, it’s not enough to bring one home. If trained rightly, they can undoubtedly emulate their ancestors – the paw-esome guard dogs of the temples. But remember, a poorly socialized or untrained Chow Chow can be a nightmare rather than a dream guardian.
Always ensure you have the right resources and dedication before bringing this beautiful breed into your life, especially if you’re considering them as a guard dog. And as for our four-legged smurf dogs, they continue to be mysterious, labeled with a distinctive mix of aloofness and loyalty.
