In the Chow Shepherd, the German Shepherd dog breed is combined with Chow Chow. Despite their small stature, these pups have acquired some of the best characteristics from both of their parents. Sheprachow is another name for a Chow Shepherd.
If you're an experienced dog parent in search of a watchdog and all-around family companion, a Chow Shepherd may be the right dog for you. Larger dwellings with yards are preferred, but not essential, as long as they are given ample opportunity to engage in physical activity. Dogs who are not very barky, such as Chow Shepherds, inform their owners when visitors arrive.
This breed is devoted to its family and will be pleasant to other people, children, and dogs as long as they are properly socialised as puppies. Leaving them alone for long periods of time can lead to boredom and destruction, so be careful. Check out the facts and traits of Chow Shepherds and mixed breeds below!
Highlights
- Mixed-breed dogs include Chow Shepherds. When compared to their parents, they are not purebreds.
- Mixed-breed dogs include Chow Shepherds. When compared to their parents, they are not purebreds.
- Chow Shepherds are not recommended for allergy sufferers because of their long, dense coats. Brushing using a deshedding brush on a daily basis and in excess during the shedding season may be necessary.
- In general, Chow Shepherds have a lot of stamina. An excellent place to start is with a daily workout of at least one hour. Highly recommended are activities such as hiking and other risky pursuits.
- A Chow Shepherd is a wonderful addition to a large family with older children who know how to play with dogs. This dog is not a fan of rough play from young children.
- To be friendly with other dogs, cats, and small animals is possible if a Chow Shepherd has had a lot of experience with other animals and has been taught how to behave with them.
- In addition, Chow Shepherds are extremely trainable and need positive reinforcement. For the sake of their well-being, avoid leaving them alone for long periods of time.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
45 to 90 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
22 to 26 inches
History
Wouldn't it be nice to have an even more fluffy and 'lion-like' German Shepherd around? As far as I know, that's what the Chow Shepherd's breeder had in mind when he or she bred it with the faithful Chow Chow and the fearless German Shepherd. The Chow Shepherd is one of the few "designer dog" breeds that we know relatively little about in terms of its origins. It is likely that this unique breed of dog was developed between ten and twenty years ago.
The German Shepherd dog breed was developed in Germany in the late 1800s and has since become extremely well-known throughout the world. As working dogs, its ancestors would herd animals and protect the farm's property in the fields. The breed's origins can be traced back to Captain Max von Stephanitz. He fell in love with the local shepherd dogs and bought several to breed with the goal of developing the perfect German Shepherd. He was successful in his quest.
German Shepherds are known to have a wide range of hereditary health disorders since they were bred back to their ancestors, resulting in a limited genetic pool. German Shepherds were utilised on farms and in the military throughout the 20th century, despite this fact. Currently, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds of dog for both companionship and labour.
Chow Chows have been around for almost 2,000 years, making them one of the world's most ancient breeds. We know they're oriental, but where exactly they came from is up for debate. The majority believe they're Chinese, but others believe they could be Mongolian. They are thought to have been used for a variety of tasks, including guarding, herding, and hunting. Even Queen Victoria owned a dog of this breed.
Personality & Temperament
Because of its domineering and territorial attitude, the Chow Shepherd is not recommended for households with small pets or children, nor is it recommended for first-time dog owners. They're a lot of effort, but if you find the appropriate person to care for them, they'll become wonderful pets.
When it comes to guard dogs and watch dogs, the Chow Shepherd is an excellent choice because it is always on the lookout for an intruder and is extremely bold. It is important to socialise a Chow Shepherd pup thoroughly to ensure that they are able to accept guests into their home.
Although the Chow Shepherd is reserved among strangers, he or she can be adoring and affectionate with his or her owner. It is common for them to exhibit tremendous reverence to their master and to long for his or her company and approbation.
Care
Inexperienced or first-time dog owners may choose to consider the Chow Shepherd. Due to its high exercise requirements, its inclination to sweat a lot, and its wariness of strangers, it can be a little tough to care for. If you have any other questions or concerns about your dog's care, please contact your local veterinarian.
Health
Despite being outcrossed, the German Shepherd and Chow Chow have a long history of major health issues, and their offspring are no exception.
Hip Dysplasia
If you have hips that do not form appropriately, it could be due to genetics, food, or poor exercise habits in childhood. Some animals may be reluctant to exercise and walk with a strange stride in the beginning of the sickness, while others may be unable to stand or walk and suffer from significant muscular atrophy by the end of the illness. It is possible to screen for this crippling orthopaedic ailment using X-rays, and those animals that do not earn good 'hip scores' should never be used for breeding.
Bloat
When an animal is infected with bloat, it will be inconsolable and prone to pacing and vomiting unproductively. Due to an unknown reason, their stomach will have rotated and filled up with air and fluid, which will cause an excruciating and perhaps fatal "boil." The best chance of life is to have immediate surgery to reposition the stomach.
Degenerative Myelopathy
As the spinal cord degenerates, affected dogs will gradually lose their ability to walk on their hind legs until they are fully paralysed. Veterinarians utilise slings, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy to reduce the symptoms and assist the dog, even though there is no cure for this ailment.
Atopic Skin Disease
Atopic dermatitis affects a large percentage of animals, however some breeds are more susceptible than others. Allergies to things like pollen, food and dust mites are among the possible reasons for this irritating, chronic ailment that affects millions of people every year.
Anti-itch medications, shampoos, and antibiotics can treat any secondary infections, but there is no treatment for this unpleasant skin condition. Allergen avoidance may be an option for some, while immunotherapy may be more appropriate for others.
Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone levels are reduced when the thyroid is underactive. Owners may mistake this condition for normal aging due to the disease's subtle and insidious symptoms. Dogs with this condition may have difficulty gaining weight, become disinterested in their surroundings, or even develop dry skin or lose their fur.
This illness can be diagnosed with the help of blood testing, and the thyroid hormone that is absent can be replaced with medicine. However, the prognosis is favourable and while dogs will need to be monitored for the rest of their lives, the vast majority of them fare well.
Recommended Health Test
- X-Rays
- MRI
- Blood Tests
- Ophthalmologic Examination
Nutrition
Shepherd Chow mixes are energetic, medium-sized canines. Be sure to feed them on a regular basis and to keep their treats to a minimum. Generally speaking, one or two feedings per day should be plenty. Keep your pet healthy by following the instructions on the back of their favourite food brand's packaging or by consulting with your veterinarian.
Grooming
You'll have to deal with shedding all year long if you own a dog of this breed, which has a thick, fluffy coat. Brushing and bathing these dogs twice or three times a week is recommended. Every day, make sure their ears are free of debris and vermin, and clip their nails. Nail trims twice a month are usually sufficient for this breed, which has nails that develop quickly.
Shepherd chow mixes, like other dogs, require routine dental care. Avoid significant dental problems by brushing their teeth at least once a week.
Exercise
Because of their high exercise needs, this breed is the most difficult to raise. For this dog, just one hour of everyday, rigorous exercise is just the beginning. In order to get the most out of their energy, Shepherd Chow breeds should go on long adventures like trekking or running every day. This helps with behavioural issues in the house and keeps them physically and mentally active and engaged.
Training
However, we do not recommend this breed for people who have never had or trained a dog before because the Shepherd Chow mix is a difficult breed to teach. Because they can be difficult at times, you must be constant in your demands and reward them frequently. They don't take well to yelling or hostility because you're their top priority.
Children and Other Pets
Big families with older children who know how to play with dogs will benefit from the Chow Shepherd. When it comes to dogs and children, you should always teach youngsters how to handle them, as well as to supervise any interactions between dogs and children. Small children should not attempt to roughhouse with this dog.
Teaching your child not to approach a dog when it is eating or sleeping is an important part of teaching them about respect for animals. A youngster should never be left alone with a dog, no matter how friendly it is.
A Chow Shepherd who has been socialised with other animals, including dogs, cats, and small animals, is more likely to get along with other pets.
Puppies
These puppies need a lot of early obedience and socialisation to overcome their natural tendencies because the Chow Shepherd has certain wolf-like features, including suspiciousness and wariness toward strangers. Within the first three to four months of its existence, training should be initiated. If you're having trouble housebreaking your puppies, a crate can be a good investment. The dog should not want to leave the crate once it regards it as a safe place. You can then release it from the crate when it needs to go outside. Just don't use the kennel as a punishment for your dog.
Dogs Similar to the Chow Shepherd
Akita
The Chow Shepherd most closely resembles the Akita, Chow Chow, and German Shepherd in addition to the Chow Shepherd.
Another Asian spitz breed is the Japanese spitz, which has its origins in the northern area of Japan that bears its name. In spite of its large size and thick double coat, it is an exceptionally loyal, brave, and dignified canine. It also has a curled back tail.
Shiba Inu
In addition to being a good hunter, the Shiba Inu is also the subject of several internet jokes because of its strong build, expressive face, and white markings that can include red, black, or tan.
Icelandic Sheepdog
This Icelandic spitz was originally brought to Iceland by the Vikings and bred to herd sheep and ponies. Friendly, intelligent, interested and playful are just a few of the adjectives that describe this dog.