Sponsors: Laura Taylor in honor of Keg the Chow

Description:
Kahlua is a beautiful Chow that breaks my heart. She was adopted from us a couple of years ago and recently picked up by Animal Control. When they called Judy they told her that Kahlua was in bad shape. Judy said she'd be right down. They said, "But Judy, she's in really bad shape." That is code for, let us put her to sleep. No way. Oh, but what a sight. Her fur was so matted it had to be shaved. That revealed how incredibly underweight she is. Which probably explained why Animal Control labelled her temperment as "dull." You'd be dull too if you were starved and neglected!

What we have found Kahlua to be is very very sweet and undemanding. She doesn't have any of those pesky Chow Chow traits that can make people leary of the breed. She is a real doll deserving of a family that will love and dote on her. We have qualified her for our Seniors for Seniors program, whereby her adoption fee is just $50 for senior citizens.

Foster update 7/18: Kahlua is the sweetest, calmest, most easy going old girl you could imagine. She loves to curl up and sleep close to wherever you are. Her skin problems are improving everyday and you can even pet her all over now without her needing to scratch afterward. She likes to take leisurly short walks and is excellent on a leash. She loves to sit out in the sunshine (when we have some!) and close her eyes and relax. She completely ignores my cats (much to their disappointment when they are trying to look tough!). She's a little uneasy going up and down the stairs but does well with a little help and moral support. She is a little joy to have and love.


According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, "the Chow Chow's structure is very similar to that of the oldest known fossilized dog remains, dated to several million years ago. The Chow has been known for thousands of years in China, where the breed was put to work as a hunter, cart puller and boat guard. One Emperor is said to have kept 2500 Chow pairs. One was given to the Prince of Wales, the future Edward Val. Over history, the Chow has been used to hunt wolves, sable and pheasant, and to pull sleds. His fur was used to trim coats. The flesh of these dogs was considered a delicacy in China. Dog is still eaten in China today. This beautiful dog was first brought to England by merchants in the late 1800's. The name probably originated from the pidgin English word "chow-chow," a term used to describe all sorts of miscellaneous stuff brought back from the Far East. The Chow has become very popular in the United States as a companion dog. Some of the Chow Chow's talents are watchdog and guarding.
The Chow Chow is usually well-mannered, but can be willful and protective. Bossy, serious and very independent. They are self-willed to the point of obstinacy. Often a one-person dog, very loyal to his family, though he may act reserved, even with them. If strangers push themselves on this dog, he may become aggressive. This very dominant breed requires a dominant owner. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm person who is naturally fair and firm. With such a handler, the Chow Chow can develop well. Don't expect great obedience from them. They are born stubborn and with minds of their own. The dogs can learn because they are certainly not stupid, but they must see the point of your command. Be consistent at all times. Some experts claim the short-haired Chow is more active and learns faster than its longer-haired family member. One owner told me that their Chow can do tricks, and learns them quite easily at that. Here is a quote from the owner who has three children and three cats:
"My 8 year old white Chow performs a variety of "tricks," ranging from dancing on her hind legs on command to rolling over, and jumping from her hind legs into the air on command. She even knows the difference between "shake hands" and "shake," as in shake her mane to dry or fluff after a bath/brushing. After the first "trick" was learned at a very early age, she usually learns new activities through a process of three examples from her human friends,