If you are looking for a Chow Chow puppy, here are some tips for choosing a good breeder.
Pure breed Chow Chows are wonderful dogs to own. They are clean, cute, and loving. But they can also be stubborn, protective and sometimes aggressive. Some Chow Chow’s are prone to skin problems and allergies. Therefore, the best way to make sure you get a good puppy is to schedule a visit to the breeder.
The American Kennel Club registers litters of Chow Chow puppies and you can contact your local chapter to get the phone number of breeders in your area. You should then call then to arrange to see the puppies, and meet the parents.
Chow Chows are very proud parents, but they may be protective of their babies. If the parents are well socialized they will allow you to play gently with the puppies. Well socialized parents will teach their puppies good manners, as well as a positive attitude. Healthy parents will be beautiful, well groomed dogs with clear eyes and no “hot spots” on their skin. You will want to observe the parents as they move around, watch for signs of hip dysphasia, such as limping or reluctance to jump. This last indicator may not be very good, since Chow Chows do not jump in the presence of strangers. They will stand proudly and be aloof; this is typical Chow Chow behavior and is the way it should be. By looking at the parents, you can get an idea of what your puppy will look and act like when he grows up.
You will want to observe the puppies, see what conditions they are living in. That is, are they clean, well fed and happy? Do they play with one another? Do they come up to you with no reservations? Don’t worry it is natural to want to take all of them home. Puppies are cute for a reason. A good breeder will not allow the puppies to leave until they are at least eight weeks old. He will also have already vaccinated them with their first set of shots, which should consist of DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospira, Parvovirus, and Para influenza) and Bordetella (kennel cough). The shots would have been done at 6 to 7 weeks, and then by 8 weeks any reactions to the shots would have been noticed and taken care of. Kennel cough, Parvo, and Distemper are deadly to puppies, that is why the vaccinations are so important. The breeder may also have already given them treatment for intestinal parasites, which puppies are prone to. Good breeders will know all of the dangers and have taken the necessary precautions.
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