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Hi, after doing all my research, I've decided to get a chow chow. I was wondering if anyone can point out some good breeders out there? Right now, I'm looking at http://www.shanghaichows.com/index.html and http://www.thunderboltchows.com/Males.html (would love to get a chow that looks like Bo/Trace/Ace from thunderboltchows).

Thanks

Have you considered looking to adopt or rescue in your area? There are always great Chow Chows in need of a good home. If your unable to find what your looking for then consider a breeder. Best of luck.

Like chowadmin said there are a lot of beautiful chows up for adoption all over the place. I have adopted all six of the chows I've had over the years and not regretted it once.

That being said, if you are committed to buying from a breeder I would not recommend either of the two breeders you posted links from. I saw no mention of any health screening done on the chows from either site. Chows have several genetic health problems, entroprian, (where the eyelids turn in and can scratch the surface of the eye, it is painful and if left untreated can cause infections and blindness, average cost to treat it in the US is $1000), elbow dysplasia, (chows are EXTREMELY prone to this one, unlike hip dysplasia it isn't very curable yet) hip dysplasia, thyriod issues, heart problems and with the heavier boned more wrinkly faced chows breathing problems that can cause extreme distress with exercise and even death. There is also the issue where chows of the heavy boned variety suffer knee problems easily, go to the health section or do a search on ACL repairs and you'll find many, many threads about chows, even very young ones, on here who have had to have their knees repaired.

I would recommend that you read the following thread, http://forum.chowchow.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=18479 starting with my first entry, and also this article from the thread http://andruska.wordpress.com/2011/11/1 ... chow-chow/ I also would highly suggest that you become familar with the health tests and certifications associated with the tests for alll the genetic problems that chows have, learn them well, grill the breeder you are considering about them, insist that you see the certifications. Be pushy, be knowlegeable. And unhealthy puppy is a heartache without even considering the financial costs.

Again I would recommend that you look into adobtion, especially for a first chow, this gives you some experience with the breed, I would look at the ones on this site and also this site: http://www.mychowchow.net/forumdisplay. ... -Of-A-Home and this one http://westtexaschowrescue.homestead.com/ West texas has a pair of absolutely beautiful black chows who are on the smaller size but that can be good; Jack and Jill are their names.

Good luck on your search no matter what you decide.

I will not recommend that you buy from either of the two breeder you have been considering. Their chows have that scrunchy face normally seen in Champion Chows but not in non-champions. This explains entropion so common in chows
Look at a chow with a more open face and not so fluffy Looking(heavy boned) - and guess what, they are cheaper too or up for adoption. It you are a first time owner and havent done research , chows are not recommended as they have different attitude from other breed.
And this breed need careful breeding in the future, I would ask you to become a discerning and knowleagable buyer NOW so you dont repeat the cycle that has made this breed a little off when it comes on physical traits. I admit I loved their bear like appearance but then, looks could deceive. Anyway their independent attitude is something that I loved

And now to hear from the other side. I do own a sorta scrunchy face chow. No breathing issues, no joint issues, and no entropian. Rory is 8 months old and is a fantastic pet, and a show dog on occasion.

Although rescue and adoption dogs can be a good family pet, and certainly a fantastic find, depending on where you are (and you dont say), they can be very rare. As a 1st time Chow owner, you need to fully research the dog and decide whether you are able to take on the challenge. Chow rescues frequently have behavioral issues that need to be corrected. They have long memories and dont easily forget their experiences.

Having reviewed the websites of both breeders you listed, i have a preference to Shanghai. They photoshop the photos a bit too much for my taste, but the normal photos of their dogs and pups show a healthy, well-bred Chow. I do wonder why they list their older dogs as AMCH, rather than the standard AKC status of CH though, this could be a sign that the pedigrees or DNA testing does not match AKC requirements. A good question to ask them. I wasnt thrilled with Thunderboltchows coloring. Although they did have one chow that very closely resembled our pup, the multi-colored chows are not really favorable. Their blacks had a good deal of silver/gray
in the coat, and that can be a sign of nutritional issues.

Since you havent stated what your plans are for the pup, making a recommendation is difficult. Breeding for temperment is the most important aspect. Whether you are looking for a family pet, or a show dog, you need to inquire about the parents attitudes. Meet them if you can, but at least grill the breeder on behavior. If you arent local to either of these breeders, there are other choices, depending on what you want, or want to spend for the pup.

I have to agree with the suggestion of a rescue. Unless you intend to show or breed, a rescue can make a great companion. I have two rescue chows, both of which I am sure are full blooded, and they are wonderful. There are so many chows that are now in shelters. Many of them deserve a loving home.

Would you like to Look into this site? http://dmfarm.com/dogs/pedigrees/

Wow had a look at that site Cam and I don't know about the rest of the world but in England a place like that would be classed as 'puppy farming' which is frowned upon, I guess its about what is acceptable in any given residence. I think the concensus on your post wiredgizmo9 is adoption or a really good breeder, have a good luck round in your area and ask people who own Chows locally (if any) as for open faced or 'scrunchy' thats a personal choice, just because the lovely breed is prone to certain ailments does not automatically mean they will get any of the ailments, or you may be unlucky to get one that has all of them. Selective breeding can assist in eradicating certain traits and the joint problems can be eased slightly ( and only slightly) by not allowing the dog to gain too much weight. But whichever you decide upon I am sure you will love the breed ( as a new owner and not experienced one my husband and I looked into all the ailments that chows could have and weighed up all the pros and cons) most breed of dog have illnesses associated to it no matter how minor or major. Good Luck and I hope you have many happy years with whichever route you decide to take.

Rio wrote:Wow had a look at that site Cam and I don't know about the rest of the world but in England a place like that would be classed as 'puppy farming' which is frowned upon, I guess its about what is acceptable in any given residence.

While they have some nice looking dogs, how can they possibly give the best possible attention and care with so many dogs and with their hands in so many other pots? They write, "D & M Farm Kennel is dedicated to breeding the finest quality, sweet-tempered rough-coated Chow Chows at a very reasonable price. Our goal is to maintain 24 breeding Chows...8 Sires and 16 Dams. In addition to our chows we have a pair of German Shepherds, a collie, horses, ponies, two Jersey calves, goats, cats, chickens, turkeys, geese, guineas, and peacocks. We also have an African Grey parrot named Mr. Bud."

They are expecting NINE litters between April and June. While their dogs may live in a nice kennel, I wouldn't consider them a quality breeder.

The website looks similiar to Shanghaichows and Thunderbolt chows Wiredgizmo9 posted so I thought he might want to take a look. I didn't go in deeper into the site. Sorry for being careless. i thought it to have a wide selection Of parents for Wiredgizmo as he said he wanted something like this sire or that sire looks.
Also by visiting the kennel, a buyer can distinguish ifthe bitch is being abused (like being forced to have a litter 2xayear) which isn't good practice. finding a breeder who doesnt do it for profit is scarce these days as a matter of fact. and they normally dont advertise in the internet -

Perhaps the likes of Sirchow (but is in Scotland) is also somewhere in Wiredgizmo's place.

In my place, most breeders own different breeds at a time, 4-6 breeds and they are now practising selling their dam or stud after a few years. they do it for money. But selection wise, based on pups appearance and temperaments, seeing the dogs and bitches up personally is better than not seeing them at all. You can see if the parents limps or have minor stitches and if you can pet them or have that sour look or if their furr are all gone. It doent take too much to assess such a dispecable breeder.
In chows of this age, we knew that chows of old DO NOT closely resemble the present day chow, why? Because they've been bred to conform to the breed standard penned by someone. Wiredgizmo wanted a show chow. So i thought he might want to look at that site and see for himself a whole wide range of chow and so he wont be like: "Oh your chow doesn't look pure, more like a mix - a shiba inu perhaps?" kind of thing.
NO I DONT ADVOCATE THAT SITE. just see the pictures and decide. Then visit, assess, head out or not. I ALSO CANT IMAGINE BUYING FROM A DISTANCE like you are buying a book online. That's not the way to do it in buying a puppy that will be your companion.
Me and Cassie's breeder had a pre agreement that if I deemed the puppy not up to my taste When I come see them all, he'll do a refund as he also doesnt like that his puppies go to owners who disputes the puppy's upbringing. So we see eye to eye.

Not real familiar with that breeder, but in the US, Ohio is the middle of puppy mill territory. Only looked at the front page of their site, but based on the volume and the pictures, they seem to fit the bill.

As i stated in my earlier reply, the original poster didnt state their location or expectation for the pup. With a bit more info, i am sure we can all provide some good info.

Just came across this post in another forum topic...

http://forum.chowchow.org/viewtopic.php ... 05#p191739

If you want to adopt a Champion line Chow Chow I would recommend this website http://www.cunami.lt/

This is the breeder I imported / adopted my Lobis Cunami from ! She even had him delivered to me in person with her daughter so my little guy had not to be graded in an Airplane gage or spend time alone on a plane for a few days as cargo, he was carried on the plane and arrived safe and sound in one day. It was great to make a new friend as her daughter did stay with us for a week and so Lobis had someone he knew here with us while he got to know his new home.

wiredgizmo9 wrote:Hi, after doing all my research, I've decided to get a chow chow. I was wondering if anyone can point out some good breeders out there? Right now, I'm looking at http://www.shanghaichows.com/index.html and http://www.thunderboltchows.com/Males.html (would love to get a chow that looks like Bo/Trace/Ace from thunderboltchows).

Thanks

Shanghai Chows is one breeder I called when looking, and from my experience, the breeder wasn't overly interested in talking to me. I asked if they did any health testing and they said, "Well there's not much you can tell on a puppy...I have a vet look at them." I said, "No, I meant the parents" and the question was basically ignored and suggested that if I wanted the puppy I best send money soon before he's gone, as others were interested.

Now maybe it was just a bad day or something, but I personally felt the breeder wasn't interested in anything but moving the puppy. I don't really want to sound like I'm bad mouthing, and I don't claim they test or not [only that I wasn't answered], just figured I would share my experience since it is one you were looking at. Most will be proud that they health test, and list them down in order on what they do.

Keep looking on Chow Chow Inc, breeder directory. Some are better than others but Cross B Chows in Kansas with Janet Burke is great place to start. I think adopting any dog is good but maybe not for chows and first time owners. We adopted a 1 1/2 year female boxer 3 years ago to keep our previous chow company. She had some issues but after dealing with chows for 20 years it was fairly easy to work them out. She has been great with Brutus from day one and it has worked out nicely. I would also stay away from anyone who has other breeds and chows for sale.
Good luck and keep us updated.

I like 612's approach and advice.

My Julie was a Christmas gift. The person that bought her for me found a breeder in texas, her name is Geri McGhee. I love my chow - shes such a beautiful and good puppy

My Minnie came from Heavenly Chows in Missouri (www.heavenlychows.com). We have two from her kennel, and my vet says that they are the happiest, healthiest chows he's treated. We drove out to Missouri to pick up our puppies, so that we could see the kennel and the other dogs on site. That kennel was the cleanest kennel I've ever seen. I highly recommend Emily and her pups.

www.ikeemconerlychows.com they are in syracuse, ny. Not a puppy mill breeder by any means. take a look if your interested. Just got a puppy from them last week.

squintero wrote:My Julie was a Christmas gift. The person that bought her for me found a breeder in texas, her name is Geri McGhee. I love my chow - shes such a beautiful and good puppy

Hi,
I contacted Geri McGhee about a chow puppy and I'm interested in buying a cream colored girl. Right now she is 2 weeks old. Please tell me what you think about this breeder and the chows. I have to make a decision in about two weeks so you frank feedback would be appreciated.
Thank You

Quick google search and i think i saw the pup, but cant be sure. very little info on the parentage. the pup doesnt look bad, but again no lineage shown. Seems the breeder is more into ministry than anything...not sure whether that is good or bad.