my chow so cuddly is that chow like?

[Tan160581]

when i was researching on chows i read they were aloof and had to earn there respect and love, but since i have had her, she follws me everywhere and loves to be cuddled and licks me to death if i let her, and so playful as wel, cat toys and not chasing a boy, but if i throw a mouse or a stick she will run after it and take it hostage and play with,
Mind you today i think i saw some chow in her, i had a neighbour not knock on the door, but just get some rubbish out of my bin as he does that if i am over full and she was at the door before i know he was there and growling loads, i didnt expect to see that at such a young age, is that a good thing ? xxx

[NanouetJon]

You have a puppy!

My experience so far. 5 chows over a lifetime. The first year, Puppies are attention seekers and go against their own reputation. Marru is 1 year now and loves to cuddle and play, licks and loves being adored. In fact, she will get insulted if you ignore her. " I am so pretty, whats wrong with YOU"

I found with age comes maturity and the aloofness. Maddoxx is now 4 years old. He still follows me from room to room and will be close to me, and from time to time, he will ask for attention (more likely to scratch his hind end). Now he is more like a best friend who is already there, quiet and supportive. Ready for a walk anytime! He ignores toys and playing but will play with Marru when the time is right. He will sit with me on the coach and put his head in my lap for scratching behind the ears.

The only time Maddoxx is not close to me is when we have visitors and then he puts himself in a position where he can watch everyone. He no longer wants to be petted by strangers but will accept it when I tell him to be nice.

Enjoy the puppy time, it is short lived. This is the best time to introduce lots of people, let them fawn over the puppie. Tell them this is a chow, change the reputation of the breed we love. Far too often the aloofness is translated as negative and this puppy time is a great time to be an ambassador.

[Fozzbear]

Puppy time is fab and they are definitely more demonstrative and playful.
I've noticed a difference since Fozzchops became past the 1 year mark - but she is still 'quietly cuddly'. Not all over me like she used to be but if I sit on the floor she comes over to be brushed and she is forever coming and plonking her bum on my feet (which means 'scratch my back please'). She tolerates me hugging the life out of her and still rolls on her back for a tummy tickle. She is always with me and sleeps just outside my bedroom door - she definitely loves me, just in a lovely placid way.
I dont think you need to worry about your puppys guarding instinct - that is just a chow doing its job - just make sure you put time into socialising and letting her meet everyone and anyone. Enjoy!

[kitten1426]

Our Female Chow she is almost 2 and she is such a sweetheart loves to be hugged/cuddled...Our Male Chow is 16 months old he is a little less to need attention but still does seek it...He will lay next to us all nite while watching TV and when we go to bed so does he sleeps next to the bed all nite...Actually all 4 of our dogs surround us around the bed..LOL...Talk about feeling safe...2 chows.A BIG airedale and a Collie...

[Judy Fox]

Lola is a baby chow - baby chows are just as cuddly as other baby dogs.
As she grows up you will see the reserved, aloof, totally gorgeous lady chow emerge. By that time you will have grown to love her very much and more importantly, she will have grown to love you - you will see it in her eyes when you look at her.
Whilst she is a baby chow chow love her cuddle her , play with her, train her and teach her the rules of the household and then - when that lady chow chow emerges, you will be delighted at the beautiful aloof, arrogant, self-willed, gorgeous, totally beautiful girl.
You have such a wonderful journey ahead of you. Enjoy it and savour it and file it away in your memory and in your senses for the future.

[wokman]

Giving your Chow attention is important, but more so as stated, make sure others give her attention, socialization.
Always greet her when you come in, especially if you have been away for some time, or you can end up with a stranger in the house that will look right through you like you are not even there.
Do I detect that you wish her to be more protective? That can come naturally as she bonds more with you and when the time is right.

[wokman]

Your various Post have included subjects on Health, Training and Nutrition and have brought out many years of Chow experience from other owners in this Forum.

[Victory]

Hmm, I'm reading that you were surprised by her protectiveness. Yes as early as 8 weeks you can see a protective/terratorial side in them. This is why it is so important to socialize them at a young age, that side can become dominant and you don't want that. You want them to know that you are on top of the situation. I hope when she barked you got up to see what was going on and then told her to relax, and distracted her with a toy. This is the way to let her know that your on the job and she doesn't need to be AND that is it ok for this neighbor to do what he was doing.

As for the playful part, some chows never quite grow out of the playful part, (I'm still waiting for my 10 almost 11 year old girl to do it) I have found that the higher the prey drive is, the higher the playful side is. However, they all get aloof and independent and not so cuddly as they grow up. Firesong, (my girl) doesn't ask for so much attention any more, but she always knows where I am. Dreamdancer has always been more aloof, even as a puppy so he's always been about the same. He knows where I am at all times and he's usually pretty close to me, but he would rather not be cuddled, and he doesn't play much at all.