This charming article was written back in the day when the chow was first introduced to American and European households. We were getting to know this unique creature both as companion and show dog. All the “rules” that applied to the average canine seemed to be challenged by the Edible Dog of China. Of all the things we have altered on this magnificent breed over the past century, the chow’s heart, soul, and unique personality and general characteristics have remained in tact ….thank goodness!
This article absolutely made my day. The way he describes his chow is the exact behavior of my late chow chow who passed away two years ago. I have never had a better dog than her in my entire life and doubt I ever will again.
The stories he tells of the cat and sheep are so relatable. While she never met sheep, she was familiar with the goats and horses and she was always calm around them.
Her affinity for cats was the funniest thing about her. She was obsessed with them, and would always chase them, but because of her gentle nature, I’d always wondered what she would do if she actually caught one. One day, a relative left the gate open and she got out. So I asked around the neighborhood if anybody had seen where she went, they tell me they watched a cougar go by up the hill into the woods with her following close behind tracking it. I made jokes about how she found a “very big kitty” but I was also worried. She came back fine with her fur full of brush.
Then one day, I’m outside washing my car and she’s just laying there and the neighbors cat walks by, she gets so excited and runs towards it and I’m ready for her to give chase but the cat doesn’t run, just stared at her. SHE DOES THE PLAY BOW AT IT. The cat continues to stand there staring at her in confusion while she give it a couple little playful barks while bowing. She obviously never convinced the cat to play with her and I could literally see the confusion and sadness on her face.
A dog so apathetic to strangers and other dogs, but loves cats and horses. I’d never seen her try to play with anything ever. It was so bewildering. I love chows!!