As relocation experts, at Move One we know very well that many expats like taking a memento home with them after their international assignments are over. What could be better than a local dog? To help you decide on the choice of pup, we have asked our country managers to recommend their favorite breeds and advice.
This month we guide you to
Mongolia
The Chow Chow, its Chinese name meaning 'puffy-lion dog', has traditionally been a prizedpossessionand icon of domesticity to aChinesehousehold. Originally a watchdog, Chow Chows were so highly valued that it was a great mark of honor that the Emperor possessed 200 of the animals for hunting, even thoughPekingese, Shih Tzus and Lhasas were considered the official 'royal dogs of china'.
Despite the longassociationthebreed has withChinesehistory and culture, they are not native. Research shows that the Chows originate inMongolia, where they have a history of being used as working dogs for almost four millennia. These loyal, hardy and heavily coated dogs were initially bred to surviving the severe Arcticcold whilstbeing used as hunting and guard dogs.Recent studies by geneticists have confirmed that the Chow Chow is one of the oldest breeds of dog in existence, having been among theearliestto be derived from wolves byselectivebreeding.
The Chow Chow is a strongly built dog, square in profile with a wide head and small, triangular ears. Although mostly known for their rough coat that makes them look like miniature bears or lions, the Chow Chow can also come in a smooth coated breed. Originally intendedfor protecting the Chow Chow's body from extreme cold weather, the coat has a tendency to mat rather easily if not properly cared for.The undercoat is shed in the spring, but some dogs shed year round, depending on the climate. Due to this, breeders will warn potential owners that this may not be the dog for them if they prepared to turn on their vacuum cleaners almost every day.
Chow Chows can be loyal to a fault. They will protect their family to the very end of their ability, and thereforemake anexcellent choice as a watchdog. The downside to this is that if you try to take anything that this dog considers its own, it will probably bite. The breed requires a strong andauthoritativehuman master. It will choose one person to bond with, and will only obey that person, although, in most cases, tolerance will be extended to other members of the household family, especially iftheycome bearing a treat. In general, strangers are ignored, butownersare advised to warn them to be careful.
Chow Chow owners have givenanecdotalevidence that the same methods used in parenting teenagers work well on this dog, specifically firm and consistent discipline, while loving and caring at the same time.
Whilst intelligent and quick to learn, they are not very active and only requireexerciseonce a day, which makes them great apartment dogs. Additionally, once past their puppy stage, theywill not chew on things like most dogs,makingyour furniture that much safer.
The average life span of the Chow Chow is between 12 and 15 years. The height of an adult dog is 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) and the average weight is 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
This is a healthy breed and is not any more susceptible to the list of common dog illnesses than any other type of dog. However, some Chow Chows are prone to skin problems and allergies. There is also susceptibility to certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia and entropion (a condition in which the eyelids fold inward causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea). They can have problems if exposed to extreme hot weather conditions. Also, Chow Chows have poor peripheral vision and should be approached from the front to avoid a nastysurprisefor all involved. Animal welfare organisation have reported an increase invarious genetic deficiencies intheChow Chow population brought on byunscrupulous breeders cashing in on the animal'spopularity with unethical intensive breeding programs.
If you wish to take a dog home with you after your assignment is over, please make sure youleave at least a full month to ensure all paperwork is in place prior to the move.
Move One's
Pet Transportation department specializes in thetransportation of household pets, working dogs andexotic animals. If you would like advice about internationally relocating your pet safely, sanely and legally or just for further information aboutour general
pet relocation services, please contact us at
pet@moveoneinc.com. One of our dedicated animal relocation agents will get back to you shortly with information, advice and a quote tailor-made to your needs.
