All About the Breed: Chinese Foo Dog

The Chinese Foo Dog is a sweet an energetic breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.

History

Dating back to the 18th century, the Chinese Foo Dog has a rich history. It is believed that this breed originated by crossing various Northern European hunting dogs of the time with the ancient Chow Chow. Others believe that perhaps the Chinese Foo Dog is the missing link between the ancient Chinese Wolf and the Chow Chow.

This breed was named after the former Chinese settlement Foochow (modern day Minhow) in the Southeastern region of China. Among breed enthusiasts and Chinese citizens, the Chinese Foo Dog is also known as Chinese Fu, Sacred Dog of Sinkiang, Chinese Choo Hunting Dog, Chinese Temple Forest Dog, Chinese T’ien Kou (meaning Chinese Celestial Dog), and Chinese Lung-Kou (meaning Chinese Dragon Dog).

The Chinese Foo Dog has been used successfully as a herding, hunting, and guard dog throughout history, and has proven its many talents.

Today, the breed is promoted and protected by The Chinese Foo Dog Club of America and the International Chinese Foo Dog Association and can be registered only with the International Rare Breed Dog Club.

Unfortunately, the Chinese Foo Dog currently remains rare outside of its native China.

Personality Traits

Above all else, the Chinese Foo Dog is known to be extremely intelligent and a quick learner, making them fairly trainable. As a Spitz breed, these dogs are energetic, active, and playful, and often entertaining to watch at play. Throughout its history, this breed has been used as a herding, hunting, and guard dog, all of which the breed retains strong instincts of today. While most individuals purchase the Chinese Foo Dog for its incredible ability to make a sweet and loving pet and companion, this breed is still able to make an impressive and protective guard dog today.

Train-ability

Due to its high intelligence and willingness to learn, training generally comes very naturally to the Chinese Foo Dog. This breed typically picks up initial and basic training very well and can be taught to do most anything its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.

As with any breed, it is very important to establish immediate dominance and trust with the Chinese Foo Dog. Patience and respect are key to succeeding in training this breed.

Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed

There are many benefits to owning a Chinese Foo Dog. This is an impressive and gorgeous breed with a well-tempered personality. The Chinese Foo Dog makes an excellent pet and companion to most any type of person, and is often very affectionate and loving with its owner. This breed retains bred-in instincts, which enables it to make a nice guard and watch dog today. These dogs typically get along well with children and other pets.

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Chinese Foo Dog. This lovely and energetic breed requires large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase a Chinese Foo Dog lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Chinese Foo Dog lacking the proper amount of exercise will often act out by destroying personal property, barking, whining, chewing, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.

The Chinese Foo Dog has a history of herding and working, and will still occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, this breed can be hard to keep up with and may prove a danger to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Chinese Foo Dog must be properly leashed or secured at all times when outdoors.

Like all Spitz breeds, the Chinese Foo Dog has a thick and lovely coat which requires almost constant attention, brushing, and grooming.

As previously mentioned, this breed remains rather rare outside of its native China and may prove difficult to obtain. Individuals wishing to purchase a Chinese Foo Dog often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.

Common Health Concerns

While the Chinese Foo Dog is typically known as a hearty and healthy breed, they do fall victim to a few common health concerns: hip dysplasia, various joint problems such as arthritis, bloat, and eye problems such as cherry eye.

Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Chinese Foo Dog? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.

Sources:

http://www.chinesefoodoggs.com

http://www.mybuddydog.com/chinese_foo.htm