Chow Chow Adoption
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
by The Chow Chow Club, Inc.'s
Welfare Committee
https://chowwelfare.com
Q. What is the Chow Chow Club, Inc. Welfare Committee? What do you do?
A. CCCI Welfare is a group of volunteers appointed by the national Chow Chow Club - The Chow Chow Club, Inc. We have several functions but our two primary ones are to educate the public about the Chow Chow breed and to assist with the needs of homeless or abandoned Chow Chows. (You can read more about us by clicking on the "who we are" button on our homepage.) Our website provides information and also helps to find adoptive homes for Chows that need them.
Q: How does the CCCI Welfare Chow Adoption Website work?
A: Click on a state in the menu box. You'll be taken to a page with a list of Chows available for adoption in that state. There's a description and contact information for each dog. If no contact information is shown, click on the "contact us" button to send us an email to ask for it. If you don't find a suitable Chow listed in your state, check our listings in other states near you. You should also visit the many shelter websites and the Petfinder website whose links appear ion our pages.
Q. Why are all these Chows homeless? Is something wrong with them?
A. Most became homeless through no fault of their own - their owners moved and couldn't keep them, they were allowed to run loose and became lost, or their owners died or suffered a family tragedy. We do not list dogs that were given up because of aggression, biting or other serious behavior problems.
Q. I've heard that Chows are "one family" dogs and can't bond with a new owner. Is this true?
A. If it were, we'd certainly be wasting our time! A good tempered adult Chow Chow can adapt to a new owner, a new family and a new home at any age and as well as any other dog - and we have dozens of happy ending stories to prove it!
Q. But isn't an adult dog set in its ways? Aren't they too old to be trained?
A. Goodness, no! Dogs can learn new habits and be trained at any age. In fact, adult dogs are usually easier to train than puppies because they have longer attention spans and are more settled. Many adult rescued Chows have even achieved titles in obedience competitions.
Q. Why should I adopt an adult dog instead of buying a puppy? Are there any advantages?
A. Lots! Puppies need plenty of attention, time and training in their first year. In today's world of long working hours and so many activities outside the home, most people don't have this kind of time anymore. Adult dogs are usually already housebroken and beyond the destructive stage. They can adjust to busy lifestyles better than a new puppy. They've grown as big as they're ever going to get so there's no surprises. The adoption fee for an adult dog is almost always far less expensive than the price of a puppy and you won't have the expenses of additional shots and wormings that puppies require when they're little. (and you won't have a chewed up couch!) Most rescued Chows are already spayed or neutered, saving you another large expense. Most importantly, with adult dogs what you see is what you get - their temperaments and personalities are readily apparent.
Q. I have children. Shouldn't I get a puppy so it can grow up with them?
A. Not necessarily. Many rescued Chows love children! Baby puppies have very sharp teeth and can play too roughly for some kids. They have to be taught how to behave around children just as the children need to be taught how to behave around dogs. An adult Chow that's been raised with children already understands this. We highly recommend you read our "Dogs & Kids Together Safely" file regardless what age of dog you get. It's found in the Breed Information section of our website.
Q. I have another dog. Will a rescued Chow get along with it?
A. For best compatibility, we strongly recommend that you adopt a Chow of the opposite sex to the dog you already have. Chows are known to fight with dogs of the same sex, especially other Chows. When introducing your dogs for the first time, it's wise to take them to an area that's "neutral" - a place that neither of them are familiar with, like a park. Many dogs resent a strange dog entering their own territory (like their yard or home) but behave much better when meeting them on neutral ground. It's also wise to supervise their interactions for the first several days until you know they will accept each other. Some grumbling over food bowls or toys is to be expected. We recommend that you read our files "Help! My Dogs Are Fighting!" and "Who's In Charge Here?" to help you avoid difficulties. These files are found in the Breed Information section of our website.
Q. Will a rescued Chow get along with my cats?
A. Some do. We've noted in our listings when a particular dog is good with cats or not recommended for a home with them. Some rescued Chows can be taught not to bother cats - see our "Making Peace Between Dogs and Cats" file in the Breed Information section.
Q. What qualifications do I need to adopt one of these Chows?
A. Adoption requirements are set by the animal shelter, rescue service or individual caring for the dog. You can expect to be interviewed to see if you and the dog will be a good match and if you have appropriate facilities to care for it. You can expect to pay an adoption fee of some kind; very few of the dogs listed will be free. Transportation to get the dog to your home will also be your responsibility.
Q. I want a puppy but I don't see many on your site. How do I get one?
A. Most of the dogs on our site will be young adults averaging from 1-5 years old. Baby puppies are seldom homeless - that's why there aren't many of them on our pages. If your heart is absolutely set on a puppy and you can't find one through rescue, please visit the Chow Chow Club, Inc.'s Breeder Directory. The CCCI website also has a list of regional Chow clubs you can contact for information about their members' puppies. [Definitely read the files we have about buying puppies in our Breed Information section so you know what to look for in a quality breeder and a quality Chow!]
Q. I was thinking about adopting a Chow to breed to the one I already have. Do you have any rescued dogs with papers or that haven't been neutered and spayed?
A. Most rescued Chows don't have papers or a known pedigree. While they're all beautiful and make great pets, we don't recommend them as breeding stock. If you're serious about having puppies, you should buy a breeding quality dog from a reputable breeder rather than adopting a dog through rescue. Please read our files on breeding in the Breed Information section to find out why.
Q. I'm looking for a certain color but I don't see any on your site in my area. What should I do?
A. Rescued Chows come in all colors and if you're patient, a dog of the color you want may appear shortly. There are many qualities to look for in a pet dog, some - like temperament - are far more important than color. You'll have best results with adoption if your priority is on good temperament and good health. Color is icing on the cake! If your heart is absolutely set on a certain color or a particular set of physical characteristics, you may need to contact a reputable breeder.
Q. I'm looking for a smooth-coated Chow Chow. Where can I adopt one?
A. Smooths are seldom seen in rescue because most of them are produced by reputable breeders who take them back if they can't stay with their original owners. To find a smooth breeder in your area, click on our link to the Breeder Directory on the CCCI Website.
Q. I live outside the U.S. Can I still adopt a Chow Chow?
A. Our site has adoption listings for Canada but beyond that, you'll need to contact the Chow club or all-breed kennel clubs in your own country.
Q. I've already adopted a rescued Chow. How do I get my dog's picture on your "Happy Endings" page?
A. Just click on the "contact us" button and send it to us along with your story about how you found him and why you like him so much! Pictures are welcome, too!