The Chow Chow is an ancient breed from northern China with its’ multi-purpose development of hunting, herding, pulling and protection dog. This unique breed comes in two coat types of rough and smooth, both of which are double-coated. This breed comes in a variety of solid colours that may have shading.
For the show ring preparing the chow is understand whether a rough or smooth variety is that this is a true double-coated breed. The outer coat is an abundant, dense, straight, standoff and rather coarse in texture. The undercoat is soft, thick and woolly. The major difference between a rough and smooth is the coat length. The outer coat of a smooth is a dense, hard and smooth coat with a definite undercoat. Just no ruff or feathering on legs and tail like the rough variety.
The hallmark of this breed is its face and head. It’s natural therefore to pay special attention to this area. Plush Puppy Let’s Face It – what the dog showing world has needed for way too long. Another one of the famous Plush Puppy products with the latest technology and the highest amounts of naturally sourced ingredients has developed a product that is a must! This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean soothes, adds moisture, aids healing, and anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy of rinsing yet complete cleaning
Using Plush Puppy Body Building Shampoo at 1 part shampoo to 5 parts water is your go-to base shampoo. This is excellent for this double-coated breed. It gives the desired texture and density for both coat types. It doesn’t soften and creates the correct silhouette.
As this breed comes in many colours for adding depth to black, blue, and toning the creams use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo at 1 part shampoo to 5 parts water. This “toning” shampoo reduces any unwanted warm/red tones. Perfect for those darker colours to give a more even and added depth. For those lighter colours it tones and reduces any reddish and yellowing, hence evening to true solid lighter colour. A tip for this breed it is possible to add the Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening shampoo and Plush Puppy Body Building Shampoo together to allow each of the positive properties to work in conjunction.
For those light colours, creams/whites that may have some staining due to a multitude of reasons you can try Plush Puppy Wonder Blok this product is one of our proudest achievements in helping to maintain a white stain free coat. It’s not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but with the use of modern technology and high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin. This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp/wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes ) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.
For reds and cinnamons of all shades use Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo at 1 part shampoo to 5 parts water. The secret naturally-sourced ingredient is Henna. This henna adds depth and shine to these coloured coats. Again can be added to the Plush Puppy Body Building Shampoo.
Now the issue of a double-coated breed that their outer coat requires texture is how to hydrate yet not soften the coat. Traditionally we think of using a conditioner, however, this will only soften a coat. Use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil at 1 teaspoon to 4 L / 1 gallon of warm water. Mix well and pour all over the dog (either coat texture) and don’t rinse out. The rich ingredients hydrate the coat and skin, offering protection to both yet does not soften. A key product for this breed.
We all from time to time need to show when our dog is “out of coat”, the joys of a double-coated breed. Whilst using Plush Puppy Body Building shampoo will help there are those times we just need that bit more help. Use Plush Puppy Volumising Cream or Plush Puppy Volumising Spray. The cream can be mixed in warm water ( 1 tablespoon to 500mls) and poured over the dog as a final rinse ( combined with the Sea Breeze Oil) or alternatively, after the bath, you can use the “ready to use” pre-mixed spray. A light spray over the dog, brush in and dry as normal.
For drying use a force dryer, this volume of air allows the coat to be completely and thoroughly dried. Brushing is to feel any loose hairs and separate the coat. Use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Slicker Brush. This is the rolls Royce of slickers with its highly flexible base and ergonomically designed handle.
Brushing the chow is a necessity, it removes any dead coat and helps roll the coat hence reducing any major coat drops. For brushing at home or refreshing at shows use Plush Puppy OMG. Plush Puppy OMG is a revolutionary grooming spray that lives up to its name. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. Using at an approximate mixture of 1 part OMG to 30-40 parts water using this breakdown form the OMG concentrate. The stronger the mix the stronger their effects. For this type of double-coated breed, a lighter concentration works best. Using OMG can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. An amazing product for regular brushing also. The perfect product to allow all the benefits of putting a moisturising product into the coat without over softening the coat. OMG never builds up, never goes stringy. A product that took years to develop using the latest technology for maximum effects. A true necessity for the tool kit.
From time to time a Chow’s coat can get damaged and dry, giving you that fried look. In this instance use Plush Puppy Coat Rescue. Coat Rescue has been specifically formulated to help dry or damaged coats. Coat Rescue’s naturally blended essential oils and pure plant extracts help restore strength and elasticity to dehydrated and tired coat hair. Mix 2 tablespoons into 1-2 cups of warm water. Apply using a sponge to the damaged area of the coat. Let sit in the coat for a minimum of 10 mins (longer is better) and rinse off.
Finally, for the show ring a light spray of Plush Puppy Odour Muncher just gives your dog that fresh smell, This just makes it a more pleasurable experience for the judge. Whether a rough or smooth this breed is an eye-catcher in the ring. Its unique hallmarks makes it have no equals. Correctly presented, handled and gaited has caught many a judges eye worldwide. Plush Puppy products are available to help to make this ancient breed look it’s very best.