The enigmatic Chow Chow continues to fascinate humankind with his complex, independent nature, his scowling expression, and his unmistakable purebred nobility. Whether adorned in the characteristic rough coat or a dense smooth coat, the Chow never hesitates to reveal his bluish black tongue, one of the breed’s most celebrated traits. As a show dog, the Chow cuts an impressive image: powerful, sturdy, and squarely built. Of Nordic origins, this medium-size breed was developed for various purposes, including hunting, herding, pulling carts, and protecting the home. Today’s Chows are cherished home companions for the right owners willing to put in the time to socialize and train this distinctive purebred dog. Richard G. Beauchamp, long associated with the Chow and other Non-Sporting breeds, has written an excellent primer on the Chow Chow breed, offering readers a glimpse into the breed’s mysterious past in China and his many elusive charms. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.