Mucuchies vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Mucuchies vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonChow Chow is originated from China but Mucuchies is originated from Venezuela. Chow Chow may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Mucuchies. Chow Chow may weigh 29 kg / 63 pounds lesser than Mucuchies. Both Chow Chow and Mucuchies has almost same life span. Both Chow Chow and Mucuchies has same litter size. Chow Chow requires High Maintenance. But Mucuchies requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Working dog
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China
Venezuela
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
51 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
46 - 61 kg
101 - 135 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
47 - 57 kg
103 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Paramo's dog , Venezuelan Sheepdog Dog of Páramos ( Snowy (Nevado)
Colors Available:
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
all white or white with spots of other colors
Coat:
double thick and coarse
short coats smooth, medium-haired double coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chow chowNorthern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.

It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.

Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.

mucuchiesThe Mucuchies are a breed born in the Venezuelan mountains, in the late 1700s. They are rare today but were popular in the mountains for hundreds of years. They are believed to be a cross between the dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 14th and 15th centuries and the local dogs. However, by the 1960s this rare breed was close to extinction.

Bred primarily as herders and watchdogs, their ancestry likely included the Algerian Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, the Great Pyrenees, and the Atlas Shepherd, otherwise known as the Aidi. The early development of the Mucuchies is attributed to Wilender Ferrari, DVM. At the time, Simon Boliva was fighting for Venezuelan independence in the city of Mucuchies. He adopted a member of the breed and named it for the city. The name stuck as the name for the breed.

Later in this timeframe, the Mucuchies was crossbred with the Pyrenean Mastiffs that friars brought to the Andes from their monasteries. With them, they also brought the sheep for the dogs to herd and guard. During the 1920s the breed spread throughout the country, but by the beginning of the 1960s there was a major decline in the breed. This was partly due to changes in culture and lifestyle in the Andes.

In 1961 a Mucuchies club was formed for the breed preservation and the breed was formally named the National Dog of Venezuela. The club was disbanded in the mid-1960’s and this led the breed to the edge of extinction. By 2008 there was another major push to save the breed. This effort came from the government who wanted to preserve the breed. In 2008, they created the Fundacion Nevado and sent six Mucuchies to the Waraira Repano Cable Car System in the El Avila National Park so that the dogs would be in a climatic environment as similar to the Andes mountain as possible. This was successful and the program was increased by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

As the breed continued to develop the shepherding instincts were lost and the guarding aspects were strengthened. This left today’s Mucuchies as a breed of gentle, active dogs with strong characters and a loving disposition. They are gentle with their families but protective and aggressive with strangers. They are the only native breed of Venezuela and currently, there are programs in the mountains to re-establish and strengthen them.

In addition to their name for the town of Mucuchie, the breed is also called the Paramo’s Dog or the Snowy. These programs exist because in Venezuela they are near extinction once again. This is the result of inbreeding and more cross-breeding, this time with larger dogs like St. Bernards. Thus, the continued efforts by the Nevado Foundation with the assistance of the government to restore the original Mucuchies breed to Venezuela.

Description

chow chow puppy - descriptionThe Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.

These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.

mucuchies puppy - descriptionThe appearance of the Mucuchies is that of a breed of large dogs who stand two feet at the shoulder and can weight one hundred pounds. They have a deep chest, heads that are wedge-shaped and skulls shaped like domes. Their muzzles are straight, and their nostrils are large on their black nose. The Mucuchies have dark eye and eyelids along with ears that are triangular in shape and medium in size. Their lips are black but this and he has a well-developed ruff.

They are large, sturdy dogs with a grand appearance and tremendous energy. Their neck is strong, short and very muscular with wide shoulders and a straight back. The tail is much longer than their hocks and it is shaped like a fan and he raises it when he is alerted. They have a short, thick coat and most are white or white with gray, honey or black. This is a very attractive breed.

Characteristics

chow chow dog - characteristicsLoyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.

They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.

Children friendliness

mucuchies dog - characteristicsGood with children and very good with their own families. Might be a little standoffish with others.

Special talents

They no longer have the strong herding instinct but are outstanding guard dogs.

Adaptability

Yes but need land to run in. Don’t put this giant dog in an apartment. You will both be miserable.

Learning ability

Very intelligent and their ability and willingness to learn is very good.

Health Problems

chow chow puppies - health problemsAlthough an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:

Eyelid Entropion

This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.

Hip Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Stomach Cancer

Ear Infections

Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.

mucuchies puppies - health problemsBecause of their rarity and somewhat isolation, they do not have many genetic health concerns. They do however face at least a couple of the issues that most large dogs face.

Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia

This can be a serious issue for such a large dog. It can cause arthritis and lameness.

Accidents

This might be the biggest threat to the Mucuchies’ health. They are big dogs and if they injury limbs it can be quite serious.

Bloat

The distension or inversion of the stomach and intestines is potentially fatal and must be treated immediately. Large dogs are prone to bloat and feeding schedules can go a long way in preventing it.

Caring The Pet

chow chow dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues include:

Glaucoma

This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.

Juvenile Cataracts

These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.

Lymphoma

Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.

Diabetes

Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.

Hot Spots/Allergies/Melanoma

Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.

Exercise and games

The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.

Feeding the puppy

mucuchies dogs - caringAs mentioned in health concerns, feeding appropriately is critical to the Mucuchies’ health. Puppies need a high quality, large breed dry food 2-3 times per day at ½ cup each time. Don’t overfeed. Don’t exercise before or after eating to prevent bloat.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mucuchies should eat at least twice a day for a total of two and one-half cups. So, you might feed one and ¼ cup at each meal. Again, it is critically important that you don’t overfeed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise and don’t let your Mucuchies eat too quickly in order to avoid bloat.

Points for Good Health

This is a large dog with generally very good health. His stamina and heart will impress you.

Games and Exercises

The Mucuchies is not an active inside dog, but he is a large dog that needs daily exercise. They need to be able to run or at least to trot. A large yard or dog bark is necessary. However, this big, double coated dog hates the hot weather and needs a cooler climate. Winter is fine with him. Don’t overwork them while they are growing. Walks are the best exercise for this breed.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Chow Chow vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  29. Chow Chow vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Chow Chow vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chow Chow vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Chow Chow vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Chow Chow vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Chow Chow vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Chow Chow vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Chow Chow vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chow Chow vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Chow Chow vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Chow Chow vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Chow Chow vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chow Chow vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chow Chow vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chow Chow vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chow Chow vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chow Chow vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chow Chow vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Chow Chow vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Chow Chow vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Chow Chow vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Chow Chow vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison