The Chow Chow breed of dog is originally from the northern area of China, and it’s one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world. They were used as hunting, herding and working dogs. Now, nearly all of them across the globe are house dogs. It wasn’t until 1903 though that the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. They’re distinguished from other dogs by their furry double coat of hair, a tongue that’s either black or purple and stiff hind legs. They’re medium sized dogs that can weigh between 45 and 75 pounds. Chows are loyal to their human families, and they can be fiercely protective of their territory and people. Families find that over time, a Chow will gravitate to one family member as its provider and leader and seem disinterested in other family members.
Why Some Chow Chows Attack
A Chow will pack a formidable 220 pound per square inch bite. It can easily break human skin and tear into muscles, nerves and tendons. Children can be particularly vulnerable to severe and permanent injuries a Chow Chow attack. Here are a few of the reasons why the breed might display aggression:
- Training: A Chow might attack because of poor training or having been trained to attack. Starting at an early age, the dogs need to be socialized.
- Dominance: Chows have been known to attack smaller dogs or animals, children and infants.
- Defense: Like other dogs, Chows might attack when startled by family members. They’re more likely to attack when provoked by strangers.
- Territory: These attacks are typically triggered when a Chow is approached in its yard or home by somebody who it isn’t acquainted with.
- Protection: Chow Chows might seem aloof with certain family members, but they’re likely to be highly protective of them if it senses that a family member is being threatened by another person or animal.
- Food: Any dog might be disturbed if a person comes near it when it’s eating. The dog might instinctively think that the person is trying to steal its meal.
Chow Chow Attacks
A Filipina television and movie star was recently attacked by a Chow Chow and bitten on the right arm, right leg and left breast. She was hospitalized as a result of the attack. In England, a Chow leaped over a barrier fence what was too low and attacked a sleeping newborn out of apparent jealousy. In Pennsylvania, a 3-year-old girl was attacked and killed by a Chow when her parents were sleeping in another room.
Breed Specific Legislation Against Chow Chows in California
California has its own strict liability dog bite law. There are very few defenses to it, and it doesn’t matter that the owner’s dog never bit anybody before. Chow Chows have not been specifically legislated against in the State of California. It doesn’t appear as if any counties or municipalities have legislated against them either, but some homeowner or renter insurers have determined that they’re a vicious breed. On that basis, Chow Chows have been excluded from coverage by several insurance companies. Some homeowner and condominium associations have prohibited them from residing on the properties that they govern. If you’re relocating to another city, you’ll want to check with the city you’re moving to and any developments that you might be residing at about any dog restrictions that might be in effect. You might also want to check into any special liability insurance for your dog.
Contact a California Dog Bite Attorney
After you or a family member were attacked and injured by a Chow Chow anywhere in California, get medical attention right away and then contact the California dog bite lawyers at Maison Law immediately after that. We offer free consultations and case reviews to dog bite victims. You can tell us how the attack happened and how it has affected you or your family member. We’re going to answer your questions and advise you of all of your legal options too. Remember that California is a strict liability dog bite state, so the law operates in the victim’s favor. Contact our dog bite lawyer after being injured in any dog attack anywhere in California.
