THE CHOW CHOW: TYPE & FUNCTIONALITY
is sometimes the result of nervousness, shyness, or cowardice, but generally reflects mental instability. This has been demonstrated to be an inherited defect, and a responsible breeder has no busi- ness perpetuating the problem by claiming it to be an acquired behavior, breeding with such an individual, or getting rid of the dog by foisting it on an unsuspecting person. A serious breeder has to accept that culling is an integral part of sound and responsible breeding practices. To recognize this defect, the eyes will have it. Rolling eyes indi- cate the dog is looking to escape. In the mature Chow with a deep- set eye, look for posture and stiff, cautious approach. This type of dog should be avoided when breeding or showing is contemplated. A young pup should be inquisitive and friendly, while the properly socialized mature Chow should be self-assured with a calm, steady gaze and normally quite aloof to strangers. When evaluating the Chow, we should always remember that it is a member of the spitz family, and its general appearance should fit that picture. Whenever it inclines toward Mastiff-like character- istics or behavior, its type is incorrect. On the other hand, the picture of Chow VIII on the preceding page shows a dog typical of the spitz family. Even though we have greatly improved the breed in the past century, we should try to maintain this elegance in appearance, the exceedingly proud car- riage of head and neck, and the impression of solidity without clod- diness. The breed should be strong, agile, well-muscled, alert, and full of life. Any suggestion that beauty was obtained at the expense of functionality is an aberration of type. The Chow Chow at its best has an arresting personality. Its proud and independent character does not suit everybody. Let us try to keep this unique breed true to type, the preserve of those who appreciate it for what it is supposed to be, rather than what the general public would like to turn it into. Do give it a thought.
We also saw a meteoric rise in numbers, with a concurrent pro- liferation of open pedigrees. The wisdom seemed to be that large numbers by themselves would ensure the chance of obtaining a few good specimens, while continued outcrossing would achieve such a mix-up of the hereditary makeup of individuals that the occur- rence of polygenic defects, such as hip dysplasia, would effectively be eliminated. However, both rationales are a sure recipe for the decline of a breed. Before there were official Standards there were contests between dogs bred to perform a particular function. The type of dog that most consistently won such contests was obviously best suited to the sought-after tasks. Therefore, the word “type” does not refer to one or more specific characteristics of a breed, but rather to the kind of animal best suited to fulfill the functions for which it was originally intended. Note the word “functions,” which indicates that correct structure, mental and physical soundness, condition, and sufficient intelligence to successfully complete their tasks are of prime importance. Beauty became a factor in assessing a dog only after the useful role of the species had become obsolete. And even though beauty has become increasingly important, disregard of type will lead to the ultimate loss of the breed. Alterations to breed type can only be justified to secure its pres- ervation within the constraints of today’s society. For instance, the original Chows were far from friendly, which was a requirement for their role as guardians in a hostile environment. It was part of the correct type. This may have been quite acceptable for the desolate areas where they came from but is totally unacceptable in a suburban environment where 95 percent of our Chows end up as pets. As breeders, it is our responsibility to root out any sign of unprovoked aggression or threatening behavior toward people. Such aggression
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mr. Paul Odenkirchen was born in the former Dutch East Indies where he was a Japanese prisoner of war for three and a half years. He then moved to Holland for his education. With his wife, Minnie, he started their Chow Chow kennel in 1957 under the MI-PAO prefix. After obtaining his degree in engineering, Minnie and Paul moved to Ontario, Canada, where they still live today. Paul was a charter member of both Canadian Chow Chow clubs and served on the Board of the “The Chow Chow Club, Inc.” (US) from 1973 to 1985, then as President for 1996 & 1997. In 1977, his Can. & Am. Ch. Mi-Pao’s Timang made it onto the front cover of The Book of the Chow Chow , written by Dr. Samuel Draper and Joan McDonald Brearley. He was also a charter member of the “Society for the Preservation of the Smooth Chow Chow.” He was elected Chairman of the Breed Standard Council for Chows in the US, which eventually resulted in a new Standard for the breed in 1986. In that capacity, Paul initiated an International Chow Chow Congress
in Giezen, Germany, in 1980, with the participation of 16 countries, including the US which was represented by Mr. Joel Marston and Dr. JoAnne O’Brien. He has been a life member of the Canadian Kennel Club and a member of several North American and European breed clubs. Paul’s first judging judging assignment was at the Bundessieger (Germany, 1979) and, in 1994, he received final approval from the Canadian KC to judge all breeds. Paul is presently the oldest active Chow breeder in Canada and, with Minnie, operated a kennel of 40 Chows until recently. They are now breeding with just under 20 Chows Chows. Paul bred a great number of litters and has breeder/owner-handled well over 100 of his dogs to their Canadian and/or American Championships, with 15 of them winning Bests in Show—the youngest of those having been a seven-month-old female. His CAN/AM CH Mi-Ki’s Cajun Spice won the World Title in Germany in 1991 and went on to place Third in the Group. Paul strongly believes in linebreeding and is well known for his consistency of type, which is widely recognized as a distinct variety within the breed. His Chows have found their way to over 30 countries on all five continents. In October 2013, the Canadian KC awarded him the title, “International Master Breeder.” Paul has written a fair number of articles for North American and foreign specialty and all-breed magazines. After 67 years, he is still active as a breeder and feature writer but, at nearly 92, he decided to end his judging and exhibiting career.
152 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2024
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