About Us
Meet the breeders
We're Olivia and Daniel Caldwell. Olivia looks after the day-to-day running of the program, from health testing and pairings to answering every email from prospective families. Daniel keeps the property running, built our whelping room, and is in charge of noise and car-ride socialisation for the puppies.
Our grown children still help out whenever they're home, and our puppies benefit from being handled by people of all ages. Friends, neighbours, and grandchildren visit often, so our puppies meet plenty of new faces before they leave for their new homes.
We are members of the Chow Chow Club and the AKC, and we continue to attend seminars and shows each year to keep learning. We are always happy to talk about the breed, whether or not you are looking for a puppy from us.
About the Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with roots in northern China going back more than two thousand years. Historically, Chows were all-purpose dogs used for guarding, hunting, and pulling carts. Today they are cherished companions known for their loyalty and quiet dignity.
Appearance
Chows are sturdy, medium-sized dogs with a broad head, deep-set eyes, and a thick ruff around the neck that gives them their famous lion-like look. They come in two coat types, rough and smooth, and five colours: red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Every Chow has a distinctive blue-black tongue, and they move with a short, stilted gait because of their straight hind legs.
Temperament
Chows are calm, clean, and deeply devoted to their families. They are often described as cat-like because they are independent and tidy, and many are naturally easy to house-train. They tend to be reserved with strangers, so early and ongoing socialisation is important.
A Chow is not a dog that wants to please everyone. They bond closely with their own people and show affection in quiet ways. Families who value a loyal, independent companion, rather than a constantly playful one, usually find the breed a perfect fit.
Care and grooming
Rough-coated Chows need thorough brushing several times a week, and daily during shedding season. Smooth-coated Chows need less, but still benefit from regular grooming. Their thick coats make them sensitive to heat, so they need shade, fresh water, and air conditioning on hot days. Most Chows are happy with moderate exercise, such as one or two good walks a day.
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