Chow Chow Update! My photos from the weekend
As many of you know, when I decided to get a new chow puppy, I called breeder Karen of Pazzazz Chow in Pennsylvania. She introduced me to Khan, a grandson of Paw Paw’s. I loved this little puppy and I had so much wanted to get him but, unfortunately, as it turns out, Khan had a heart murmur and I felt that it would be risky given the lively life the animals lead at the farm. So, we tried again and this time, I zeroed in on a real charmer called Ghenghis Khan, also closely related to Paw Paw. At nine weeks old, he looks very good. Ghenghis Khan is lively, chunky, has a good muzzle, clear eyes, a nice body, and above all is very, very friendly.
The chow chow is an ancient breed of dog with origins in China and there are a few theories about how it got its name. In Chinese, “chow†is a slang word for “edible.†Indeed, it was customary to eat dog meat in China until a 1915 law was enacted prohibiting its sale or purchase. Another belief has to do with British sailing vessels and their cargo holds called “chow chows.†When the breed was first brought to Britain, the dogs may have been called chow chows because that is where they were kept during the voyage. My housekeeper, Lily, who is from China, tells me that when translated, “chow chow†means “ugly ugly.†This may refer to the fact that these dogs, with their blue tongues, were considered ugly, but also very special, and that’s why the chow chow became the emperor’s guard dog of choice.







Martha,
What a wonderful little addition to your home! GK is SO very handsome.
I was surprised to here your pups came from here in PA. I currently have a PB cinnamon girl, Leela, who I adopted because she has hip displaysia and was not wanted by the breeder. She is a true love! And she fits right in with my other dogs -- one a 16 yo lab girl that Leela takes very good care of. I wonder what happened to the little guy Kahn with the heart problem. Wonder if he needs a home?
Posted by: Sharon Blair | December 30th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Oh MY!!!! I am totally in love with Ghenghis Khan!!!! All I want to do is bury my face in his neck!! He has the most beautiful face. You made an ideal choice and am so glad to see another Chow Chow in your house. Enjoy!!! And PS.... Please keep us updated with your wonderful pictures.
Posted by: Shirley Hawksby | December 30th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the Chow Chow update as well as information on the history of the breed. Poor little Kahn. I'm so sorry to hear of his heart murmur. You were right to decide it would be too risky to live on the farm. It must have been a heart-wrenching decision, though.
Little Ghenghis Khan and the visiting girls are so cute.
Francesca and Sharkey certainly do look put out. Of course, in addition to the "intrusion," they were also giving up their beautiful water bowl for a while. They are dears.
Thanks again for a glimpse into their lives.
I'm looking forward to future updates.
Meanwhile, enjoy all the pups and your two adorable Frenchies.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | December 30th, 2008 at 1:57 am
Dear Martha, I have been thinking of you and about getting another Chow Chow, but I truly believe you will brake up the relationship with Francesca and Sharky, as it is obvious they have a special one. It is almost like threes a crowd.
Posted by: Robyn - Aussie girl | December 30th, 2008 at 2:07 am
Oh goodness, I can almost smell the puppy breath...they are so beautiful
Posted by: Lee Montgomery-Garvin | December 30th, 2008 at 3:42 am
Congratulations on the new addition to your home!
What an adorable little fellow. Looking forward to more photos in the future.
Take care...
Posted by: Maureen | December 30th, 2008 at 3:43 am
OMGOSH - could they be any cuter?? I love GK and icy puddle girl!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing - they are heart stealers!!
L.
Posted by: Lydia | December 30th, 2008 at 3:46 am
Martha,
I read a little about the Polo's (Marco and his father and brothers). I figured that the chow chow was probably introduced as a breeding dog during the Polo's expedition. Just a guess.
I hope that this breed will continue to be a beloved gem.
Love,
Sonia
Posted by: Sonia | December 30th, 2008 at 4:43 am
Martha,
I can see the welcome committee of Francesca and Sharkey is more into cows and donkeys rather than things coming inside. Poor GK, he will never get a chance to know they are smaller than he is.
Always fun looking at your pictures and comments.
Posted by: Margie | December 30th, 2008 at 5:01 am
Any animal lover would love these pictures, Martha - I did a little cooing of my own, right out loud while "flipping thru this album"! [giggle] These little doggies look like furry little balls of badness (a term meant endearingly)...while I tho't they all seemed alike, I can plainly see that each face is different as they're growing, and they have their own personalities.
Now. Ghenghis' back-side(?)...clean is definitely key! [hearty laugh!] (I laughed out loud at this one - and your captions! - I snickered at most of them - they're very comical and quite descriptive!)
Poor Francesca and Sharkey...they look teeny-tiny in comparison to the Chow puppydoggies, and they look kind of naked, too, without all the furriness. I concur with you, Martha - with all the busy-ness and activity around your farm, it probably IS best to have a sturdy little guy running around.
What a wonderful menagerie!
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | December 30th, 2008 at 5:07 am
I don't know, Martha. . . Those girls are pretty cute, too!
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | December 30th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Beautiful dog! And I commend you for not getting the grandson of Paw Paw because of his health issue. Hard for some people to do.
I'm sure this fella will fit right in!
Posted by: Jamie | December 30th, 2008 at 5:16 am
I love your new puppy. I'll be anxious to see him growing up and getting into mischief!!
Posted by: Judy | December 30th, 2008 at 5:53 am
I laughed right out loud when I saw that first puppy photo! Delightful
Posted by: Phyllis | December 30th, 2008 at 5:59 am
What gorgeous puppies! I just want to snuggle with them looking at there soft fluffy coats! I hope Sharkey and Francesca recovered from their jealousy when they got their kitchen back. I suppose we can't blame them for being curious though. If someone were sticking there nose in my golden bowl I'd have something to say about it too. LOL! Happy New Year Martha!
Posted by: Kari | December 30th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Oh my gosh, cute overload!!!! How adorable. I love Genghis Khan, such a ham in front of the camera. Francesca and Sharkey have to get use to the new kid in the house. Lots of happiness with your new pup!
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | December 30th, 2008 at 6:14 am
WHAT a cutie!
Posted by: Two Pretzels | December 30th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Martha,
You have a very cute puppy. Puppies are so much fun. It's been a while since we've had a puppy at our house we go our current dog from a Garage Sale w/ carrying case for free and that was 8 years ago. I have a blog on myspace.com/koreanteacher I kept while I was an ESL Teacher in South Korea. Although I loved it there; I missed my family and came home. Now I'm a subsitute teacher not sure what I should do next. I don't blog anymore because there is nothing new to report. My life is at a stand sill. Well enjoy your new addition.
Posted by: Kelly Witz | December 30th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Oh Martha he's beautiful!!
Posted by: Mama Bear | December 30th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Hi Martha, Once again, you made my day! Thank you so very much for these precious photos of Ghenghis Khan and the three little females! They are all absolutely darling! From the photos and comments, it almost sounds like you want one of the girls, too?! I can see how Francesca and Sharkey are a little put out by new doggies invading their territory. I can just see them sniffing the area after they leave. Will Ghenghis be staying with you now? Sure hope so! Can't wait for the next set of photos. Thanks so much for sharing. Hug all of those babies include your two girls. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 30th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Could anything be cuter than chow chow puppies!! Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you to have another chow around the house. I love everything about them, their plush fur coats, the blue tongues, their stilted gait, their independent nature. I still miss ours everyday. Thanks for the update and all the great photos. I hope you all enjoy many happy years together. I'm sure Francesca and Sharky will love him too.
Posted by: Debbie Panton | December 30th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Is there a reason you are choosing a male ?Do they get along better with other dogs ?
Posted by: Isabel | December 30th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Beautiful puppies Martha! Either one of them will make a fantastic addition to your gorgeous furry family! take care, Marti C.
Posted by: Marti C. | December 30th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Oh my gosh! How cute are they? We are an Akita loving family and just this year added a Rottweiler puppy. (Only because we knew the mom and dad) What a riot it is to have a puppy again. GK is a love bug - I'm sure you'll be happy with him!
Posted by: pamela | December 30th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Oh my gosh, where do I get one of those sweethearts? My little furry girl Bella would love to have a friend to play with! Poor Francesca and Sharky, they look so sad but I'm sure they will enjoy the new family members. Please give them all a hug and kiss for me and Happy New Year to you and your friends and family.
Looking forward to future to new blogs, episodes and ideas,
Teresa H.
Posted by: Teresa H. | December 30th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Martha, I hope your show never goes off the air. You have brought so much to so may of us. My friend and I made a cake from one of your recipes, yum. The dog pictures are great. Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Thacker | December 30th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
My friend made a cake from one of your recipes and it was wonderful. I hope you never go off the air. The dogs pictures are wonderful. Keep up the good work, we need to be inspired.Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Thacker | December 30th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I wish I could have them all
Posted by: Elvedin | December 30th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Martha,
Your new puppy is so beautiful! I am sure he will add so much joy to life on the farm. Congratulations! Thank you for sharing so many heartwarming personal antedotes with us as well as your delicious recipes and creativity.
Happy New Year!
Mona S.
Bidwell OH
Posted by: Mona | December 31st, 2008 at 6:37 am
What a sweet face! I have been baking cookies like crazy--from your recipes--and Im going to make some bellinis today! Do check out my blog--JuliusSpeaks.blogspot.com!
Posted by: Brandon | December 31st, 2008 at 8:12 am
Happy New Year Martha,
Great pics of the "new" little man....
Enjoy!
Posted by: Paula | December 31st, 2008 at 11:18 am
Love it!
Posted by: bernadette | December 31st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Hi, Martha it looks like thats the one you need,its cute and cuddly,its healthy and stocky and i bet it will make you happy ,love Michelle Giles
Posted by: Michelle Giles | January 1st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Hi Martha
How are you? Wishing you a great 2009, and hoping that your Christmas was a lovely one.
The new fur addition to your family is just gorgeous, and I am sure he will fit in nicely with the rest of your fur family.
Kind regards,
Trudy Adamson
Australia
Posted by: Trudy Adamson | January 1st, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Having owned Chow Chows myself, I can certainly see that this is indeed a magnificent puppy! My sincere congratulations and best wishes for a happy, long life together!! Chows are wonderful!
Posted by: Pamela | January 2nd, 2009 at 7:23 am
Dear Martha: What a beautiful little puppy! It is amazing, the Silkie Chickens also originated from China, and they too have blue skin and beaks just like the Chows'blue tongues. My buff Silkie Chicken, Buffy had the same beautiful coloring as your new puppy. Congratulations and Best Wishes!
Posted by: CherylBriard | January 2nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Martha, I remember the day you choose the new baby on your show...How sweet. I love my little poodle - and he loves the children so much. I dont know how you have the time to do all you do - You are such a wonderful person and so wonderful to all the animals ...wow my hats off to you ...you go girl...Have a happy day and drop by to visit my blog with my mom and myself.
http://raggedyrhonda.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rhonda | January 2nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
THE PUPPY IS ADORABLE, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN ALL THREE. I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU COULD LET THE OTHER TWO GO. I WANT A PUPPY SO BAD, BUT MY HUSBAND WON'T LET ME GET ONE. WE TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH FROM PEABODY MA. TO EDINA MN. IT WOULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR US TO SHIP A PUPPY BACK AND FORTH. I HOPE YOU KEEP US POSTED WITH PICTURES, LOVE, CLAIRE
Posted by: CLAIRE PONCIUS | January 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 am
Martha,
Genghis is too cute for words. Congrats on your new puppy!! May you both live a happy and joyful life together on the farm!
Makes me now seriously think of owning a Chow! After seeing your's for years, I am thinking of getting one! My Yorkies though like Francesca and Sharkey would probably jealous bark too if they were on the other side of the fence! LOL
Have fun with that cutie pie!
Paula M.
Posted by: Paula M. :) | January 5th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Martha! I also have one of Paw Paw's grandchildren. Her name is Bebop and she is 3 years old. I flew all the way from Texas to get her from Karen. And I LOVE HER!!!! You were the one who inspired me to get one and I have never regretted it. Thanks so much for always having your animals on TV. I only wished I could have gotten to meet Paw Paw in person he was one of a kind. xoxo
Posted by: Joel Quinones | January 8th, 2009 at 4:54 am
That's a BEAR!
Posted by: Norbie of Las Vegas | January 10th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Martha,
Little Genghis is too cute. Our little red Chow, Summit, is 6 months old now. He is so much fun and we adore him. I can't wait to see more of Genghis as he gets older - love the dark muzzle!
Posted by: Jen | January 13th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I like your photos. You take all of them yourself? You are very good at it. I live in PA really close to Bedford and Bedford Springs Hotel. That name must be a popular one. I am surprised to not see snow where you are. It has been snowing quite a lot here.
I love your show. I also like your blog. Good work.
Posted by: Evangeline Munyan | January 19th, 2009 at 7:43 am
martha, I am so glad you have so many different animals at your home. I know they are well loved and they love you back.It takes a special kind of a person to do this and you are a good role model to a lot of people. Keep up the good work.. I watch your show and will try to get tickets when it gets warmer up there.Thanks for keeping your Tv programs for all ages. regards, Marion, from Florida
Posted by: marion corvasce | January 30th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
hi martha! your chow chow is so cute! i wish i could have one like yours... but here in the philippines chow chow are so expensive.... do you breed them? if you have extra puppies i would like to adopt it... hehehe.... can i ask? if i would like to adopt one i have to pay also? please email me at churva_makyu@yahoo.com for your suggestion about adopting puppies.
Posted by: dhale | February 5th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
i watched your show this afternoon about dogs so i visit your website coz i like to have a puppy like yours, i want to adopt one chow chow if you have extra puppy,.,... =]
Posted by: dhale | February 5th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
hi martha...
its so nice to see your Genghis ...
its so cute it looks like my favorite teddy bear...how i wish i could have a chow chow like yours..
took good care of your pets cause its so nice to have pet in a home..it will make you feel better when you see it..
tc olweiz..
from:jhoyz c:
Posted by: jhoyz | February 5th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Hi Martha,
I just read your twitter about the horrible explosion. I am so sorry for your loss. Your love for animals is but one of the many things I admire about you, and I will be sending you and everyone else effected by this horrible accident, my best wishes and deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Nancy in Denton, TX
Posted by: Nancy | March 7th, 2009 at 5:11 am
Dear Martha,
My love is with you on the death of Genghis.
Pru
Posted by: Pru | March 7th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Martha...
I too have recently lost a Chow dog. My Sophie was a blue and was a wonderful companion for over 15 years. I miss her terribly. My heart goes out to you for your loss.
I have been searching for another Chow because of my love for the breed and decided on one from Majesty Chows. I pick up my cream colored Maya at the end of the month.
I know you will keep a spot open in your heart for another from this amazing breed. And my thoughts and prayers are with Karen for her tremendous loss as well.
Posted by: Mary Jurkonis | May 12th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Love your puppy. We're on our 2nd Chow Chow. Both are great dogs. Sweet, loving, smart and easy to train. Our first Chow (Cinnamon) was the best dog we ever had. The second one (Lei Ling) we got from a rescue when she was 6 months old. We'd do it again. Please keep info coming on puppy
Posted by: Lyniece Salvatore | June 17th, 2009 at 10:14 am