Originally posted by jenluckenbach

Our shop does not refuse any breed on that basis alone, but I know that some do. Chows are a very common type of dog to get refused. Chows, even the best tempermented ones, do not like the type of things that groomers need to do. Brushing is especially NOT well tolerated by them. Combine that with the fact that 99% of pet owners do not know how to properly brush their pets, so by the time they come to us it is a long grueling experience for the pet.
Now I don't wish to hear "I brush my dog" or "My dog doesn't have any mats". I hear it all the time and with the matted pet standing right in front of us. Until you've done it PROPERLY you will never know just how much hard work is involved.
I've only done a bath and brush on 2 chows.....and both were horribly matted.....and both were GREAT dogs. And both had owners that actually realized that their dogs were indeed very matted, and were willing to pay for me to spend all day brushing them out. I've done a few other chow mixes and all of them were very good.

That said.......I agree with what Jen said, applying to all breeds of dogs, not just chows. I don't know HOW many times I've had people look right at me and say their dogs are "not matted, we brush our dog" and it takes me hours to brush them out. What do you brush your dog with, a toothbrush? As well as "my dog doesn't bite" and I have to muzzle them. I truely appreciate people who realize what condition their dogs are in and the temperament they may have. And I know PTers keep their dogs in great shape so you are all the examples of *good* dog owners!

don't know why but I was thinking a big dog bit her. It was just in my mind for some reason. When I got another appointment I went in and asked her what kind of dog bit her and she told me it was a Cairn Terrier. I couldn't believe it. Toto? Toto bit you? She told me sometimes it's just the temperment of the dog and not the breed.
I've been bitten by dogs were it bled 3 times.......twice by chihuahuas and the other was the poodle from hell!

I'm not saying that he wouldn't bite in a grooming situation, I don't know that. But he is so friendly and loves to be brushed, he loves any sort of attention. I'm not disagreeing with jen or micki. However, I do think it's wroing to judge all dogs on what breed they are mixed with. He's not poofy like a chow, we use a shedding blade and a slicker brush on him. He's been really patient with us up to this point while we've been brushing him. He just lays down and takes a nap.
I also think it's wrong to judge dogs on what breed they are or mixed with. But if somebody has a grooming shop and that's what they want to do, it's their choice. What I said earlier about maybe not saying he was a chow mix was just because, like you said, he's not "poofy like a chow" so his coat would not be the same to groom. I bet Guiness will do great! If he's friendly with strangers, and loves to be brushed, I bet there will be no problem. Good luck with your appointment on friday! Let us know how it goes!