The Lion of the Orient in the Pearl of the Orient

By: James Nikko Hosana

PCCI Chow Chow Specialist Judge, Breeder, & Exhibitor

In the high-octane environment of a Philippine Canine Club Inc. (PCCI) dog show, the air is thick with the scent of hairspray, the hum of high-velocity dryers, and the focused energy of handlers. Amidst this chaos, there is one breed that remains an island of tranquility: the Chow Chow. With their scowling expressions and dignified bearing, they don’t just walk into a ring; they hold court.

To bring you the most authentic look at the breed, I sat down with three cornerstones of the Philippine Chow community: Lloyd Ybanez of Royal Paws Kingdom (Cebu), Chris and Margarita Villareal (alongside Hanna Wong and Joef Salazar) of Sangre Real (Quezon City), and Pamela Dy of Grandis Chows (Angeles City).

1. The Spark that Ignited a Legacy

The Question: Most people remember the exact second they realized a Chow wasn't just a pet, but a passion. What was that specific moment for you?

For these enthusiasts, the transition from owner to devotee was a profound shift. Lloyd Ybanez recalls meeting his first Chow, Baibrix, during a low season in his life. Baibrix wasn't just a pet; he was emotional support while Lloyd transitioned from a seafaring career to business school. For Pamela Dy, it was love at first sight with Libby, a puppy given by her uncle. Though she was showing Siberian Huskies, Libby drew her into the world of Chows in 1998. At Sangre Real, the "click" happened when they entered their first puppy, Frosty, in a show for fun. His "Best Baby Puppy" win gave them a new purpose: to uplift breed standards in the Philippines.

2. Lions, Teddy Bears, or Something More?

The Question: What is the biggest myth about Chows that you believed before you owned one, which you now find hilarious?

Lloyd laughs at the persistent idea that Chows are aggressive and unfriendly. "In reality," he says, "well-bred Chows are sweet, gentle, active, playful, and affectionate." Pamela agrees, finding the "ferocious" label hilarious compared to the dignified reality of her dogs. Chris and Margarita once thought they were just "cute and cuddly teddy bears," but have since discovered they are majestic, serious creatures with a strong guarding instinct and a deep protective streak for their families.

3. Sanctuary on the Grooming Table

The Question: Describe your "headspace" during a long grooming session. Is it a chore, or is it where you bond most with your dog?

Grooming a Chow is a marathon, but our experts find peace in the process. Lloyd views it as a relaxing, stress-relieving routine where he bonds most with his dogs. Pamela describes it as a mental escape: "The only time I feel mentally relaxed is when I'm bathing the dogs. I can't be disturbed." At Sangre Real, the team sees it as a "spa day" that fills their hearts, especially with the help of their dedicated groomer, Ate Nene Altobar.

4. The "Secret Weapons" of the Pros

The Question: What is one grooming tool or technique you feel is criminally underrated by novices?

• Lloyd’s Secret: Misting the coat. "Most beginners brush a dry coat, which causes breakage. A light water mist reduces static and protects the hair shaft."
• Pamela’s Mandate: Line combing. She insists on never brushing dry and ensuring the comb reaches the skin through every layer of fluff.
• Sangre Real’s Choice: Human expertise. They credit the skill of Ate Nene Altobar as their most vital "tool" in the grooming room.
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5. Sacrificing Sleep for Standards

The Question: How do you balance "Chow time" with "Human life"? Give us a realistic look at your Saturday morning routine before a big show.

Balancing the two is a labor of love. Lloyd starts his mornings with 15-minute walks for potty and muscle development before diving into grooming. Pamela dedicates the entire day before a show to the dogs, prepping all shampoos and tools the night before. Chris and Margarita have a well-oiled machine: packing bait, loading crates, and boarding the "Chow Mobile" early in the morning with eager dogs.

6. The Architect’s Challenge: Breeding for Perfection

The Question: Which specific part of the FCI standard do you find the most challenging—yet most rewarding—to achieve in your breeding program?

Lloyd focuses on the elusive combination of correct proportion and the true "Chow expression." "Improving one trait can affect the other," he notes, "so it requires long-term vision." For Sangre Real, the philosophy is "movement first, the rest follows." Pamela finds the stilted gait to be the ultimate challenge and her top priority.

7. Poetry in Motion: The Stilted Gait

The Question: How much weight do you give to the unique "stilted" gait when selecting your keepers?

There is no compromise here. Lloyd makes the stilted gait his top priority because it reflects correct structure and balance. "When the movement is right, the foundation is right," he explains. Pamela echoes this, stating that the stilted gait is "priority #1" in her selection process.

8. The Final Countdown: 30 Seconds to Glory

The Question: What is the very last thing you do or check 30 seconds before you step into the ring?

Lloyd focuses on his own energy: "I calm myself and relax. When I’m calm, my dog feels it too." Pamela ensures the dog has "done its business" to avoid accidents and gives a final brush-through. For Sangre Real, it’s about the emotional connection, ensuring the dog feels loved and appreciated regardless of the ribbon.

9. The Apples of Our Eye

The Question: Who is the current "Apple of your Eye" in your kennel? If this dog could talk, what would they say?

• Livron (Lloyd): Lloyd admires his effortless movement. Livron would say: "Thank you for believing in me... and please don't forget my reward!"
• Hibiki (Pamela): Currently the pride of Grandis. Hibiki would say: "I need more treats and you need to spoil me more!"
• Lucas, Luc, and Rojo (Sangre Real): The current champions of the kennel. Their message? "You’re all doing a good job being Chow parents."
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10. Beyond the Ribbons: Victories of the Heart

The Question: Tell us about a win that wasn't necessarily a "Best in Show," but meant the most to you personally.

Lloyd recalls Livron’s Best of Breed win at the Philippine Circuit under FCI President Tamás Jakkel. Despite being "out of coat" and in the junior class, the judge chose him for his effortless movement. Pamela points to Damien (Grandis Aint Behavin For U) from her first litter, who won BISS at a young age and beat top competition, including his own sire. For Sangre Real, the entire journey would not have come to fruition without the foundation of Frosty.

11. The Harsh Truth of the Ring

The Question: If a first-time owner wanted to start exhibiting tomorrow, what is the one "harsh truth" you’d tell them?

Lloyd is practical: "Dog showing is an expensive hobby. Be ready to work harder to support the passion." Pamela adds a dose of reality: "The dog show world is not for the weak of heart. Remember, there are no permanent friends or enemies—only the pursuit of the perfect dog." Chris and Margarita advise: "Study the breed. Attend the shows. You can’t win them all."

A Bond Truly "Best in Show"

Ultimately, stepping into the ring is about more than just matching the standard; it is about showcasing the dignity, the good-hearted spirit, and the quiet devotion that defines this ancient breed. While the world sees the iconic blue tongue, we see the months of meticulous grooming, the thousands of hours of training, and a bond that is truly "Best in Show." Every "King of the Mane" we present is a labor of love, a testament to the fact that beauty takes time, but this partnership is worth every single brushstroke.

Featured Contributors:

• Lloyd Ybanez (Royal Paws Kingdom, Cebu)
• Chris & Margarita Villareal, Hanna Wong, Joef Salazar (Sangre Real, Quezon City)
• Pamela Dy (Grandis Chows, Angeles City)