Chows are clean freaks. Chows are not jumpers due to the straight hocks on their rear legs. Chows emit a different odor than other dogs, hence the often confrontational attitudes of other dogs. If your Chow has a dog smell after being in the rain, the chow needs to see a vet. Healthy Chows do not smell like a dog.
Chows are meticulous dogs.
A Chow can be trained to use a litter box. Most Chows will hold themselves for 12-15 hours rather than go in the house. And if they have an accident, they won't go near the spot until you have cleaned it up and it meets their approval. He's an idiot. I've read his book and he doesn't know the first thing about dog intelligence or behavior.