[B.B.'s mom]

does anyone know about the chow breed? i am new to knowing about breeds so please don't yell at me, but i have heard a few bad things about them and i would love it if someone could clear it up.

1st: my father, who is in his late 70s now, was attacked by a chow when he was a small child, he had to get a gazillion stiches on the back of his head and down his back and they had no novacane back then(ouch) so needless to say he is not a fan. he still has the scars.
2: a girl that works at our local shelter got bit by a chow last year and (literally) got a chunk taken out of her hand.

an anyone enlighten me on their disposition? were these bizarre occurrences? i do seem to notice that they are not real common pets, could this be the reason?