Chow Chow at a Glance: Quick Facts

Temperament

Independent, loyal, dignified, protective, often aloof with strangers, can be stubborn.

Height

17-22 inches (male & female)

Weight

44-71 pounds (male & female)

Lifespan

9-15 years

Grooming Needs

High (daily/weekly brushing, professional grooming recommended)

Exercise Level

Low to Moderate (daily walks, short bursts of activity)

Good With

Devoted to family, can be wary of strangers and other pets; early socialization is crucial.

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Shedding Level

High (double-coated, sheds year-round, heavier seasonally)

The Soul of a Chow Chow: Temperament and Personality

Fluffy red Chinese Chow Chow dog on grass

The Chow Chow is renowned for its distinctly independent and dignified personality, often described as cat-like in its self-cleaning habits and quiet disposition. These regal canines are highly intelligent and devoted to their owners and families, forming deep, lasting bonds. Unlike many dog breeds, Chow Chows don’t typically seek constant attention or effusive displays of affection; they are often a little aloof, preferring to be near their loved ones rather than directly in their lap.

This independent streak means they can be stubborn during training, requiring an owner who understands their unique mindset and is willing to invest patience, consistency, and confidence. They are naturally protective and can be suspicious of strangers and even other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Their watchful nature makes them excellent guard dogs, instinctively protecting their territory and loved ones. While they are affectionate with their immediate families, they often retain a wariness of outsiders. Early and consistent socialization from puppyhood is absolutely critical to help curb these tendencies and ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults, minimizing the risk of aggressive behavior towards unfamiliar people or pets. A well-socialized Chow Chow is a calm, respectful, and profoundly loyal companion.

Is a Chow Chow Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?

Bringing a Chow Chow into your home is a commitment to understanding and respecting their unique nature. They are not the right fit for everyone, but for the right family, they offer unparalleled loyalty and a quiet companionship.

A Chow Chow is an ideal companion for:

Individuals or families who appreciate an independent and dignified canine companion that doesn’t constantly demand attention.

Owners willing to commit to early and extensive socialization to ensure their Chow Chow is comfortable with new experiences, people, and other pets.

Those prepared for consistent and patient training, understanding that a Chow Chow’s intelligence comes with a stubborn streak.

Households looking for a protective and alert watchdog.

You might want to reconsider a Chow Chow if:

You are a first-time dog owner, as their independent and often stubborn nature can be challenging for novices.

You desire a highly affectionate, cuddly, or overtly friendly dog that greets everyone with enthusiasm.

You expect your dog to be immediately friendly and outgoing with all strangers and other animals without significant effort on your part..

You live in a hot climate and cannot provide consistent access to cool, air-conditioned environments.

Caring for Your Chow Chow: Needs & Recommendations

Caring for a Chow Chow involves understanding their specific requirements for diet, exercise, grooming, and training to ensure they lead a happy and healthy life.

Diet & Nutrition

Like all breeds, Chow Chows thrive on a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Look for dog foods that list real meat as the first ingredient. Given their tendency towards a lower activity level, it’s essential to monitor their caloric intake to prevent obesity. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best portion sizes and feeding schedule for your individual Chow Chow, and always ensure fresh water is available.

Exercise Requirements

Despite their thick build, Chow Chows are generally low-energy dogs. Daily walks and some light activities are usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs. It’s crucial, however, to ensure they get enough regular exercise to prevent them from becoming “couch potato dogs.” Due to their double coat and brachycephalic (snub-nosed) structure, Chow Chows are highly prone to overheating. When exercising, especially in warmer weather, keep a close eye on them, work in short bursts, and take frequent breaks. Consider exercising during cooler parts of the day, and be aware of their sensitivity to heat, which can make it difficult to get them back inside if there’s snow to burrow into. Using safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs, such as avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat, is paramount.

 

Grooming

Chow Chows are one of the fluffiest dog breeds and require significant grooming due to their dense double coats. They come in two coat types: rough and smooth. The rough coat features feathering on the legs and tail with a distinct ruff around the neck, while the smooth coat lacks these features. Both types shed year-round, with heavier shedding occurring seasonally as they blow their undercoat.

Brushing a few times a week is necessary to prevent mats and keep their coat healthy, increasing to daily brushing during peak shedding seasons. Professional grooming every couple of months and occasional baths are sufficient. Beyond coat care, regular maintenance of their nails, ears, and teeth is vital. Nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly to prevent overgrowth. Weekly ear checks and gentle cleanings as needed can help prevent infections. Daily teeth brushing, supplemented by professional vet cleanings, is crucial for preventing painful dental diseases later in life. Getting your Chow Chow used to having their paws, mouth, and ears handled from an early age will make these necessary grooming tasks much easier and more positive for both of you.

Training & Socialization

Chow Chows are highly intelligent but can be independent and stubborn during training. They may simply choose not to respond if they don’t see the point or aren’t motivated. Training a Chow Chow demands a strong bond, immense patience, unwavering consistency, and confident leadership. They are not generally recommended for novice owners, and professional assistance with obedience training is highly recommended. Early socialization is paramount for Chow Chows. Introducing them to various people, sights, sounds, and other animals from puppyhood helps to mitigate their natural wariness of strangers and potential dominance towards other dogs (especially those of the same sex). Without proper socialization, their protective instincts can develop into aggressive behaviors.

Health & Lifespan: What to Expect

Chow Chows are generally healthy dogs, typically living for 9 to 15 years on average. However, like all breeds, they are predisposed to certain health conditions that prospective owners should be aware of. Potential health concerns can include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia (malformations of the hip and elbow joints), patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), thyroid issues, eye problems such as entropion (inward-rolling eyelids), and cardiac issues.

Reputable breeders prioritize the health of their breeding dogs and will screen them for these preventable issues. They conduct health tests and obtain clearances for conditions like cardiac health, elbow and hip evaluations, ophthalmologist evaluations, and thyroid tests. When choosing a Chow Chow puppy, always discuss the health and genetic history of both parents with the breeder to ensure you are bringing home the healthiest possible companion.

The History of the Chow Chow: From China to Your Home

chow chow (2 years old)

The Chow Chow is one of the most ancient canine breeds, with genetic testing supporting its origins thousands of years ago in northern China. It is believed that these distinctive dogs were companions to ancient Mongolian cultures and are even thought to be ancestors to many modern spitz-type dog breeds. Historical records suggest the Chow Chow was utilized by the Emperor of the Chinese Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago for guarding personal possessions and as a hunting breed.

The breed’s unique name, “Chow Chow,” was coined by British merchants who brought the dogs back to England in the 18th century, referring to miscellaneous cargo on their ships. The Chow Chow gained official recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1903, becoming a member of the Non-Sporting Group, and grew significantly in popularity in the United States by the 1920s. Notably, Chow Chows even made their way to the White House, serving as family pets for President Calvin Coolidge. This breed also held a special place in the heart of Martha Stewart, who owned several and often featured them on her TV show, solidifying their place in pop culture.

Meet Our Available Chow Chow Puppies

Ready to find your new best friend? Explore our current selection of healthy, ethically-bred Chow Chow puppies. Each puppy comes from responsible breeders and is ready to bring joy and loyal companionship to their new forever home.

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Morkie – Zebria

$2,350.00
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Morkie – Zeke

$2,350.00
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Maltipoo – Benji

$2,300.00
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Maltipoo – Caramel

$2,300.00
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Maltipoo – Tucker

$2,300.00
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AKC Golden Retriever – Dorthey

$2,250.00
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AKC Golden Retriever – Violet

$2,250.00
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Pomeranian – Colan

$2,250.00
View all Available Puppies

 

Find a Chow Chow Near You

PuppyGuyz offers nationwide delivery, but if you’re looking for Chow Chow puppies closer to home, check out availability in these major states:

Looking for a Chow Chow puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:

Pennsylvania

Ohio

New York

California

Florida

Texas

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Your Comprehensive Chow Chow FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Chow Chow breed:

Are Chow Chows good family dogs?

Chow Chows are deeply devoted and loyal to their immediate families. While they may be aloof with strangers, with proper early socialization, they can form strong, affectionate bonds with their human companions.

Are Chow Chows good with children and other pets?

Their “Kid/Pet Friendly” rating is often listed as “sometimes.” Chow Chows can be protective and sometimes territorial. Introducing them to children and other pets during puppyhood with careful supervision and positive experiences is essential. Without early socialization, they can be wary of unfamiliar animals and people.

How big is a Chow Chow dog?

Chow Chow dogs typically stand between 17 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. Males generally weigh from 55 to 71 pounds, while females can weigh from 44 to 60 pounds.

Do Chow Chow dogs shed a lot?

Yes, Chow Chows are considered heavy shedders. They have a dense double coat and will shed year-round, with shedding becoming even heavier during seasonal changes as they “blow” their undercoat.

Are Chow Chows hypoallergenic dogs?

No, Chow Chows are not considered hypoallergenic. Their heavy double coat sheds a significant amount of dander, which is the primary trigger for allergies in sensitive individuals.

What are the grooming needs for a Chow Chow?

Chow Chows have high grooming needs. They require brushing a few times a week, and daily brushing during seasonal shedding. Regular professional grooming (every couple of months) is also recommended. In addition to coat care, you’ll need to trim their nails once or twice monthly, check and clean their ears weekly, and brush their teeth daily to prevent dental issues.

Are Chow Chows active dogs?

Chow Chows are generally low-energy dogs. While they are active, they do not require extensive exercise. Daily walks and some light activity are usually sufficient to keep them content and healthy.

How long do Chow Chow dogs live?

The average lifespan for a Chow Chow is typically between 9 to 15 years.

What are common health problems in Chow Chows?

Chow Chows can be prone to certain health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, thyroid issues, eye problems (like entropion), and certain cardiac concerns. Reputable breeders will screen for these conditions to ensure healthy puppies.

Can a Chow Chow be a service dog?

Typically, Chow Chows are not the best candidates for service dogs due to their independent, aloof, and often stubborn nature. Their strong will can make extensive obedience training challenging. However, with very early, consistent, and specialized training, it might be possible for a Chow Chow puppy to become a service dog.

Are Chow Chows good guard dogs?

Yes, Chow Chows make excellent guard dogs. They possess a dominant and instinctive protective nature, being very wary of strangers and intensely loyal to their loved ones. Their unassuming looks can sometimes belie their strong guarding instincts.