Chow Chow

also known as Chowdren, Chow

Pros History


The Chow Chow is a breed of dog that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. The breed's exact origins are not known, but it is believed to be one of the oldest breeds in existence. The Chow Chow has a distinctive appearance, with a thick, fluffy coat and a distinctive blue-black tongue. They are known for their independent and aloof nature.

The breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1894 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1903. The name "Chow Chow" is thought to have come from the Cantonese word "chau chau," which means "puffy-lion dog."

Historically, Chow Chows were used for a variety of purposes in China, including as hunting dogs, herding dogs, and as guards for temples and palaces. They were also used for sledding in colder regions, and as watchdogs on trading ships.

In the 19th century, Chow Chows were introduced to Europe and the United States, where they quickly became popular as companion dogs. They were also shown in dog shows and used in breeding programs to develop new breeds.

Breed Information


Type

Is Chow Chow a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Chow Chows originally used for?

Guardian, Cart Puller, Food Source

Lifespan

How Long Do Chow Chows Live? What is average life expectancy for a Chow Chow? How long can Chow Chows live?

13-15 years

The average Chow Chow lifespan is somewhere between 13-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Chow Chow Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Chow Chow?

What is the average height of a Chow Chow? How big is a Purebred Chow Chow height? Chow Chow dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 17-20 inches (43.2 - 50.8 cm) 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
Female 17-20 inches (43.2 - 50.8 cm) 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
What is the average weight of a Chow Chow? How much should Chow Chows weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 45-70 pounds (20 - 32 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Female 45-70 pounds (20 - 32 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Chow Chows get fat easily?

The Chow Chow is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Chow Chows Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Chow Chow is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Chow Chow personality? What are Chow Chow dogs best known for?

Aloof
Loyal
Intelligent
Detached
Independent
Quiet
Protective

Shedding Level

Are Chow Chows heavy shedders? How Much Does a Chow Chow Shed?

Chow Chow dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Chow Chow. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Chow Chow dog?

The Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Chow Chows come from?

China

Ancestry

What are Chow Chows descended from?

Tibetan Mastiff

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Chow Chow breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Chow Chows first bred? How old is the Chow Chow breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Chow Chow?

Non Sporting (AKC:1903)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Chow Chow Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Chow Chow eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Chow Chow nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Chow Chow coat be naturally?

Black
Red
Fawn
Cream
Blue

Coat Length

How long is a Chow Chows coat?

The coat of a Chow Chow is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Chow Chow Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Chow Chow?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Chow Chow have in a litter? How many puppies can a Chow Chow have in her first litter?

13-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Chow Chow can have a litter of 13-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Chow Chow dogs are a breed that can have difficulty adjusting to changes in lifestyle and living environments. They tend to be more comfortable in familiar and consistent surroundings.

Chow Chow Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Chow Chows have a lot of health problems?

The Chow Chow is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Chow Chow?

Entropion
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Chow Chows?

Stenotic Nares
Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Cataract
Elongated Palate
Persistent Pupillary Membrane

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Chow Chow breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Hip X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Chow Chow Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Chow Chows have a lot of energy?

Chow Chows may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Chow Chows need socialization? How social are Chow Chows?

The Chow Chow dog has below average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be independent and aloof, and they are content with spending time alone and not requiring as much interaction and companionship as other breeds.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Chow Chows get?

The Chow Chows a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Chow Chow have? Do Chow Chows sleep a lot?

The Chow Chow breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Chow Chow drool a lot?

The Chow Chow is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Chow Chow, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Chow Chows are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Chow Chows exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Chow Chow dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Chow Chows mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Chow Chow running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Chow Chow dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Chow Chows enjoy doing? How do I keep my Chow Chow busy?

Walking, Petting, 2 year, Playing, Barking, Cuddling, Gaurding, Playdate, Walk, Running, Sniffing, Chase, Play, Companionship

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Chow Chow? How much energy does a Chow Chow have?

Medium

Chow Chows are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Chow Chow walk each week? How many miles should a Chow Chow walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Chow Chow, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Chow Chow should exercise a day? How much activity does a Chow Chow need?

45 minutes

In general most Chow Chows usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Chow Chow?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Chow Chow?

Weekly

Chow Chow should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Chow Chows?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Chow Chow eat?

3 cups

For an average 45-70 pound (20 - 32 kg) Chow Chow feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Chow Chow Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Chow Chow is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Chow Chow Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Chow Chow is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Chow Chow Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Chow Chow?

The Chow Chow have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. This breed is an independent "freethinker" and gets on the dumbest dog breeds list since they can also be stubborn — training a Chow Chow is an exercise in patience.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Chow Chow dog?

Chow Chow dogs are a less sensitive breed known for their adaptability and resilience. They tend to be less affected by new environments, people and noises. They can make great companions for families or individuals looking for a balanced and less sensitive pet that are not as demanding as highly sensitive breeds.

Affection Dependance

Are Chow Chow dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Chow Chow do well in apartments? Are Chow Chows good indoor dogs?

Chow Chows are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Chow Chows good with kids? Are Chow Chows good around children?

Chow Chows are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you might want to reconsider adopting another dog as a companion.

Senior-friendly

Are Chow Chows good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Chow Chows good with cats? How friendly Chow Chows are toward cats?

Chow Chows are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Chow Chows can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Chow Chow dogs get along with other dogs? Are Chow Chows OK with other dogs?

Chow Chows are not dog friendly dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Chow Chow dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Chow Chows friendly with strangers?

Chow Chows are not stranger friendly dogs.

Playfulness

Do Chow Chows like to play? Are Chow Chows playful?

Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Chow Chow easily trained?

Chow Chow may require more time, repetition and patience to learn commands than other breeds, and can be challenging to teach new things, but with patience and consistency, they can be trained.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Independent
    Chow Chow are independent dogs that are not overly demanding of attention.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a quieter dog, this breed could be a good option as they are known for being relatively peaceful.
  • Good watchdogs
    Chow Chow are known to be protective of their owners and make excellent watchdogs.

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Chow Chow's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Chow Chows are not suited to the office environment
  • Medical conditions
    Chow Chows, like other breeds, may have a predisposition to certain health issues such as Entropion, Hip Dysplasia, Stenotic Nares, Patellar Luxation, Distichiasis, Gastric Torsion, Elbow Dysplasia, Cataract, Elongated Palate and Persistent Pupillary Membrane.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Chow Chows may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Grooming needs
    Their thick coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance.