Chow Chow Dog
Chow Chow dogs are an ancient breed of dog and one of the oldest known breeds. The breed originated in China over 8,000 years ago and remains a popular breed today.
Historically, Chow Chows have been used as war dogs, sled dogs, hunting and guard dogs by past emperors. Today, their loyal and laid-back nature makes them fantastic family pets.
Chow Chows are best suited to experienced dog owners. They are highly intelligent, yet strongly independent – which can make training a challenge – and require consistent training and socialisation.
Their fluffy double coat, often red or fawn, gives them a lion-like appearance. They have a sturdy build, a distinctive blue tongue, and an aloof, introverted personality. Despite their introverted nature, they are loving pets and fiercely loyal to their chosen family.
Chow Chow At A Glance
| Size | Chow Chows are a medium-sized dog. A full-grown Chow Chow dog can range from 20kg to 30kg. |
| Types | Rough coat or smooth coat |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Temperament | Chow Chows are a reserved dog with a strong guarding instinct, and may be cautious around strangers and other dogs. |
| Suitable | For an experienced dog owner who can provide consistent training and socialising. |
| Health | Chow Chows can be predisposed to dysplasia and other joint issues, eye issues, diabetes, obesity and thyroid conditions. |
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Trainability
Training a Chow Chow dog can be a challenge and is recommended for experienced dog owners. Although highly intelligent, a Chow Chow dog’s temperament is strong-willed and stubborn. Training your new Chow Chow will take patience and consistency.
Training is essential for encouraging good behaviours and habits, but it is also great mental exercise for your pet. This helps improve their cognitive function, communication skills and mental health.
Chow Chows require strong, consistent leadership from you to establish a ‘pack hierarchy’, ensuring they respect and listen to your commands. However, they are extremely intelligent dogs who quickly learn new skills, commands and tricks. This makes them a trainable breed.
For inexperienced Chow Chow owners, consider going to an experienced dog trainer or taking dog training classes.
Grooming Requirements - Keeping Your Chow Chow Looking Great
Chow Chow dogs are a fluffy breed and will have either a ‘smooth’ or ‘rough’ coat. They are often a red or fawn colour, but you can also find cream, blue and black Chow dogs.
A rough coat refers to the long, fluffy fur on a Chow Chow. They have a woolly undercoat and thicker hair around their neck and hind legs. Rough coat Chow Chows require daily grooming to maintain a healthy coat.
Smooth coat Chow Chows don’t require the same amount of grooming as a rough coat. Like a rough coat Chow Chow, they also have an undercoat. However, their fur is shorter, smoother and more ‘bristly’. Smooth coat Chow Chows require grooming approximately every 2 weeks to maintain a healthy coat.
Chow Chows experience seasonal shedding, which is more frequent when the weather starts to change in spring and autumn. Regular vacuuming and brushing can help manage the extra fur!
Regular grooming helps:
- Prevent matting and tangles in the undercoat.
- Improve blood circulation and skin health.
- Remove dead fur trapped during seasonal shedding.
- Keep your Chow Chow’s fur clean and fluffy.
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Common Health Complaints – Keeping Your Chow Chow Healthy
With the right care, a Chow Chow dog can live long, happy lives. But like any dog, they are prone to genetic health concerns. Learn more about some common health concerns for Chow Chows:
- Obesity: Chow Chows have a large appetite and require low levels of exercise. This makes them more prone to gaining weight quickly and becoming overweight. Limiting treats, monitoring daily food intake and regular exercise can help prevent excessive weight gain. Weight gain may also be caused by hyperthyroidism.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: Joint dysplasia occurs when joints don’t develop or are injured. This can present as gait abnormalities and may lead to arthritis in the joints. Treatment can include medication, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
- Hyperthyroidism: A rare condition but serious condition that affects the thyroid, hyperthyroidism can cause increased appetite and thirst, swelling on the neck, and changes in weight. If you notice symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment may include medication and surgery.
- Heat intolerance: A Chow Chow’s thick coat makes them more susceptible to heat stroke in hot weather. Symptoms may include excessive panting and rapid breathing, lethargy and vomiting. Treatment includes fluids and reducing body temperatures.
- Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation is the dislocation of the knee. It may present as abnormal posture, limping or ‘bunny hopping’. Treatment may include physical therapy and surgery.
- Cataracts: Chow Chows are more susceptible to developing cataracts (clouding of the eye). Cataracts can cause irritation and may lead to vision loss. Treatment includes surgery.
- Entropion: Entropion is another eye condition common in Chow Chows, where the eyelid turns inward. Treatment includes surgery.
- Pemphigus foliaceus: Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects Chow Chows. Symptoms may include hair loss, lesions and scabs. While there is no cure, the disease can be managed with treatment, including steroid medication.
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Exercise Requirements - Do Chow Chows Need a Lot of Exercise?
The Chow Chow dog breed is a relatively low-energy dog. They require only about an hour of daily exercise. Depending on your lifestyle, this may include a morning and evening walk or a single, longer walk during the day.
As they are prone to overheating, avoid walking during the heat of the day and opt for a cooler evening or morning walk. Chow Chows are also prone to hip/elbow dysplasia and excessive exercise can cause injury.
While they might not be high-energy, Chow Chows enjoy being outdoors and going for walks. Daily exercise is also a fantastic way to bond with your dog and socialise with other dogs or people.
And with their low exercise needs, Chow Chows make fantastic family pets and can be suitable for smaller living spaces.
Intelligence - Are Chow Chows Smart?
Chow Chows are extremely intelligent dogs. However, they are stubborn and obstinate, which can make training them difficult. They are well-suited to someone who has previous experience in dog training.
You may find your Chow Chow picks up commands well and quickly but may choose to ignore your commands. With a little patience and consistency, they’ll pick up good behaviours and new skills.
Chow Chows don’t require as much physical exercise as other high-energy breeds (such as cattle or sheepdogs). However, they greatly benefit from regular mental stimulation. Some great mentally stimulating activities for Chow Chows include:
- Puzzle toys for problem solving.
- Obstacle courses for agility.
- Obedience training.
- Interactive games for socialising.
They can be prone to obesity, so keep food-motivated games to a healthy amount. Without adequate mental stimulation, including obedience training and socialisation, Chow Chows risk developing unwanted behaviours, such as becoming increasingly reserved, anxious and potentially aggressive.
Family Friendly- Are Chow Chows Friendly?
Chow Chows are known for their fiercely loyal nature and love for their families. With the right training and socialising, a Chow Chow can be a fantastic family pet.
Chow Chows are the introverts of the dog world. Often described as ‘aloof’, they aren’t as playful as other breeds. However, they are loyal and protective dogs that care deeply for their families.
For families with boisterous young children, perhaps consider a Chow Chow puppy – that you can raise around children – or rescue an older dog that has come from family homes. Like many dogs, socialising your Chow Chow will help them be more comfortable around children and other people.
With some training, socialising and a bit of patience, Chow Chows are a devoted, lifelong family companion.
Indoor/outdoor? - Ideal Living Conditions
Like all dogs, Chow Chows enjoy time outside in the fresh air. However, they are well suited to an indoor lifestyle. With regular exercise outside, Chow Chows make good indoor pets.
Introverted and independent, a happy Chow Chow is usually completely fine to be left alone for periods of time. But they do love spending time with their family.
Despite being a medium-sized breed, Chow Chows may be content with an apartment lifestyle – as long as they are walked regularly and often!
Remember, all dogs are different and your Chow Chow puppy will have its own unique personality and needs. You can create a safe and comfortable living environment for your Chow Chow by:
- Avoiding extreme heat. Chow Chow’s thick coats make them sensitive to heat, so ensure your pet has access to fans and cooling mats in warmer months.
- Giving outdoor access. Chow Chows need regular walking or outside playtime to let out their energy.
- Making time for mental stimulation. Puzzles and treat games will keep your Chow Chow mentally stimulated when inside.
- Checking your plants! Ensure all plants and decor are safe for dogs, avoiding toxic plants, exposed wires and choking hazards.
Responsible Breeding
When choosing your Chow Chow dog or puppy, it’s important to choose a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders ensure your puppy is healthy while supporting sustainable and responsible breeding practices.
The breeder should conduct genetic health tests and provide a history of your new puppy’s health. Before choosing your new Chow Chow, ask the breeder about hereditary health risks associated with the breed, as well as the health of the mum and dad dogs.
A reputable breeder will also ask you questions – about your lifestyle and the home you’re bringing your new puppy into. They may also want to know if you have experience with Chow Chows or other similar breeds.
Look at the puppy’s current home. A good breeder will have a clean, safe space for the puppy to grow up with and should not be separated from its mother. You can also consider whether the dogs seem well-socialised in their environment.
Always visit your chosen breeder and ask to see all relevant certifications to ensure your puppy is healthy and cared for. Remember – researching a reputable breeder is an investment in your puppy’s health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, visit the location and check all relevant certifications before taking your new puppy home.
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