Chow Chow

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Size: Large
Other Names: Chow
Country of Origin: China
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Non-Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Non-Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Northern Breed
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Utility
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Utility
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting

The Chow Chow is a sturdily built dog that is square in profile with broad skull and small, triangular, erect ears that are rounded at the tip. His coat is very dense, and his fur is particularly thick around his neck, giving the distinctive ruff or mane appearance. His eyes are deep set and almond in shape, and his nose is black. Distinguishing features of the Chow are his blue-black-purple tongue and lips; his very straight hind legs, resulting in a rather stilted gait;, and his curly, furry tail.

A heavily coated, reserved house dog; serious seasonal shed, a quiet indoor manner, and a poor match for heat, chaos, or a tiny apartment without grooming.

The Chow Chow is a breed of dog that was first developed in Mongolia about 4,000 years ago, and was later introduced into China, where it is referred to as in Chinese as "puffy-lion dog."

Height: Male: 19-22 inches; Female: 18-20 inches
Weight: Male: 55-70 pounds; Female: 45-60 pounds
Color: Red (light gold to deep red-brown), Cinnamon (light tan to brown), Blue (dark blue to gray), Black, Cream
Coat: Double, thick and coarse, smooth or rough
Lifespan: 8–12 years
Litter size: 3–6 puppies

Temperament

The Chow will bond tightly to his master, and is extremely loyal to his own family. The Chow Chow may appear to be independent and aloof for much of the day, keeping a comfortable distance from others, while staying with earshot. He typically shows affection only with those people to whom he has bonded, and does not immediately accept strangers in the same manner as he does members of his own pack (family). It is important that new visitors to the home do not press their physical attention upon the resident. However, displays of timidity and aggression are uncharacteristic of well-bred and well-socialized Chows. Because of the manner in which dogs of this breed may encounter those they perceive as strangers, some homeowner’s insurance companies will not cover Chows. The Chow owner needs to be just as willful and stubborn as their Chow, and committed to controlling the dog who is happy to take over any household. Chows of the opposite sex typically cohabit with less tension than those of the same sex, but it is possible for multiple Chows of both sexes to live together peacefully. Chows can do well in an apartment, if given enough regularly-scheduled physical activity each day.

Training

Early training and socialization is important to create a harmonious home.

Care and grooming

Chows require regularly-scheduled physical activity each day, such a a brisk walk, to meet the dog’s needs for mental and physical stimulation.

Shedding

Heavy and seasonal; the thick coat blows large amounts of undercoat.

Health

Chow Chows may be affected by hip dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, and bloat. The heavy coat and short muzzle also make them prone to overheating.

Crosses that include the Chow Chow

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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