Chow Chow Dog breed: Facts health and Care

This is the ultimate guide on Chow Chow dogs, everything from appearance and personality to Chows care, history, and health concerns. The guide is designed to help people who are considering getting these dogs to understand what sets them apart and if they should get one. 

Introduction to the Chow Chow: A Lion-Like Companion

With their formidable mane, a sneer and knowing looks along with unique blue-black tongues only to Chows… there is no mistaking this breed for any other. Steadfast companions to China’s high nobility, these dogs stand at the very front of dignity and carry with them a royal bearing for having been such a long breed. Beneath their fur lies an intelligent personality-loyal to a fault but not without independence (she’ll protect you, just not quite as fiercely) Cat-like in behavior often, a Chow dog is very loyal to his family but not embarrassed about it. In this article, we look at the continued appeal of these prehistoric dogs to modern day owners even if they may not be the everyday dog for every household. 

History and Origin of the Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is one of the oldest recognizable dog breeds having origins tracing back over 2000 years to the Han Dynasty in ancient China. Historical evidence and artifacts reveal that these multi-purpose dogs played a plethora of roles in ancient Chinese society ranging from hunting/companion canines to nothing more than a source of warmth (his fur woven into clothes) or even eaten, on occasions. In Imperial China, Chows were favored by the upper classes and often kept as both palace guard dogs and lapdogs. British merchants brought back to the West some specimens of the breed in the late 18th century, where they were called “Songshi Quan” or “puffy-lion dog“. 

Ancient Chinese Roots

Chow dog breed one of the oldest dog breed in the world, originating from ancient China more than 2000 years ago

Original Purposes

• Hunting and guarding
• Pulling carts
• Protecting the herd 

The Name’s Origin

The name probably comes from “Chow Chow” . It was said that the British traders in 18th century. 

Chow Chow Appearance

One of the Chow’s most distinctive features, without a doubt, being the mane of the king, he has courtesy from a thick ruff along chest and the hind end. The medium sized dog is compact in form with a strong square stance and large skull, very characteristic snarl. Their most distinctive trait is the blue-black tongue (only shared with Chinese Shar-Pei). The coat of this dog breed is short or long as double in five standard colors: red, black, blue, cream and cinnamon that covers its compact body. They have small, erect triangular ears and a high-set tail that curls tight over the back. Chow dog–they have legs that are abnormally straight in hind, which causes a rather stilted locomotion that is part of the dog’s proud appearance.  

Coat and Colors

• Double coat: heavy and coarse
• Typical colors — red, black/blue, cinnamon, cream 

Distinctive Features

• Blue-black tongue
• Almond eyes set deep
• Lion mane 

Size and Weight

Height: 17-20 inches

Weight: 45-70 pounds

Chow Chow Temperament

Distinct as the Chows is in type, so too is it in temperament, feline independence with canine loyalty in a neat package. These dogs have strong attachments to their families but an air of regal aloofness about them. Chows are a breed best described not in the wheel of want, unlike many that are bred to please and their affection is often sought for, it comes where it will. They are typically very fond of one or two people, but act as if they are indifferent to everyone else. Naturally protective of their territory, they make outstanding guard dogs, but proper socialization to people is essential to not become overly suspicious. Not outright cuddly, they get along best in silence and will usually lie by your feet keeping an eye on household happenings. Smart and clever, they often confound their owners by not dropping these skills when commanded to do so.  

Personality Traits

• Loyal but independent
• Calm and dignified
• Protective nature

Pros and Cons

✔️ Top guard dogs

✔️ Low barking

❌ Is not very submissive

❌ Affectionate 

Chow Chow Care Guide

Grooming Needs

The Chow Chow has an enormous double coated breed which needs serious work on their coat for it to be healthy and not mat. Full brushing for 30-45 minutes at least 2x weekly and ramping that up to daily when blow shedding times of the year hit, as they seasonally double in undercoat. Grooming by a Professional every 6-8 weeks keeps the coat in good order, although the neck ruff and feathering on legs need more work because it is heavier. Using a good quality dog shampoo every 8-12 weeks to keep moisture within the skin, not bathing too much as it strips natural oils. Grooming consists of ear cleaning, nail clippings and the dental. Many owners enjoy the grooming experience as it provides a special bonding time with their Chow, it being a dog who many chows (in fact most) have a very positive association with grooming as they are usually not let out for a pee when it’s needed! 

• Daily brushing required
• Bath every 6-8 weeks
• Heavy shedding seasons 

Exercise Requirements

Though they are a stocky breed, Chow dogs are not especially high energy and require less exercise than most of their bulk. They walk Two 20-30 minute walks with a bit of play in a secured area many meet their physical needs. These breeds love the colder days and should be walked mainly in the mornings or evenings by hot weather standards. Boredom prevention: Mental stimulation with training sessions, toys that require puzzle solving or scent work. Focus on limiting the exercise for puppies during this critical time to prevent overuse injuries to their joints. As an adult Chows will usually pace themselves, long rests with short spurts of play. Mental exercise and not as much physical tiring. 

• 30-60 minutes per day walking
• Avoid the heat💪 

Training Tips

A Chow is a challenging dog to train, but because of their independent nature requires patient, consistent and respectful work. They will only do well with positive methods of training, high value treats and a lot of praise. Socialisation at the earliest is paramount — Puppies should be exposed to different people, animals and environments between 8-16 weeks of age. Limit training to short little sessions (10–15 mins) and make them as fun as possible, as their attention span is short. Start working on basics: “come”, “leave it, and right side leash walking first. Chows are going to be relatively easy to housetrain since they live in a very clean house. Do not ever use repeated drill and harsh corrections the Chow is going to shut down. It is surprisingly effective for a lot of owners with training when used in conjunction with daily life rather than isolated sessions. Don’t forget Chows grow slowly, especially when they have been trained regularly throughout the first 2-3 years of their life. 

• Start socialization young
• Use positive reinforcement
• Patience in training 

Health Concerns

Common Issues

Chows are a hardy dog, but there are some genetic illnesses that many responsible breeders screen for. Straight Leg -> High risk for dysplasia (hip & elbow). Entropion and glaucoma: You have eyes that need medication! Their fur means they get skin allergies and hot spots, as well, especially in warm climates. Autoimmune diseases and thyroid problems are also more prevalent in this breed than others having a somewhat herded survival trait. They can have breathing difficulties in hot weather due to their particular head shape. Purchasing from health-tested breeding stock and feeding to maintain ideal body condition can reduce the chances of some of those risks. Preventative care should include regular veterinary exams for joints, eyes and thyroid. 

• Hip dysplasia
• Entropion (Eye problem)
• Skin allergies 

Prevention Tips and care

The Chows is a large breed, proactive healthcare can definitely increase quality and quantity of life. Give your age and activity level appropriate high quality food to maintain a body condition score of 3. Use high off the ground food dishes to take pressure off their necks and spines. Give senior dogs joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin, Please do not hesitate to ask if you have questions. Continue following your vet recommended parasite prevention and vaccinations in environmentally normal settings. In the heat, ensure constant access to shade and fresh water, and think of shade mats or vests for the heat of summer. Brush teeth several times weekly to avoid periodontal disease. Above all, find a vet that knows the ins and outs of this breed and medical issues that are most commonly seen. 

• Regular vet check-ups
• Proper diet
• Good grooming habits 

Chow Chow vs Other Breeds

Comparison Table

Trait	Chow Chow	Golden Retriever
Temperament	Independent	Friendly
Grooming	High maintenance	Moderate

Is a Chow Chow Right for You?

Ideal Owners

• Experienced dog owners
• Older children in families
• Fans of walking dead low-energy dogs 

Key Considerations

✔️ Loyal companion

✔️ Specialistic

❌ Messy groomer

❌ Not recommended for beginner 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chows aggressive?

They can be, just not if they are not socialized. 

Do they shed a lot?

Yeah, especially with changes in season. 

Can they live in hot climates?

Not that ideal — they seem to do best in cooler conditions. 

Chow Chow: Is This Regal Breed Right for You?

Having looked into all there is to know about this ancient type, the Chows is one of those distinct, headstrong dog breeds.

If you are starting with; Blue-black tongues, lion-like faces, and reserved-but-unforgettable personalities — the Chow dog is amazing (if you are their true owner).

✔️ Previous dog experience

✔️lots of time required in grooming

✔️Socialized as a Puppy (no one will teach you later)

✔️Great Independence Awareness

Not the most cuddly breed, a good owner of Chows is rewarded with a lifetime of loyalty and a formidable (in a good way) defender as a companion. Opted for its level headed nature (despite exercise) and couch-friendly sitz pincher ability that fits well with most apartments as well as being a low bark dog breed.

If you are ready for their thick head of fur and grooming requirements, the chows can be a really rewarding breed. Over the years, the imperial dog captivated dog lovers with its uncommon characteristics, as Chinese emperors had remarkable fancy for the royal breed.

Chow Chow Final Verdict:

Chow Chow makes a very distinctive, dignified companion for people that value it’s independent nature. Not everyone is a good fit with them, but the breed can form deep attachments to those who understand and appreciate their personality. So with their gorgeous looks and regal demeanor, they do not go unnoticed. OW the Prospective owners should be ready for heavy grooming and a slow/long training process. Chow Chows, match with the right family — devoted and clean as well as unexpectedly funny. The ancient shamble of their lineage is in every look, every lift and walk of a Chows body, an echoing connection back to the early canines. The high quality Chow Chow bred right, is truly a rare and wonderful lifelong friend for those who will meet it halfway.