General Information

Dog NameChow Chow
Other NamesChowdren
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupNon-Sporting
Breed ForPulling dog sled
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginChina

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span8
Max Life Span12
Min Ideal Weight for male20
Max Ideal Weight for male31
Min Ideal Weight for female20
Max Ideal Weight for male31

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentIndependent, Serious-minded, Stubborn
Prey DriveNo
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyLow
Child FriendlyLow
Cat FriendlyMedium
Dog FriendlyLow
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyMedium
Senior Citizens FriendlyMedium
Service DogMedium
Search and Rescue DogMedium
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginChina
Nicknames and Other NamesChowdren
Chow
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupNon-sporting
Bred ForPull dog-sled
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, UKC, ANKC, FCI, CKC, KC, NZKC
Life Span 8-12 years
Ideal Weight45-70 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height17-20 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeThick and coarse
Common ColorsBlack, CInnamon, Blue, Red, Cream
MarkingsNone
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsFeatured in shows
Suitable for ApartmentsModerately suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToTibetan Mastiff

The scowling expression breed that looks like a teddy bear at the first glance is Chow Chow. It is a large dog with unique features like blue-black tongue and straight hind-legs that gives it stilted gait.

It makes a great house pet and also does well in an apartment as it is not much active dog. If you are an introvert then Chow Chow is just the right breed for you.

Chow Chow has a sturdy and powerful built with a lion-like ruff around their neck. They are muscular, have heavy bones, the body is broad and square-shaped. They have two coat variety that is smooth and rough, both are double-coated. It is thick, wooly and the tail feathery.

Origin and History

Chow Chow is known as one of the oldest dog breeds. It is believed to be originated in China somewhere in 206 BC. They have a long history and they have played a various role during that time. Chow Chow was the lordly companions for nobles of China. They were also used as guard dogs, hunters, and haulers.

History also says that the Chow Chow ancestor was used as the source of protein. They were nicknamed as edible dog where the name Chow was derived from the Cantonese word “edible.”

The American Kennel Club recognized Chow Chow in 1903 as the member of the non-sporting group. It ranks in 75th (as of 2019) position out of 193 AKC registered breeds. In 1906, the Chow Chow Club of America was formed.

Is Chow Chow Child-friendly?

Chow Chow is fine with children if raised together. They do not mind being with small children but kids might be disappointed when they see Chow is not much of a cuddler or a hugger. They are not so friendly with kids they don’t know. Therefore, while taking out, keep them on the leash and also exposure with kids at an early age is necessary.

Always supervise your kids and Chow Chow’s interaction as kids might play rough and your dog will show aggression towards them.

Chow Chow on a ride with a baby boy
Chow Chow on a ride with a baby boy.
Image Source: [email protected]

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The temperament of the Chow Chow is serious, dignified, and independent. They form a very strong bond with one particular person in the family but are also affectionate with other family members.

Chow Chow is an aggressive dog that is very protective of its family and will not sit still if some harms come to them. Therefore, they make an excellent guard dog.

Although, Chow Chow is an aggressive dog, too-aggressive or too-timid Chow Chow is not acceptable by the American Kennel Club.

Behavior: Chow Chow is not a very active dog but if you are keeping it in an apartment, daily exercise is necessary to keep them healthy and fit. If you start exercising them from an early age, it becomes a habit and they will be more assertive with their owner.

Personality: The personality of the Chow Chow is reserved and alert. They are very alert of the activities going on in the surrounding and are watchful of every person that crosses the property.

They are very aloof of strangers so a proper introduction is necessary. It tends to show aggression towards other dogs but is generally good with household pets.

Trainability

Training Chow Chow is challenging as they have a mind of their own and does not like taking orders from others. Establish a firm leadership at an early age so that they become obedient and see you as their leader. Be patient with them and train them with consistency. They tend to respond well to positive methods of training to provide

Chow Chow with its owner
Chow Chow with its owner.
Image Source: Instagram-@annasharma_

Facts

  • The back legs of the Chow Chow are completely straight.
  • The tongue of the Chow Chow is blue-black in color where they have pink at the young age and as they get older, it turns much darker.
  • Martha Stewart had owned many Chow Chow that she had also featured on her TV shows.

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHip Dysplasia, Ectropion, Elbow Dysplasia,
Cataracts, Bloat, Obesity
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Canine Coronavirus,
Leptospirosis, Canine Parainfluenza,
Canine Parvovirus, Kennel Cough
SheddingAverage to lot of Shedding
DroolingAverage Drooler
GroomingAdvance Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyLow Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 30%
Fat: 8%
Omega- 3 and 6 Fatty Acid
Antioxidants
Multivitamins

The Chow Chow can have the following possible health condition during their lifetime:

  • Hip Dysplasia: As a large breed, Chow Chow can face a problem of hip dysplasia that can be hereditary. If they are facing this health condition, it becomes difficult for them to move from one place to another due to sharp pain on the back. Therefore, before buying one, it is necessary to check the health report of the breed’s parents.
  • Obesity: It is caused due to overweight that also invites many other health problems like joints pain due to the weight that falls on the leg. Therefore, provide your Chow Chow with a healthy amount of food and do not overfeed them.

Colors

The Chow Chow comes in the following colors:

  • Cream
  • Cinnamon
  • Blue
  • Black
  • Red

Puppies

Chow Chow Puppies
A women holding Chow Chow puppies.
Image Source: Doggie Designer

Size: The average height of the Chow Chow is between 17-20 inches adn the weight is between 45-70 pounds.

Cost: The average cost of the Chow Chow puppy is between $900- $1200. The price may vary from the quality of the breeders.

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