Chow Chow Relaxing In Garden

The chow chow is a dog breed originating from China, where they were developed centuries ago to guard homes, haul loads, and hunt game of all sizes. In today’s world, however, this dog breed is more commonly utilized as a companion, particularly among families in Maryland who want a dog to uphold guarding and watchdog duties.

However, with the right owner, the chow chow can be a matching dog for any individual, couple, or family in Maryland, as long as they have the necessary experience and understanding to care for one. If you think this sounds like you, read on below to learn how to adopt a chow chow in Maryland.

Just in case you have doubts about adopting one, give our chow chow breed guide a look to understand if this dog with a fluffy appearance is the right one to adopt for you in Maryland.

Chow Chow Adoption in Maryland

Maryland isn’t home to many chow chows – not just for adoption but in general. Consequently, the number of chow chows for adoption is lower than in many other states. Still, Dog Academy can help you find a chow chow for adoption despite this. Check out our adoption listing to see the chow chows in need of a home in Maryland near your area.

The adoption process for a chow chow, however, isn’t like shopping. Not everyone in Maryland has the experience and the right circumstances to care for a chow chow. Shelters and rescues know this and want to make sure that applicants have what it takes to care for a chow chow before letting them meet the dog.

When adopting a chow chow, expect to fill out a detailed adoption application form first. You will likely need to detail your household, work hours, living arrangements, experience with dogs, and existing pets at home. Based on all these, the shelter or the rescue will decide if you’re a good fit. If so, you will need to come in for a meet-and-greet session to get to know the chow chow.

From there on, you can decide whether or not to adopt the chow chow. If you choose to adopt and get the approval, the shelter or the rescue will prepare the adoption documents, which will transfer the ownership of the chow chow to you.

Signing the adoption agreement/contract will finalize adoption, but note that from sending your application form to taking a chow chow to your Maryland home can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Other Dogs For Adoption

Adopt MeLex

Lex

Frederick, MD
Breed: Chow Chow
Sex: Male
Age: 3 yrs 5 mos
Chow Chow Being Held By A Woman In Winter Clothing

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Chow Chow in Maryland?

When you buy a chow chow from a breeder, the cost can be up to $5,000 in Maryland, depending on the pricing of the breeder and the qualities of the chow chow puppy. With adoption, however, expect to spend only about $300 to $500 if adopting from a shelter or $400 to $650 if adopting from a rescue.

How Should I Train a Chow Chow?

Chow chows are highly intelligent dogs, but their big brains don’t really shine in training due to their stubborn personalities and tendency to think for themselves. Because of these traits, training must be firm and consistent with these dogs. It should also involve some socialization, such as executing commands in public, especially in the presence of other dogs.

All these must come together with reward-based training methods. Although chow chows are resilient and hardy dogs, they only respond to positive reinforcement training. Resorting to harsh corrections like punishments can backfire and make the chow chow think unpleasantly about training, which will prevent progress the moment it happens. Always keep training gentle and positive with chow chows to get the most out of the little trainability they have.

If you ever find yourself in need of help training a chow chow, take a look at our courses. Dog Academy has online courses developed by AKC-certified trainers on a variety of subjects, from obedience and behavior modification to trick training and loose leash walking, to even psychiatric service dog training.

Dog Training with Dog Academy

Chow Chow Drinking While Swimming

Find the Right Chow Chow in Maryland for You

Even though there’s a limited number of chow chows for adoption in Maryland, it is critical for future owners of this breed to research properly to find the right dog to adopt. When meeting a chow chow to adopt, observe the dog’s behavior closely to determine whether adopting them would be a wise choice for you.

If you have any doubts, speak to the shelter/rescue staff or the foster dog parent caring for the chow chow to learn more about their temperament. They should know enough about the chow chow to help you make the right decision. During this process, however, be on the lookout for red flags to ensure you aren’t tricked into adopting a dog that isn’t a good fit for you.