Chow Chow: Your Complete Guide
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed that hails from China. When most people think of Chow Chow, they think of a small fluffy dog with a majestic, lion-like mane. There is much more to these small spitz-type dogs, though.
These dogs were bred for hunting, guarding, and pulling carts, but now they can be found cuddling with their owners.
In this article, we are going to explore the history of Chow Chow and look at the traits that make it unique and so lovable.
Quick Look at the Chow Chow
Below is a quick glance at the Chow Chow in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 17 to 22 inches, 35 to 90 pounds |
| Coat Type | Thick double coat that’s rough or smooth |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Aloof, independent, stubborn, loyal |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years |
What Is the History of Chow Chows?
Chow Chows are referred to as “basal breeds,” which essentially means that they are very old. The term “basal” is different from “ancient,” as it refers to breeds that sit in the middle between ancient and modern dog breeds. According to various research publications, there are 15 other breeds that are considered basal.
A paper published in 2012 said that modern breeding practices didn’t begin until the 19th century and there’s not much proof to back up claims that today’s breeds have been around for ages with consistent characteristics.
What’s special about basal dog breeds is that they have characteristics that are similar to ancient dogs and have not undergone as much selective breeding as modern breeds.
While the true history of the Chow Chow remains shrouded in mystery, we know that its roots can be traced back to indigenous dogs in central China around 8,000 years ago. Marco Polo, the famed European traveler, noted during his travels that Chow Chows were used by the Chinese to pull dog sleds.
They were mostly used in China for hunting purposes. While they originated in Northern China, they were mostly found in South China (Canton) and were locally referred to as the “black-mouthed dog” because of their dark blue-black tongue.
Chow Chows have historically been quite popular in China, to the extent that some Chinese leaders were rumored to have owned thousands of them.
What Do Chow Chows Look Like?
Chow Chows have a teddy bear-like appearance thanks to their thick double coat, which can either be rough or smooth. The fur around their neck is very dense and looks like a mane, which makes them look even fluffier.
Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including red, black, blue, fawn, and cream. Chow Chows always have a solid coat color and any dog with a multicolored coat isn’t considered to be a purebred.
One of the most unique things about the Chow Chow’s appearance is its purple/blue-black tongue. The only other dog breed that has a similar tongue is the Shar-Pei. Another feature that distinguishes them is their curly tail, which is set high and curls over their back.
What Size Is a Chow Chow?
The Chow Chow is a medium-sized dog breed that’s known for its sturdy build. They tend to stand at a height of 17 to 22 inches, with males usually being at the higher end of the range. Male Chow Chows typically weigh between 40–90 pounds while females weigh between 35–85 pounds.
What Is a Chow Chow’s Coat Type and Length?
Chow Chows have a very dense and thick double coat, which can be rough or smooth. You typically can’t tell if the coat is smooth or rough until the dog is at least 6 months old. Having a double coat means that they have an outer coat and an undercoat. The outer coat is straight and coarse, while the undercoat is soft and dense.
The double coat is medium in length, with longer fur around the neck forming a distinctive mane-like ruff.
What Is a Chow Chow’s Temperament?
Chow Chows tend to be very aloof and aren’t very playful like most other dog breeds. They’re very low-maintenance, as they don’t demand a lot of attention from their owners. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking they don’t need any love from their owners just because they’re not outwardly affectionate or playful. These dogs are capable of forming strong bonds with their owners and can be very loyal and protective of those they’re attached to.
Since they were bred as hunting dogs for thousands of years, they have a tendency to remain independent and guard their territory. As a result, they can be wary of strangers and may not readily warm up to unfamiliar people.
That’s why it’s important to start their socializing journey from a very early age. The more exposed they are to other people and environments, the more comfortable they’ll feel in unfamiliar surroundings. Their independent streak also means that they’re very self-reliant and they love to do their own thing.
Despite being aloof in nature, they can develop separation anxiety if they get too attached to their owner. You can’t leave them alone for too long or they may resort to destructive behaviors as a result of their anxiety. Some owners believe that Chow Chows can be very good at hiding their anxiety, but their guard dog instincts prevent them from ever forgetting about their owner’s absence.
Are Chow Chows Good With Kids?
Chow Chows are not the best dog for families with kids because of their independent nature. These dogs sometimes end up biting when they get too excited or nervous. They have to be socialized from a very young age if they are to live peacefully with children.
Young kids tend to be very energetic and if they try to play rough or surprise a Chow Chow, it can cause the dog to be overwhelmed and react defensively.
However, as mentioned above, socialization is key. No dog is fully capable of handling young, energetic kids if it hasn’t been exposed to them and trained on how to interact safely and appropriately.
Even if they’ve been socialized, they may still avoid being around children, especially if they’re being too loud because they value their space.
Are Chow Chows Good With Other Animals?
Just like with kids, Chow Chows have different attitudes towards other animals. Some might be friendly and enjoy the company of other pets, while others might prefer to keep to themselves. It really depends on the individual dog’s personality and experiences. However, as mentioned above, these dogs generally have a very aloof personality and may not like having other animals in their personal space.
They tend to get very excited around kids and other animals, especially if they move around a lot, because that triggers their hunting instincts. This excitement can sometimes lead to chasing behavior, which most people won’t be okay with.
Chow Chows have a better chance of getting along with a dog that matches their energy level and temperament, preferably one that is calm and laid-back.
Are Chow Chows Aggressive?
Many people tend to mistake the Chow Chow’s aloofness and reserved behavior for aggression. It doesn’t help that the dog has small almond-shaped eyes, which, combined with their thick mane and sturdy build can add to their serious and intimidating look.
The truth is, Chow Chows aren’t aggressive. They’re just very protective of their personal space and won’t appreciate it when someone intrudes upon their boundaries, and because they have a strong prey drive, they’ll try to chase anything or anyone that moves too fast.
As a Chow Chow owner, it’s important that you train and socialize your dog properly to make sure they don’t get triggered by everything around them. It’s also important to understand what their triggers are so you can anticipate and manage their reactions easily.
Do Chow Chows Bark?
Chow Chows don’t bark unless they feel the need to alert their owners to something. If someone tries to enter your home, such as a delivery driver or the mailman, then they will bark at them to let them know of their presence, but it’s very unlikely that they’ll bark at a person or animal at home, especially if they’re used to being around them.
If your dog does bark a lot, then there’s probably a good reason behind it and you should try to figure out what’s causing it.
Are Chow Chows Affectionate?
Chow Chows can be very affectionate with people they’re very close to, but they tend to save their affection for those they’re most bonded with. When they want attention from their owner, they’ll wag their tail and try to get very close to them. They might even try to sit on your lap for a few minutes before deciding it’s too warm and returning to their own space.
Most Chow Chows are gentle giants, and cuddling with them is a bit like being wrapped in a big, fluffy cloud. Some of them love being scratched on their chest, and if you stop, they might paw at you to ask for more attention.
Unfortunately, this behavior isn’t the norm in all Chow Chows. If you’re planning to get one, then keep in mind that these dogs are generally very indifferent towards being petted. If you end up getting a Chow Chow that loves cuddling with their owner, then consider yourself one of the lucky ones.
They’re not very affectionate with strangers or people they’re not used to being around, so if you’re out on a stroll with them, make sure you don’t let anyone touch or come near them.
Are Chow Chows Intelligent?
Chow Chows are highly intelligent dog breeds, but because of their stubborn and independent streak, it can be a bit of a challenge to train them. They love being on their own, so they may not always listen to you.
Despite being difficult to train, they’re very smart when it comes to keeping their surroundings safe and secure, as they were bred for these purposes.
Are Chow Chows Energetic?
Chow Chows are generally laid-back, with energy levels that usually range from low to medium. High energy is a trait that’s very uncommon in Chow Chows. Most of the time, these dogs just like to relax and be by themselves.
Sometimes, they can be so lazy you might struggle to get them to budge when you’re out on a walk with them. Nevertheless, they need their daily dose of exercise, ideally for at least 45 minutes.
Are Chow Chows Easy to Train?
Training a Chow Chow requires you to be very strong-willed because these dogs aren’t easy to train at all. They’re incredibly stubborn and might not be willing to learn complex commands and tricks.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to get a Chow Chow to learn a new command and don’t forget to give them treats every time they listen to you.
There are two things that are very important when it comes to training a Chow Chow: socialize them from an early age and expose them to other animals and people as much as you can, and acclimatize them to nail clippers and brushes. They tend to hate general grooming and their self-willed nature may make them snap at the groomer or even their owners during nail clipping or brushing.
Are Chow Chows Good Watchdogs?
Yes, Chow Chows make excellent watchdogs. In fact, this is probably their best trait. They’ll always make sure no one other than the people and animals they’re familiar with enter your house. If they see a stranger, they’ll bark to alert you.
When you’re not there, they become even more protective, ensuring no unfamiliar person can enter.
Their aloofness towards strangers can sometimes be a problem for owners. For example, you’ll always have to be with them when you take them to the vet or when you have guests over.
Are Chow Chows Good Service Dogs?
Chow Chows aren’t the best dogs when it comes to being a good service animal. Their stubborn and aloof nature makes it nearly impossible to train them for service animal work.
However, if being around them brings you emotional comfort and peace, they could potentially qualify as an emotional support animal (ESA). Keep in mind, though, that, unlike service dogs, ESAs don’t require any training.
How to Care for a Chow Chow?
Chow Chows need to be brushed every day to maintain their thick double coat and prevent matting or tangling. Giving them a bath once a month is also key, helping to loosen up any trapped dead undercoat and keeping their fur in top-notch condition.
We also recommend taking them to a professional groomer every two months.
Do You Need to Groom a Chow Chow?
Yes, as mentioned above, you’ll have to brush them every single day to make sure their double coat remains healthy and free of tangles.
Do Chow Chows Shed?
Yes, Chow Chows shed a lot. Your house will be full of fur because of them, so be prepared to invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner. Once a Chow Chow enters your house, you can say goodbye to clean floors and hair-free clothes.
Chow Chows are not hypoallergenic, so they may not be the best breed for you if you’re allergic to dogs.
What Health Problems Do Chow Chows Have?
One of the most common health issues among Chow Chows is elbow dysplasia, which is when bones of the elbow joint don’t fit together properly. This can make it difficult for them to move.
Myotonia Congenita is another health issue which is common in Chow Chows. It’s a genetic disorder that leads to muscle stiffness or delayed relaxation of muscles after contraction. Symptoms include difficulty walking, stiffness, and muscle spasms. Myotonia Congenita in Chow Chows is typically a hereditary condition caused by a genetic mutation.
Diabetes mellitus is also quite common in Chow Chows. It’s a metabolic disorder where their bodies have trouble regulating blood sugar levels, often needing insulin shots, careful diet, and regular monitoring to manage it. It leads to symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, lethargy, and recurrent infections.
How Long Do Chow Chows Live?
Chow Chows have a lifespan of 8-15 years.
What Should a Chow Chow Eat?
Chow Chows need a balanced diet that’s rich in high-quality protein such as chicken and fish, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Most owners give them a mix of dry kibble and homemade food, but we recommend talking to your vet about it and see what they have to say.
Is a Chow Chow the Right Dog for Me?
The Chow Chow is truly an ancient dog that’s perfect for people who want an independent furry companion. Just keep in mind that this dog can be very stubborn, and it won’t always listen to you, no matter how hard you try. You have to be very patient and, perhaps, a bit more stubborn than the dog itself.
These dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners, though, so once they form a bond with you, they’ll stand by your side through thick and thin.