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Chow Chow Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Chow Chow so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank76
Reviews6
User Ratings
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Chow Chow dog profile picture
OriginChina flagChina
Other Names
What other names does the Chow Chow have?
ChowdrenChow
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Chow Chow is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Chow Chow Mixes.

Chow Chow Size and Weight

Size
Is a Chow Chow small, medium or large dog?

How big do Chow Chow get?

What is the average size of a Chow Chow?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Chow Chow weigh? How much should a Chow Chow weight? What is the normal weight of a Chow Chow? How much does a full-grown Chow Chow weight?
45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Chow Chow?
57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height
How tall is the Chow Chow? Chow Chow height:
Male: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Chow Chow?
20 inches (51 cm)

Chow Chow Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Chow Chow puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Chow Chow in the United States? How much money is a Chow Chow?

Where to buy a Chow Chow with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Chow Chow, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Chow Chow for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Chow Chow gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Chow Chow? How many Chow Chow are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Chow Chow is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Chow Chow Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Chow Chow? Is the Chow Chow breed dumb or smart?
Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. You need to work hard if you want to impress people with these dog tricks and commands. They understand and memorize new commands in 80-100 repetitions, and obey the first command 25% of the time or better.
Trainability
Are Chow Chow dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Chow Chow?
A slightly harder to train than average. Chow Chow dogs aren't famous for their trainability. This breed needs more time and repetition to obey. It's challenging to teach them new commands, but not impossible.
Watchdog Ability
Is Chow Chow good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Chow Chow dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Chow Chow dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Chow Chow Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Chow Chow have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AloofIndependentProtectiveIntelligentLoyalQuietDetached
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Chow Chow sensitivity:
Chow Chow dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.

They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Chow Chow a good family dog?
Slightly Below Average: Chow Chow dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. Their happiness doesn't depend on their owner's emotional level.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Chowdren need? Chow Chow social needs:
Chow Chow dogs are kinda antisocial. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time, they tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Chow Chow to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Chow Chow roam?
Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Chow Chow have high prey drive?
Chow Chow dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Chow Chow Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Barking
Do Chow Chow dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Chowdren bark?
Low: The Chow Chow barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Chow Chow good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Chow Chow in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Chow Chow indoors.

Chow Chow Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't like moving from one place to another.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Chow Chow be left alone? How long can you leave a Chow Chow alone?
Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well. They are not prone to have separation anxiety.

Chow Chow Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Chow Chow has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Chow Chow? How much bite force does a Chow Chow have? How strong is a Chow Chow bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Chow Chow bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Chow Chow measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Chow Chow is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Chow Chow bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Chow Chow bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Chow Chow puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Chow Chow, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Chow Chow bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Chow Chow can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Chow Chow bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Chowdren? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Chow Chow? Why do dog bites happen?

Moderate

The Chow Chow has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Chow Chow do?
Chow Chow dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Chow Chow dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Chow Chow Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Chow Chow dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Chow Chow is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Chow Chow breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Chow Chow breed? Most common health risks of Chow Chow:
Hip Dysplasia Ectropion
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Chow Chow breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Chow Chow see the vet?
Average
The Chow Chow should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Chow Chow dogs live? How old can a Chow Chow be? What is the age limit of the Chow Chow? How many years can the oldest Chow Chow live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Chow Chow?

How long is the lifespan of a Chow Chow?

13-15 years
The average lifespan of Chow Chow: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers cold weather
The Chow Chow can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

Chow Chow Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Chow Chow have? What is the activity level of the Chow Chow?
Chow Chow dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Chow Chow need? How much exercise do Chow Chow dogs require per day?

Do Chow Chow dogs need a lot of exercises?

Chow Chow dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Chow Chow breed need?
Chow Chow dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Chow Chow Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Chow Chow need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Chow Chow breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Chow Chow? How much food should I feed my Chow Chow?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Chow Chow risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Chow Chow weight regularly.

Chow Chow Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Chow Chow have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Rough
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Chow Chow coats?
Black Red Blue Cream Cinnamon
Grooming
How to groom the Chow Chow and how often? How often should I take my Chow Chow to the groomer?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Chow Chow requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Chow Chow is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Chow Chow dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Chowdren? Do Chow Chow dogs shed a lot?
Chow Chow dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Chow Chow breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Chow Chow need a bath? How often should you give a Chow Chow a bath? Can I bathe my Chow Chow every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Chow Chow breed hypoallergenic?
No
Chow Chow dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Chow Chow has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Chow Chow drool?
The Chow Chow is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Chow Chow Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Chow Chow dogs get along with other pets? Are Chow Chow dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Chow Chow dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Chow Chow temperament with other people:
Chow Chow dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Chow Chow dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Chow Chow temperament with children:
Chow Chow dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Cat Friendly
How well do Chow Chow dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Chow Chow breed live with a cat?
Chow Chow dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Chow Chow good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Chow Chow dogs get along with other dogs?
Chow Chow dogs are not dog-friendly. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Chow Chow is not the best choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Chow Chow breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Chow Chow breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Chow Chow dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Chow Chow dogs good office canines? Do Chow Chow dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Chow Chow is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Chow Chow dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Chowdren temperament with senior people? Are Chow Chow dogs good for elderly owners?
Chow Chows are not the best breed for elderly people.

Chow Chow As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Chow Chow be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Chow Chow is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Chow Chow be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Chow Chow be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Chow Chow is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Chow Chow be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Chow Chow is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Chow Chow be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Chow Chow is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Chow Chow be a boat dog?

Not really

Chow Chow breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Chow Chow be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Chow Chow is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Chow Chow dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. A combat dog is a specially trained dog that is used in warfare to help protect military personnel and assets. Combat dogs are often deployed in areas where there is potential for contact with the enemy, such as during raids or search operations. Combat dogs are typically assigned to either infantry or special operations units. They are used for a variety of tasks including area security, sentry duty, trackers, and explosive detection. In addition to their combat roles, combat dogs also play an important role in troop morale by providing companionship and emotional support.

Chow Chow Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Chow Chow pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Chow Chow breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Chow Chow: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Chow Chow have in a litter? How many puppies can the Chow Chow breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Chow Chow have? How many puppies can a Chow Chow give birth to?
3-6 puppies

Chow Chow Recognition

AKC Group
Is Chow Chow recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Chow Chow recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Chow Chow breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Chow Chow Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
  • Trainability: A slightly harder to train than average.
  • Hypoallergenic: Chow Chow dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Shedding Level: Chow Chow dogs shed above average.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: Chow Chow dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Adaptability: Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Chow Chow dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Chow Chow dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Chow Chow dogs are not dog-friendly.
  • Office Friendly: Chow Chow is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Chow Chows are not the best breed for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Chow Chow dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Chow Chow History

The breed originated in China and is known to date to the Han dynasty, which ruled around 200 BC. According to some sources, the breed can have come originally from the Arctic Circle, then migrated to Mongolia and China, that is why the Chow Chow is possibly one of the oldest breeds. As members of the Imperial Household, they were fed on the best rice and meat by an army of servants, had a military escort, slept on rich carpets, and were awarded high courtly titles and decorations.

In Ancient China they were used as hunting dogs against bears, their meat was served as one of the finest delicacies and their fur was processed. In the 17th century employees of the Dutch, East Company took the Chow Chow to Europe and presented at the London Dog Show. At that time, their nature was hostile, all strangers were considered enemies. Thanks to European breeding, lots of their features have disappeared. The Chow Chow was a term of jargon applied to the great variety of articles taken by these boats. Like a nickname, the term surrounded these dogs. However, according to a Chinese legend, the Chow Chow’s tongue is blue because it licked the sky when it was painted.

In the second half of the 19th century, Chow Chows were showcased as wild dogs in the London Zoo. As Queen Victoria was gifted with some Chow Chows, people started keeping them at home. One of the most important years in the history of the Chow must surely be 1895. Four important events occurred. Champion Chow VIII became the first-ever Chow Champion, Peridot II was awarded Best in Show at the LKA Championship show, and the Chow Chow Club was formed. The breed became popular in the U.S.A. probably at the same time that their fame was widespread in England. Since the 1920s, the popularity of the breed has increased steadily. Many celebrities also became fond of the exquisite beauty of the Chow Chows and kept them as their companions.

Rate The Chow Chow Breed

Chow Chow Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Wessel

    Apr 21, 2022, 7:16:14 AM:

    Most well behaved and trainable dog I ever had. Sweet, loveable, calm demeanour. Do not require a ton of attention or exercise, great for a busy schedule.

  • Pam S.

    Mar 23, 2022, 9:14:57 PM:

    Inaccurate and contradicting. States Chows are Intelligent but low intelligence. They're STUBBORN. They're actually very EASY to train. Meaning, teaching them what you'd like them to do. Getting them to do it, is a whole different story.

  • Chow Chow Enthusiast

    Jan 3, 2022, 5:20:25 PM:

    This article has common misconceptions Chows are very smart but not motivated loving clean & very cat like Low to no dander & very in tune with their humans Share life with a Chow & you will be hooked Best dog for many reasons.

  • Logan

    Dec 29, 2021, 5:25:51 AM:

    Chows awesome if they are trained well. Very loyal and naturally very intelligent.

  • Mary

    Jun 11, 2020, 6:24:22 PM:

    Chow chows are the worst dogs ever! they bullied my hamster, bit my daughter, and are very stupid.

  • Rv

    Apr 11, 2020, 1:52:54 AM:

    This doesn't Add up