CHOW CHOW

Temperament: Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Group: Non-Sporting Group 

ABOUT THE CHOW CHOW

The distinctive-looking Chow Chow dog breed has a proud, independent spirit that some describe as catlike. They can be aloof — if you’re looking for a cuddle buddy, this probably isn’t the best breed for you — and downright suspicious of strangers. But for the right person, they can be a fiercely loyal companion.

As an independent breed, these pups need patience and consistency, and you may need to do a few things on their terms. Novice pet parents beware. While these dogs can adapt to apartment life, they need plenty of exercise, and they don’t enjoy being left home alone for long hours of the day. If you can provide experienced training and lots of physical activity, you’ll have a faithful, protective, furry family member.

With his deep-set eyes and large head, accentuated by a mane of hair, the Chow Chow (Chow for short) is an impressive-looking dog. His looks might make you think he’s mean or ill-tempered, but a well-bred and well-raised Chow isn’t aggressive.

The breed’s most memorable physical feature may be his blue-black tongue. According to Chinese legend, the tongue got its blue hue at the time of creation, when a Chow licked up drops of the color as the sky was being painted.

If you admire the Chow Chow’s unique appearance and independent spirit, you’ll have a fiercely loyal companion who will be a true treasure in your household.

PERSONALITY

Owners say Chows are the cleanest of dogs: They housebreak easily, have little doggy odor, and are known to be as fastidious as cats. Well-socialized Chows are never fierce or intractable, but always refined and dignified. They are aloof with strangers and eternally loyal to loved ones. Serene and adaptable, with no special exercise needs, Chows happily take to city life.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 2 to 2 3/4 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 

HEALTH

Health issues for the Chow Chow may include eyelid entropion, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, and thyroid function. These issues may be minimized by health screening, responsible breeding, and regular health care and can be diagnosed and managed with veterinary care. Extensive and detailed information on the breed’s health can be found on the website of the Chow Chow Club, Inc.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Hip Evaluation
• Elbow Evaluation
• Thyroid Evaluation
• Patella Evaluation

CARE

Chows can adapt to a variety of homes, from palaces to apartments. But they should always live indoors with their people, not stuck out in a backyard or kennel. They don’t tolerate heat well, so keep them indoors when the weather is sweltering.

Like any dog, an adult Chow Chow needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy, but not much — he’ll be satisfied with a couple of 15-minute walks daily or one longer walk. A Chow Chow is a homebody who’s not prone to wandering,

Chows are easily housetrained, but crate training is strongly recommended. Crates make housetraining easier and keep your Chow from chewing things while you’re away. The crate is a tool, not a jail, however, so don’t keep your Chow locked up in it for long periods. The best place for a Chow is with you.

Chows are more than capable of learning anything you can teach, and a verbal correction is usually all that’s required to set them straight.

Earn his respect in puppyhood with firm consistency, and you won’t have any problem training him. But if you let the cute pup have his way all the time and then try to train him, you’re sure to face problem.

GROOMING

The Chow comes in two coat types: rough and smooth. Both have an undercoat and a top coat. The rough has an abundant coat that stands off from the body. The head is framed by a profuse ruff, and the tail is plumed. The legs have feathering as well. The smooth does not have the abundance of top coat that characterizes the rough, and he lacks a ruff and feathering on the tail and legs. In all other respects, the coats are the same.

Grooming requirements depend on the type of coat. A smooth coated Chow needs brushing only weekly. One with a rough coat should be brushed every other day. Both varieties shed heavily twice a year, during which time the coat will come out in handfuls. A bath is rarely necessary, although a warm bath followed by a very thorough blow-drying can help remove that shedding coat.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually once a month. Brush the teeth frequently for good overall health and fresh breath. Check the ears weekly for dirt, redness or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: dogtime, akc, vetstreet.