The chow chow looks like a serious Teddy bear, but this dignified dog has little interest in being hugged. The chow chow’s attentions are more focused on protecting the family and watching over its selected companion with whom the dog forms a strong bond. The chow chow is an ancient breed and an ancestor of the spitz family of dogs. Hailing from China, the chow chow was used as a bird hunter during the Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago. In 1880, chow chows were brought to England, where they caught the appreciative eye of Queen Victoria. When the dogs were logged into the ship cargo manifests for their journeys from China to England, they were given the name chow chow, which is a Chinese expression similar to the English knick-knack. Ten years later, the breed was first shown in the United States. In 1903, the American Kennel Club recognized the chow chow as a member of the non-sporting group.
The Chow Chow is a large dog with a strong build and strong muscles. It was bred to herd and to guard and these instincts are still very much present in this dog. The coat can come in two varieties, either a rough furry coat or a smooth, hard coat. Both varieties have a soft, warm undercoat that protects them from cold weather. They cannot stand humid weather. The medium-sized, square frame chow chow stands 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 40 to 70 pounds. A chow chow may be clad in either a smooth coat or a rough coat. Both variations are double coats with wooly undercoats, but the top layer of a rough coated chow chow is thicker and stands out from the body. Rough coated chow chows have feathering on the legs, plumed tails and heads that appear rounded as a result of a large rough. The coat color of a chow chow may be red, cinnamon, blue, black or cream. The chow chow has pointed ears that stand erect, exaggerated eyebrows that lend the dog a scowling expression, and the most distinguishing feature is its bluish black tongue.
Personality
This dog breed may look like teddy bears but they are not. They generally become attached to one person who they are devoted to. They are stubborn, independent dogs that tend to bite or snap if they feel threatened. They are aggressive towards other dogs and suspicious of strangers. They need daily but not vigorous exercise in the form of walks. The chow chow is reserved and independent. With proper training and socialization, the chow chow can get along with other household pets, but it can be aggressive toward other dogs and cats, and it can be leery of strangers. To its family, the breed is loyal and protective. The chow chow is also territorial, making an excellent watchdog and guard dog. The breed’s low energy level makes the dog perfectly content to reside in an apartment with a couple of short walks each day. Chow chows are not cuddle dogs. They show little interest in such overt affections from their human housemates, which is why they tend to fare better with older children. A chow chow will typically allocate most of its devotion and companionship to one favored person. The chow chow is intelligent, but its stubborn tendencies can make training a challenge.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spitz |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | China |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Non-Sporting (Utility) |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Chow |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Chow Chow Build Information
The Chow Chow is a large dog with a strong build and strong muscles. It was bred to herd and to guard and these instincts are still very much present in this dog. The coat can come in two varieties, either a rough furry coat or a smooth, hard coat. Both varieties have a soft, warm undercoat that protects them from cold weather. They cannot stand humid weather. The medium-sized, square frame chow chow stands 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 40 to 70 pounds. A chow chow may be clad in either a smooth coat or a rough coat. Both variations are double coats with wooly undercoats, but the top layer of a rough coated chow chow is thicker and stands out from the body. Rough coated chow chows have feathering on the legs, plumed tails and heads that appear rounded as a result of a large rough. The coat color of a chow chow may be red, cinnamon, blue, black or cream. The chow chow has pointed ears that stand erect, exaggerated eyebrows that lend the dog a scowling expression, and the most distinguishing feature is its bluish black tongue.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
This dog breed may look like teddy bears but they are not. They generally become attached to one person who they are devoted to. They are stubborn, independent dogs that tend to bite or snap if they feel threatened. They are aggressive towards other dogs and suspicious of strangers. They need daily but not vigorous exercise in the form of walks. The chow chow is reserved and independent. With proper training and socialization, the chow chow can get along with other household pets, but it can be aggressive toward other dogs and cats, and it can be leery of strangers. To its family, the breed is loyal and protective. The chow chow is also territorial, making an excellent watchdog and guard dog. The breed’s low energy level makes the dog perfectly content to reside in an apartment with a couple of short walks each day. Chow chows are not cuddle dogs. They show little interest in such overt affections from their human housemates, which is why they tend to fare better with older children. A chow chow will typically allocate most of its devotion and companionship to one favored person. The chow chow is intelligent, but its stubborn tendencies can make training a challenge.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
Smooth coated chow chows can be maintained with weekly brushing, but chow chows with rough coats require brushing every two days. During the heavy shedding season, which occurs twice a year, daily brushing will help to remove the voluminous amounts of dead hair to reduce accumulation in the home. Brushing the teeth every other day helps to maintain a chow chow’s oral and internal health.
| Colors: | Black, Cream, Gray, Off White, Red, Tan |
| Shedding: | Seasonal |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Rough |
Chow Chow Common Health Conditions
Chow chows live an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Some health conditions that are commonly noted in chow chows include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation and melanoma. Autoimmune thyroiditis and an autoimmune skin condition called pemphigus foliaceous are also health concerns of this breed. These dogs are also prone to eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, entropion and distichiasis.
Chow Chow Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The chow chow originated in China. The chow chow is most commonly and simply referred to as a chow. The chow chow is a loyal companion to his owner and makes an excellent watchdog and protective guard dog. The chow chow stands 17 to 20 inches tall and weighs 40 to 70 pounds. Chow chows have a low energy level. Chow chows require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a chow chow is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
