Chow Chow
Is apartment friendly Can live in small spaces Is suitable for city living Can live in cold weather Is good for seniors or low-activity homes Does shed a lot Is good with children Is good with cats Is affectionate with family Is aggressive Is protective or territorial Is prone to separation anxiety Is a good guard dog Can be trained for herding or hunting Is recognized by major kennel clubs Is prone to allergies Aloof Apartment-friendly Great with kids Guardian, cart pulling, hunting Independent Loves hot weather Loyal Non-Sporting Quiet Sheds a lot

Chow Chow

Height 17 - 20 in (43 - 51 cm)
Weight 40 - 70 lbs (18 - 32 kg)
Lifespan 12 - 15 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Chow Chow Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Is Chow Chow prone to allergies?

Is Chow Chow a hypoallergenic breed?

What are common health issues in Chow Chow?

How much does it cost to raise a Chow Chow annually?

Does Chow Chow drool a lot?

Breed Characteristics

The consensus from the sources suggests that Chow Chows have moderate exercise needs, typically requiring around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day. While they are not high-energy dogs, they still enjoy going for walks and engaging in playtime. The majority of sources recommend around 40-60 minutes of exercise per day, with some suggesting a bit more. Therefore, a rating of 3.8 is appropriate as it falls between moderate and high exercise requirements.

How much exercise does Chow Chow need?

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The consensus suggests that Chow Chows require regular grooming, including brushing nearly every day, monthly baths, and professional grooming every 8 to 12 weeks. The need for grooming is emphasized due to their dense double coats and shedding tendencies, with some variation based on individual dogs.

How much grooming does Chow Chow need?

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Chow Chows are known to be strong-willed, independent, and sometimes stubborn, making training challenging, especially for beginners. They require an experienced handler and consistent training methods.

Is Chow Chow easy to train?

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Chow Chows are consistently described as highly intelligent in multiple sources, but their independent and stubborn nature can pose challenges in training. The majority of sources indicate a high level of intelligence in Chow Chows, leading to an average rating of 4.

How intelligent is Chow Chow?

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Chow Chows are consistently described as independent, intelligent, and stubborn in multiple sources, indicating a high level of both independence and stubbornness.

Is Chow Chow stubborn or independent?

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The consensus is mixed, with some sources mentioning that Chow Chows bark a lot, while others highlight that they are relatively reserved and quieter compared to many breeds. Therefore, a moderate rating of 3 is selected.

Does Chow Chow bark a lot?

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Chow Chows generally require moderate exercise, around 45-60 minutes a day, and they enjoy going for walks. While they can adapt to indoor living, they should not be left alone for long periods without exercise. It is recommended to have short walks multiple times a day, especially for puppies and older dogs.

Can Chow Chow stay indoors with limited walks?

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Chow Chows are described as very devoted, loyal, and loving companions, forming strong bonds with their owners. While they may not be outwardly affectionate in the traditional sense, they are attentive, protective, and loving in their own way. The consensus suggests that Chow Chows can be great family pets, especially when well-socialized.

Is Chow Chow affectionate with family?

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Chow Chows are consistently described as very protective, loyal, and territorial in multiple sources, making them excellent guard dogs. The consensus from the provided snippets indicates a high level of protectiveness and territorial behavior in Chow Chows.

Is Chow Chow protective or territorial?

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Basic Info

What are the breed characteristics of Chow Chow?

Key points about the Chow Chow breed include their lion's-mane ruff, blue-black tongue, deep-set almond eyes, and stiff-legged gait. They have a dense double coat that can be smooth or rough, with a distinctive thick ruff around the neck. Chow Chows are described as extremely loyal, independent, and intelligent, with a cat-like personality that is aloof, independent, and strong-willed. They are known to be good with children but may not be overly affectionate. The breed is characterized by a dominant and protective nature, with a compact, bear-like appearance and a tail curled over the back. Overall, Chow Chows are smart, independent, and sometimes aloof dogs with a dignified and loyal temperament, making them stand out with their dramatic coat and reserved personality.


What is the average litter size of Chow Chow?

The average litter size of Chow Chow puppies typically ranges from four to six, with some variation seen in individual cases. While some sources mention a range of 1 to 12 puppies, the consensus remains around 5-6 puppies being the average across all dogs. Factors such as the age of the parents, number of eggs released, and sperm quality can influence litter size. It is not uncommon for Chow Chows to have litters consisting of 3 to 6 puppies, although instances of smaller or larger litters have been reported.


What does a Chow Chow look like?

The Chow Chow is a medium to large-sized dog breed known for its distinctive lion-like appearance, including a lion's-mane ruff, deep-set almond eyes, and a blue-black tongue. They have a square profile, broad skull, and small triangular ears. Chow Chows can have rough or smooth coats in colors such as red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream, with white being extremely rare. They are described as having a stiff-legged gait and can appear aloof but are also loyal and independent. Additionally, some Chows have an open face with a longer nose and leaner body, while others have a closed face with a short muzzle and stocky body. Overall, the Chow Chow is a unique and striking breed with a teddy bear-like appearance and a reputation for being both regal and friendly.


What is the typical lifespan of Chow Chow?

The typical lifespan of a Chow Chow ranges between 8 to 15 years, with most sources citing an average of 12-14 years. Some Chow Chows have been known to live up to 16 years. Health issues are common in the breed, and their lifespan is generally shorter compared to some other breeds, averaging between 8 to 12 years. A UK study found the life expectancy of Chow Chows to be around 12.1 years. Factors such as genetics, diet, and overall health can influence the lifespan of a Chow Chow. In summary, Chow Chows are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of around 12 years, although individual lifespans can vary.


What is the origin of the Chow Chow?

The Chow Chow dog breed originated in ancient China, specifically in central China and Mongolia, around 8,300 years ago. They are considered one of the oldest and basal breeds to emerge after the domestication of dogs. The Chow Chow is known to date back to the Han dynasty and is believed to have genetic ties to indigenous Chinese dogs. This breed is described as an all-purpose dog with a muscular build and an air of inscrutable timelessness. The dogs were brought to England in the late 1700s and were named chow chows by the English, likely derived from a term meaning Oriental knick.


What is the average size of Chow Chow?

The Chow Chow is a medium-sized dog breed with an average height ranging from 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and a weight between 45 to 70 pounds. While some individuals may be larger, with weights up to 80 pounds, the typical range falls within these measurements. The breed's overall body length is approximately 25 to 29 inches, with a standing height of 20 to 23 inches. Chow Chows have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years and are known for their thick and coarse coat, typically in a red color. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially states their height at the shoulders can vary from 17 to 20 inches.


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