Chow Chow Breed Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: The Chow Chow’s dense double coat comes in two textures: rough, which gives it an appearance like a lion’s mane, or smooth. Regardless of his coat, you’ll need to take your Chow to the groomer as frequently as every two months, and if you bathe him, you’ll need to dry him with a cold air dryer to prevent any overheating. Be sure to trim your Chow Chow’s nails and clean their ears every few weeks, and brush his teeth daily.

Coat length: Medium

Grooming: Frequent

Shedding: Due to the nature of their dense coat, the Chow is a heavy seasonal shedder. It is important to brush your Chow almost daily to keep on top of his fur loss.

Training: Chow Chows are naturally independent and aloof when it comes to training, and must be socialized early and often to become friendly, approachable dogs. A well-socialized Chow Chow is never fierce or intractable, but is always refined and dignified. It is best to be firm and consistent during training, but always use forms of positive reinforcement. Despite their stubborn streak, Chow Chows tend to train fairly easily. On the plus side, Chow Chows are fastidiously clean, like a cat, and they are incredibly easy to housebreak.

Barking: Understanding your dog: It’s important to remember that the Chow Chow was bred for protection and, as a result, has a tendency to be very vocal when alarmed. While they do not need a lot of room to roam and can live comfortably in an apartment, the number one complaint about apartment living is their barking. Most of the barking comes from their instinct to guard and protect their homes and owners, so things like a shared yard or lots of voices in communal apartment space could set off your own overactive burglar alarm.

Temperament & Behavior: Despite their teddy bear-like appearance, Chow Chows are a tough nut to crack. Chows are notorious for their independent streaks, which can become problematic without proper and consistent positive reinforcement training and socialization. In most cases, Chow Chows have a tendency to bond to their family and may be standoffish with strangers.

Behavior with kids: Before taking your Chow Chow around children, be sure that both your dog has been well socialized with children and that the children have been carefully taught how to safely interact with dogs. Most Chow Chows are not receptive to children’s antics, so Chow Chows are definitely more suited to be companion animals in adult households and should always be monitored when with children.

Protection: Once bred to be guard dogs to Chinese emperors, the Chow Chow is an excellent candidate to be a fierce and loyal protector of his family and property.

Life Span: On average, Chow Chows live to be between 8 and 12 years old.

Inherited health issues: As with any breed, a variety of health conditions can arise in Chow Chows either due to inheritance or at an increased frequency within the breed. These may include, but are not limited to, the following conditions: Growth hormone-responsive dermatosis, Uveodermatologic syndrome, Pemphigus foliaceous, Post-clipping alopecia, Cranial cruciate ligament rupture, Elbow dysplasia, Myotonia, Cerebellar hypoplasia, Cataracts, Entropion, Ectropion, Glaucoma and Persistent pupillary membranes.

Preventive care: Many of the more common health conditions in Chow Chows are associated with hair loss (alopecia), eye conditions, and joint problems. Although there is no way to definitively prevent most of these conditions from occurring, home monitoring for changes is the first line of defense. If any problems are observed with your Chow, contact your veterinarian. Even if your Chow Chow appears to be healthy at home, continue going to the veterinarian once or twice a year for routine physical exams to assure that subtle changes or problems are not present.

Nutrition
If left to their own devices, Chow Chows tend to be quite lazy and can easily become overweight. Be sure to offer portion controlled meals of a high-quality, balanced diet, as well as plenty of exercise to keep your Chow healthy. Avoid offering table scraps or too many treats, since these can quickly pack on the pounds.

Daily Consumption
Average daily consumption for an adult Chow Chow is 1.5 to 2 cups

Energy Level: Not interested in exercise, would rather doze the day away

Exercise: Even with a history of being guard dogs and hunting dogs in ancient China, the Chow Chow has a tendency to be on the lazy end of the dog spectrum. Despite their lack of motivation to exercise, it’s still important to keep your Chow active and healthy, as an under-exercised Chow is a cranky, lethargic, and overweight Chow.

Climate: This is definitely a dog that thrives in cold weather.

Living space: As long as you provide them with regular daily exercise, your Chow Chow will be just fine in a city apartment.