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Ever wondered what it’s like to live with a dog that looks like a lion, acts like a cat, and loves like a loyal best friend? Meet the Chow Chow—an ancient, dignified breed with a teddy bear appearance and a fiercely independent spirit.
With roots stretching back over 2,000 years to northern China, these dogs weren’t just prized for their beauty, they were hardworking hunters, protectors, and even royal companions.
From their signature blue-black tongue to their luxurious, fluffy coats and watchful gaze, Chow Chows are unforgettable. But what truly sets them apart is their deep devotion to their chosen human and their strong sense of self. If you're intrigued by dogs that march to the beat of their own drum, the Chow Chow might just be your perfect match.
Quick Chow Chow Facts
Name: Chow Chow (also known as Songshi Quan, meaning "puffy-lion dog")
Origin: Northern China, dating back at least 2,000 years
Size: 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder; 45-70 pounds
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Appearance: Distinctive blue-black tongue, lion-like mane, teddy bear coat (rough or smooth), squared body structure, and deep-set almond eyes
Temperament: Independent, dignified, loyal, aloof with strangers, protective
Compatibility: Best with older children and experienced dog owners; can be territorial with other pets
Intelligence: Highly intelligent but independent-minded
Exercise & Energy: Low to moderate energy; requires brief daily walks
Grooming Needs: Moderate to high; varies by coat type with heavy seasonal shedding
Training: Challenging; responds to positive reinforcement but can be stubborn
Health: Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, and thyroid issues
What Makes the Chow Chow Special
The Chow Chow possesses an undeniable mystique. As a breed with a long and storied past, they carry a certain dignity and unique presence that sets them apart.
Unique blue-black tongue: This rare trait is shared only with Chinese Shar-Pei., making Chows instantly recognizable.
Apartment-friendly companion: With low energy levels and minimal exercise needs, Chow Chows thrive in smaller living spaces while still providing loyal companionship.
Naturally clean: Chow Chows exhibit cat-like cleanliness with minimal odor, often grooming themselves and requiring less frequent bathing.
Built-in home security: Their natural protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs, alerting you to strangers without excessive barking.
Independent yet devoted: Chows strike the perfect balance between self-sufficiency and deep loyalty, ideal for owners who appreciate respectful companionship.
Regal appearance: Their lion-like mane and plush coat give them a quintessential teddy bear dog appearance, creating an unmistakable presence that commands attention everywhere. What Does a Chow Chow Dog Look Like?
The Chow Chow is easily recognized by its sturdy build and abundant, dense coat that gives it a fluffy look. A prominent feature is the thick ruff of fur around their neck, reminiscent of a lion's mane. Their tail is another key characteristic, curling distinctly over their back, and they possess a unique blue-black tongue.
How Big is a Full-Grown Chow Chow?
Chow Chows are medium-sized dogs with a sturdy, squared body structure that exudes strength. Males typically stand 18-20 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 55-70 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 17-19 inches tall and 45-60 pounds. Despite their relatively moderate size, their thick coat and mane give them a more substantial appearance, often leading people to overestimate their weight.
Do Chow Chow Coats Need Lots of Attention
Chow Chows come in two distinct coat varieties: rough and smooth. The more common rough-coated Chow has a thick, abundant outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat that creates their distinctive lion-like appearance. Smooth-coated Chows have shorter, harder hair that lies flat against the body but still maintain a plush undercoat.
Recognized colors include red (ranging from light gold to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Despite claims of "rare" colors, these five are the only officially recognized Chow colors by major kennel clubs.
Chow Chow Temperament
Chow Chows are often misunderstood due to their independent and sometimes aloof nature. They're not the exuberantly affectionate dogs many expect, but instead possess a dignified, cat-like self-sufficiency. Their temperament is characterized by loyalty, independence, and a natural wariness toward strangers that makes early and consistent socialization absolutely significant.
How Unique is a Chow Chow Personality?
The Chow Chow personality is often described as cat-like due to their clean, independent, and sometimes aloof nature. They typically form an intense bond with one family member while maintaining respectful relationships with others in the household. Unlike many breeds that seek constant attention and affection, Chows appreciate personal space and may not enjoy excessive hugging or cuddling.
Are Chow Chows a Good Fit for Families with Kids?
Chow Chows can form strong bonds with family members, but they're generally best suited to homes with older children who understand and respect dog boundaries. Their reserved nature and low tolerance for rough handling make them less ideal for families with very young children.
When properly socialized from puppyhood and raised with children who treat them respectfully, Chows can become gentle, protective family companions. Effective dog socialization training during their formative months is essential for developing the balanced temperament needed in family environments.
Interactions between Chows and young children should always be supervised due to the breed's strong protective instincts and potential sensitivity to overly enthusiastic handling.
Chow Chows with Other Animals
Just like with children, early socialization is essential if you want your Chow Chow to get along well with other pets. They can be territorial and may show aggression toward unfamiliar dogs, particularly those of the same sex.
Chows raised from puppyhood with other pets typically learn to accept them as part of their "pack," but may still maintain a somewhat distant relationship. Their strong prey drive means caution is advised around small animals like cats, though implementing proper dog-to-cat introduction methods with controlled, gradual exposure can help establish peaceful coexistence. Many Chows can learn to live harmoniously with family cats if introduced properly and early.
Caring for Your Chow Chow
You need to take proper care to maintain your Chow Chow's health and happiness. While they're not high-energy dogs demanding hours of exercise, they do require consistent grooming, thoughtful training, and appropriate living conditions to thrive. Understanding their specific needs will help ensure your Chow remains a healthy, well-adjusted companion.
Importance of Grooming a Chow Chow
Grooming requirements for Chow Chows vary significantly depending on their coat type. Rough-coated Chows need brushing every other day using a pin brush and metal comb to prevent mats and tangles, especially around the thick mane and behind the ears.
Smooth-coated Chows require less maintenance with weekly brushing usually sufficient. Both varieties experience heavy seasonal shedding (or "blowing their coat") twice yearly, during which daily brushing becomes necessary as the coat comes out in handfuls.
Regular nail trimming every 3-4 weeks, weekly ear cleaning, and dental care should also be part of your core care components for a complete grooming routine.
Are Chow Chow Puppies Difficult to Train?
Training a Chow Chow requires patience, consistency, and understanding of their independent nature. While highly intelligent, they're not people-pleasers and may question why they should follow commands. Short, positive training sessions using rewards, praise, and clicker training yield the best results. Harsh methods or punishment will damage your relationship and increase stubbornness.
Socialization should begin immediately and continue throughout their life to help them distinguish between genuine threats and normal situations. Many Chow owners find working with a professional trainer experienced with independent breeds invaluable, especially for first-time owners.
Living Needs of the Chow Chow Dog Breed
Despite their thick coat, Chow Chows adapt well to various living situations, including apartments and condos, thanks to their naturally low activity level. They require minimal exercise, one or two 15-20 minute walks daily typically suffice. However, they're sensitive to heat due to their dense double coat and flat faces, so air conditioning is recommended for warmer climates.
Chows must live indoors with their family as they form strong bonds and can develop behavioral issues if isolated in backyards. They appreciate having a quiet space to retreat to when they need solitude, making them good matches for calm, structured households.
How Much Food Does a Chow Chow Need?
Feeding a Chow Chow requires attention to their specific dietary needs and potential sensitivities. As a breed prone to joint issues, high-quality food with appropriate levels of protein and healthy fats supports overall health and coat condition.
Adult Chows typically need 2-3 cups of premium dog food daily, divided into two meals to help prevent bloat. Puppies should be fed a quality large-breed puppy formula to support proper bone development and growth. Because Chows can be prone to food allergies, monitoring for symptoms and avoiding common allergens may be necessary.
Always provide fresh water and be mindful of treats, as Chows can easily become overweight, which exacerbates joint problems.
Chow Chow Health Issues That You Must Watch Out For
Chow Chows generally enjoy good health when obtained from reputable breeders who conduct appropriate genetic testing. With an average lifespan of 8-12 years, they're moderately long-lived for their size.
However, like all purebred dogs, they're predisposed to certain health conditions that prospective owners should be aware of before bringing one home.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, causing pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. In Chow Chows, you might notice your dog reluctant to climb stairs, jump, or exercise for long periods.
This condition has a strong hereditary component, which is why reputable breeders screen breeding stock with hip evaluations from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP.
While not curable, symptoms can be managed through weight management, appropriate exercise, medications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Elbow Dysplasia
Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia involves abnormal joint development that can cause lameness and pain. Your Chow may show stiffness, limping, or reluctance to extend the affected leg fully, particularly after rest or during cold weather.
This condition is influenced by genetics and growth rate, making it important to follow appropriate feeding guidelines for large-breed puppies. Treatment options range from weight management and anti-inflammatory medications to surgical procedures depending on severity.
Entropion
Entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward causing lashes to rub against the cornea, is relatively common in Chow Chows due to their facial structure. You might notice your dog squinting, tearing excessively, or pawing at their eyes, signs that shouldn't be ignored as corneal damage can result.
While minor cases may be managed with eye drops, most require surgical correction for the comfort and long-term eye health of your pet. This condition appears early in life, often between 6-12 months, making regular veterinary check-ups during the first year particularly important.
Investing in Dog Insurance for Your Chow Chow is Worth It
Dealing with these health issues can unfortunately come with a hefty price tag. For instance, surgical intervention for hip or elbow dysplasia can easily range from $3,000 to $7,000 per joint. Eye conditions like entropion often require surgical correction as well, with costs potentially reaching $1,500 to $3,000 per eye depending on the severity and the need for specialized care. Even managing chronic conditions like hypothyroidism can involve ongoing medication and regular veterinary visits, accumulating thousands of dollars over the dog's lifetime.
Considering these potential costs, pet insurance can offer valuable financial protection, helping owners provide the best possible care for their Chow Chow without facing overwhelming bills. Health protection for Chow Chows may help manage costs associated with their breed-specific conditions. Choose a pet insurance plan for your dog that offers flexible options that can provide support for unexpected accidents and illnesses your Chow might experience.
The best time to consider insurance is when your Chow is still a healthy puppy, as pre-existing conditions are not covered by pet insurance providers. Remember that while curable pre-existing conditions may become eligible for coverage after being symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 months, chronic conditions like allergies remain excluded.
For routine care needs optional, non-insurance wellness plans can help you budget for preventative services like vaccinations, annual check-ups, grooming, and training.
Where Did Chow Chow Dogs Come From?
The Chow Chow boasts one of the oldest lineages among dog breeds, with archaeological evidence suggesting their existence in China as far back as 206 BCE during the Han Dynasty. Clay figurines resembling modern Chows have been discovered in tombs from this period. Originally known as the "Tang Quan" or "Dog of the Tang Empire," they served various roles including hunting, herding, pulling, and guarding throughout ancient Chinese history.
The breed's distinctive name doesn't come from China but rather from British merchants in the late 18th century who included these unusual dogs in their cargo as "chow chow" which was a term used to describe miscellaneous goods from the East. Their popularity spread throughout Europe in the 1800s, with Queen Victoria's interest in the breed helping to cement their status.
The Chow Chow's unique charm and independent nature have resonated with a variety of well-known individuals. Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud famously kept several Chows, with his dog Jofi even becoming a quiet presence in his consulting room, seemingly attuned to his patients' emotions.
Music icon Elvis Presley was also a devoted owner, and when his beloved Chow Chow, Get Low, fell ill with a kidney ailment, Elvis famously leased a Learjet to fly the dog and a medical team to Boston for specialized treatment, showcasing his deep affection for the breed.
Lifestyle expert Martha Stewart has been a long-time and prominent enthusiast of the Chow Chow, having owned and frequently featured several, including her well-known dogs Empress Qin and Emperor Han. She has often spoken about their regal beauty and distinctive personalities, incorporating them into her homes and even her media appearances.
Getting a Chow Chow Dog
Deciding to welcome a Chow Chow into your home is a significant commitment that should be carefully considered. Their unique temperament, specific health concerns, and grooming requirements make them best suited for experienced dog owners who appreciate their dignified independence. Before bringing one home, research thoroughly and honestly assess whether your lifestyle and expectations align with this breed's characteristics.
When seeking a Chow Chow puppy, responsible breeders who follow the Chow Chow Club's code of ethics should be your only consideration for buying a puppy. Reputable breeders will provide health clearances for both parents, including OFA or PennHIP evaluations for hips and elbows, thyroid testing, and CERF eye certification. They should raise puppies in a home environment with early socialization experiences and welcome your questions about temperament, health, and care. Be prepared to pay $1,500-$3,000 for a well-bred puppy and be wary of significantly lower prices that may indicate a puppy mill or irresponsible breeding.
Adoption from breed-specific rescues offers another path to Chow Chow ownership. These organizations typically evaluate temperament and provide necessary medical care before adoption. Many adult Chows in rescue situations are already house-trained and have established personalities, making it easier to determine if they'll be a good match for your household.
Whether you choose a puppy from a breeder or adopt an adult from rescue, schedule a veterinary examination within the first week. This initial assessment will establish a baseline for your Chow's health and allow your veterinarian to create a preventative care plan tailored to this breed's specific needs. Your vet can also advise on appropriate vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, dietary requirements, and the optimal time for spaying or neutering your new companion.
FAQs About the Chow Chow Dog Breed
Are Chow Chows good family dogs?
Chow Chows can thrive in families with older, respectful children who appreciate their dignified nature. Unlike more exuberant breeds, they're typically reserved and prefer gentle interaction over rough play. With proper socialization from puppyhood, they become loyal family guardians, though they're rarely the cuddly companions many expect.
The ideal Chow family values independence and understands that this breed shows affection through protective presence rather than playful enthusiasm.
Why do Chow Chows have blue tongues?
The iconic blue-black tongue is a genetic trademark shared only with Chinese Shar-Peis. While science attributes this to elevated pigmentation cells, Chinese legend offers a more poetic explanation: Chows received their distinctive tongues after licking droplets of the sky during creation. Puppies are actually born with pink tongues that gradually darken to their signature blue-black shade by 8-10 weeks.
Are Chow Chows aggressive?
Chows aren't inherently aggressive but rather naturally cautious with strangers—a trait that transforms into either appropriate reserve or problematic behavior depending on socialization. Their watchful nature requires early, positive exposure to diverse people and situations.
Most behavior issues stem from inadequate training or irresponsible breeding rather than the breed's temperament. Well-raised Chows typically respond to unfamiliar situations with dignified assessment rather than aggression.
How much exercise do Chow Chows need?
These low-energy companions thrive with two brief daily walks of 15-20 minutes each—perfect for apartment dwellers or those without expansive yards. Rather than demanding lengthy hikes or energetic play sessions, Chows prefer moderate activity and quiet time. Their thick coats make them vulnerable to overheating, so exercise should be scheduled during cooler hours.
Mental stimulation through training exercises remains important despite their modest physical requirements.
What health tests should Chow Chow breeders perform?
Reputable breeders conduct comprehensive screenings including hip and elbow evaluations (OFA/PennHIP), thyroid testing, patella examinations, and eye clearances (CERF).
The Chow Chow Club's participation in the Canine Health Information Center program establishes these as minimum requirements. Responsible breeders transparently share all results—positive or negative—and register them in the public CHIC database, demonstrating their commitment to improving breed health.