The Complete Guide to Owning a Chow Chow

Owning a Chow Chow can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics.

Chow Chows are an ancient breed, originating from China over 2,000 years ago.

They're known for their distinctive blue-black tongues, which are a result of their genetic makeup.

Chow Chows are a relatively small breed, weighing between 55 and 75 pounds and standing between 17 and 20 inches tall.

Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Chow Chows are generally quiet dogs, but they do have a distinctive howl that's often described as a loud, mournful sound.

They're loyal and protective of their family, but can be wary of strangers and may require time to warm up to new people.

With proper training and socialization, Chow Chows can make wonderful companions for active families or individuals.

See what others are reading: Are Chow Chows Good Guard Dogs

The Chow Chow has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The breed originated in Asia, with some experts believing it dates back at least 2,000 years to the Han dynasty of China.

For your interest: Shih Tzu 100 Years Ago

One Chinese legend mentions large war dogs from Central Asia that resembled black-tongued lions. These dogs were said to be owned by Chinese rulers, with one emperor reportedly keeping 2,500 "chow dogs" to accompany his army of hunters.

The breed was used for various purposes, including hunting, herding, drafting, and personal protection. In fact, the Chow Chow was initially bred as a sporting dog, used by Chinese aristocrats to hunt pheasant and partridge.

The name "Chow Chow" is derived from pidgin-English slang used by sea captains to describe the contents of cargo crates full of miscellaneous Chinese goods. This is a fascinating example of how language and culture can shape our understanding of a breed.

The Chow Chow was first introduced to the West in the late 18th century, where it quickly gained popularity among the royal circles. Queen Victoria acquired a Chow in 1865, and the breed soon became a favorite among all strata of society.

Today, the Chow Chow is primarily a family companion and guard dog. Despite its popularity ebbing and flowing over the years, the breed remains highly regarded for its exceptional qualities.

The Chow Chow's physical characteristics are truly unique and fascinating. The breed is known for its distinctive blue-black tongue, which is a hallmark of the breed and a feature shared with the Chinese Shar-Pei.

The Chow Chow's head is large in proportion to its body, with a broad and flat skull and a moderate stop. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, but never less than one-third the length of the skull. The eyes are dark brown in color with black rims, and the ears are small and triangular in shape.

The Chow Chow's body is square in profile, with a broad chest and well-muscled shoulders. The breed has a dense double coat that is either smooth or rough, with a profuse ruff around the head and neck. The weight of a mature Chow Chow typically ranges from 45 to 70 pounds.

Here are the recognized coat colors of the Chow Chow breed:

The Chow Chow's height typically ranges from 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder, giving the breed a sturdy and compact appearance.

The Chow Chow is a unique breed with some striking physical characteristics. Their blue-black tongue is a hallmark of the breed, and it's a feature that's shared with the Chinese Shar-Pei.

Their lips, gums, and mouth are also blue-black in color, with darker colors being preferred for the breed standard. This distinctive trait is a key part of what makes the Chow Chow so recognizable.

The Chow Chow's head is large in proportion to the size of the body, and it's carried proudly. The topskull is broad and flat from side to side as well as from front to back, with correct bone structure being more important than loose skin and excessive coat.

Their eyes are dark brown in color with black rims, and they're moderately sized, almond-shaped, and obliquely placed. The ears are small and triangular in shape, with a slight rounding at the tip, and they're carried stiffly erect with a slight forward tilt.

Explore further: Liver Color Brittany Spaniel

The muzzle is short and broad, with a square appearance due to its depth and width. The nose is ideally large with well-opened nostrils, and its color and pigment vary depending on the color of the coat.

The Chow Chow's body is compact, broad, deep, and well-muscled, with a short and level topline. The chest is broad, muscular, and deep, extending to the elbow, and the ribs are well sprung at the top but narrow at the lower end.

Here are the five recognized colors of the Chow Chow breed:

The Chow Chow's coat may be either rough or smooth, with the rough variety having a thick, woolly undercoat and a coarse, straight outer coat. The smooth variety has a hard, dense, and smooth outer coat, without the quantity, length, and distribution of the rough variety.

The Chow Chow's tail is set high and follows the line of the spine at its insertion, and it's always carried closely to the back, whether the dog is alert or relaxed.

A mature Chow Chow ranges in height from 17 to 20 inches, measured at the withers, and correct proportions are given more emphasis when judging this breed than size. The breed's overall weight varies based on size, but the Chow generally weighs between 45 and 70 pounds at maturity.

The weight of a Chow Chow is a topic worth discussing. Adult Chow Chows typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds at maturity.

Their weight varies based on size, so it's essential to consider this when feeding them. Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent obesity, which can lead to health issues.

A healthy weight is crucial for the Chow's overall well-being. This means feeding them according to their age, activity level, and overall health, rather than just following a general guideline.

The dense coat of the Chow Chow can make them appear larger than they truly are. However, their weight remains a significant factor in their overall health and vitality.

Chow Chows are generally robust dogs, but they can be predisposed to certain health concerns. With an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, regular health exams, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help many Chow Chows thrive well into the upper range.

Some common health issues in Chow Chows include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Hypothyroidism. These conditions can be managed with medication and physical therapy, but early detection is key.

Here are some specific health concerns to watch out for:

Regular veterinary exams and a proactive approach to health can help identify and manage these issues early on.

The Chow Chow's teeth are a notable feature, with a complete set of good-sized, evenly spaced, white teeth that meet in a scissors bite.

Regular brushing of their teeth is essential to keep them clean and healthy.

Chow Chows are generally hardy dogs, but like all breeds and mixed breeds, they can be predisposed to certain health concerns.

The average lifespan of a Chow Chow is 8 to 12 years, but with regular health exams, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise, many can thrive well into the upper range.

Some common health issues in Chow Chows include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hypothyroidism.

Regular veterinary exams can help to identify and manage these issues early on. Owners of Chow Chows should be proactive about their dog's health, scheduling routine screenings and being alert to any signs of distress or abnormal behavior.

Here are some potential health risks to be aware of:

Chow Chows can also suffer from diabetes mellitus and gastric cancer, and are a high-risk breed for autoimmune disease.

The Chow Chow is a breed that's often misunderstood. They're not as affectionate as you might think, even with their beloved owners.

They can be wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs, which makes them excellent guard dogs. Their independence and aloofness can be a challenge for new dog owners.

Chow Chows are extremely devoted to their family members, but they're not always eager to show it. They tend to greet family members with restraint, but that doesn't mean they're not happy to be with them.

Their strong will and intelligence require firmness and fairness from their owners. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work best for training them.

Discover more: Shiba Inu Owners

The Chow Chow is a breed known for its independent and aloof nature, which can make it a challenge for some owners. They tend to be wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs, but their loyalty to their owners knows no bounds.

Chow Chows form deep bonds with their family members, but they don't always express their happiness in the same way as other breeds. Instead of being overly affectionate, they tend to greet family members with restraint.

One of the most common misconceptions about Chow Chows is that they are quarrelsome or aggressive. However, this is often a result of misunderstanding their innate aloofness and disinterest in strangers.

Chow Chows can be left alone, but they don't enjoy being separated from their owners for extended periods. They can become bored, anxious, or even depressed, leading to undesirable behaviors.

A key characteristic of the Chow Chow is their ability to bond deeply with one individual, often forming a strong attachment to a single person in the family.

Some notable dogs that have been Chow Chows include Bob, a dog owned by U.S. Navy admiral George Dewey, and Sunnee, a dog owned by Walt Disney and his wife Lillian.

Chow Chows are intelligent and respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, such as using treats, praise, and play as rewards. They are also known to form strong bonds with their owners, which can make training a rewarding experience.

However, the independent nature and stubbornness of Chow Chows can make them challenging to train. Consistent obedience training and early socialization are essential to turning an aloof, overprotective Chow Chow into a loyal family dog.

Here are some dog sports and activities that Chow Chows can participate in:

Taking care of a Chow Chow at home requires attention to their diet, exercise, and grooming needs. Regular brushing of their coat and teeth, as well as regular check-ups with a veterinarian, can help keep them happy and healthy.

Puppies are bundles of energy, eager to explore their surroundings and bond with members of their human families. A balanced diet formulated for puppies is essential for proper bone and muscle development.

Chow Chow puppies are naturally clean, making housebreaking a relatively easy process. Short, controlled play sessions and leisurely walks are best for young Chows until they reach maturity.

A Chow Chow puppy thrives on human companionship and should be included in daily family activities. Regular veterinary check-ups are vital for monitoring growth and ensuring the pup is developing as it should.

To keep your Chow Chow happy and healthy, it's essential to watch her diet, provide plenty of exercise, and regularly brush her teeth and coat. Brushing her coat at least weekly, with daily brushing during shedding season, will help prevent matting and keep her skin healthy.

A proper diet is also crucial, so feed her a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and avoid giving her people food. Consistency is key, so stick to a regular feeding schedule.

Here are some essential care tasks to remember:

Chow Chows are considered low maintenance in terms of their personality, but high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their thick, double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and to manage the shedding.

In terms of exercise, these dogs are typically content with several walks each day and some playtime with their favorite person back at home. However, it's essential to remember that proper training and socialization are necessary to ensure these intelligent and independent dogs are well-behaved and well-adjusted in public settings.

Chow Chows are adaptable and can thrive in apartment living, provided they're given regular walks throughout the day. With more room to roam, most Chows will only choose to stick close to their favorite person to be aware of what's going on.

Here's a breakdown of the maintenance levels for Chow Chows:

Overall, while Chow Chows may require more attention in terms of grooming, they can make wonderful pets for those willing to provide the necessary care and attention.

Rescue groups play an invaluable role in supporting the needs of individual dogs, providing shelter, care, and new beginnings for any Chow Chow in need.

In the United States, the CCCI Welfare is a committee that focuses on the well-being of the purebred Chow as a pet in today's society. They establish a central point of contact for people seeking an abandoned or unwanted Chow.

The CCCI Welfare maintains a directory of volunteers, providing information, resources, and support to veterinarians, animal shelters, and others who care for homeless Chows.

For those in the United Kingdom, Chow Chow Rescue Service and Scottish Chow Rescue offer support, rehoming services, and education for individuals looking to adopt one of these powerful protectors.

Acquiring a rescued Chow can be a rewarding experience, as it provides a loving home to a loyal dog in need.

Discover more: Yorkshire Terrier Care

Chow Chows shed regularly, especially during the spring and fall.

The breed's thick, double coat sheds heavily during these seasons, which means you'll need to brush it thoroughly to the skin to prevent uncomfortable matts from forming.

Yes, Chow Chows are considered high maintenance when it comes to grooming due to their thick coat.

Regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and manage the shedding.

It's essential to remember that the shedding can be problematic for people with allergies, as the breed can spread more dander around.

You'll need to brush the coat regularly to keep it under control, but it's worth it to keep your Chow Chow looking and feeling its best.