Chow German Shepherd: The Ultimate Guide

The Chow German Shepherd is a unique and fascinating breed that's gained popularity in recent years. They're a cross between a Chow Chow and a German Shepherd, resulting in a loyal and intelligent companion.

Here are some key characteristics of the Chow German Shepherd. They typically weigh between 75-120 pounds and stand between 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder.

This breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them an excellent choice for active families or individuals who want a dedicated companion.

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The German Shepherd breed has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s in Germany. They were originally bred to herd sheep and other livestock.

One of the earliest recorded ancestors of the German Shepherd is the Thuringian Shepherd, a herding dog from the Thuringia region.

German Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a popular choice as police and military dogs.

The Chow German Shepherd is a unique and impressive breed. They have a dense coat that is usually black, brown, or red in color.

Their head is broad and their build is strong, making them a formidable sight. Males can grow up to 66 cm tall and weigh around 30 kg, while females are slightly smaller, reaching 61 cm in height and weighing 25 kg.

The chest of this breed is deep and the legs are strong and muscular, which is perfect for agility and endurance activities. They have a unique ear shape, standing ears that add to their overall appearance.

Their tail is quite versatile, rolled up or fanned out, depending on their mood. In terms of size, females can range from 46-60 cm in height and weigh between 22-32 kg, while males can range from 48-65 cm in height and weigh between 25-40 kg.

Here are the key size and weight ranges for the Chow German Shepherd:

Grooming Your Chow German Shepherd is a must, as these dogs shed constantly. Their thick, dense coats with heavy undercoats make them look like a ball of fluff, but also require regular maintenance.

You'll need a reliable brush and a de-shedding tool to keep their coat under control. Brush their coat about two to three times a day to prevent excessive shedding. Having a vacuum around can help you clean up the mess in your surroundings.

Shampooing your Chow German Shepherd should be done only when necessary, such as flea or skin problems, or when it starts to smell unpleasing. Here are some dog shampoo products that are suitable for their long coats:

Don't forget to trim their nails once in a while using specialized nail clippers for dogs. Regular nail trimming will keep your dog's nails healthy and prevent any discomfort or pain.

The German Shepherd Chow mix is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Hip dysplasia is a common problem in many breeds, including the German Shepherd and Chow Chow. This genetic illness causes the hip joints to deteriorate, leading to skeletal malformation.

Regular checkups with a vet can help identify any potential issues early on.

German Shepherd Chow mixes are also susceptible to eye problems, such as pannus or chronic superficial keratitis. This condition can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Eye problems are more common in older dogs, typically appearing between the ages of 7 and 9.

Bloating, also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is another potential issue for German Shepherd Chow mixes. This occurs when gas fills the stomach, causing the diaphragm and blood vessels to be compressed.

Flea allergy is another issue that can affect German Shepherd Chow mixes, particularly due to their long coats providing a warm environment for fleas to breed.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:

When it comes to feeding your Chow German Shepherd, remember that they are medium-sized dogs with a ton of energy.

A regular feeding schedule is essential, so stick to one or two feedings every day.

Limiting treats is also crucial, as they can quickly add up and lead to weight gain.

The German Shepherd Chow mix needs a daily dose of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This means at least one hour of daily, vigorous exercise is a must.

Swimming is an excellent activity for this breed, as it's low-impact and burns a lot of energy. It's also a great way to spend quality time with your dog.

To keep your German Shepherd Chow mix mentally stimulated, you can try scenting or tracking games, such as hide and seek or finding a treat. These games tap into their natural hunting instincts and keep them engaged.

Here are some activities you can do with your German Shepherd Chow mix to keep them happy and exercised:

The German Shepherd Chow needs a daily dose of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. With high energy levels and intellect, this breed requires a lot of exercise and engagement.

One hour of daily, vigorous exercise is just a starting point for this dog. Ideally, Shepherd Chow breeds should go on long adventures like hiking or running every day to get as much energy out as possible.

Swimming is an excellent low-impact activity that burns a lot of fuel and doesn't strain the dog's joints. It's an exciting activity for both the dog and its owner.

Socialization is crucial for German Shepherd Chows to recognize other dogs and behave in the same manner towards them. This can be achieved by teaching the dog how to be around and respect other dogs.

Obedience training is essential to keep the dog mentally and physically engaged and exhausted. It's a great way to bond with your dog and teach it new skills.

To give you a better idea of the activities you can do with your German Shepherd Chow, here are some examples:

Training your German Shepherd Chow mix requires an early start. The independent nature of the Chow Chow parent can make training a challenge, but the loyalty of the German Shepherd parent can help.

You'll want to give your puppy plenty of time and attention, as this will help establish a strong bond and teach the dog to respect you as its alpha. This is especially important when introducing toys, as the dog should learn that being with you is a rewarding experience.

Positive reinforcement is a key training method for this breed. Reward your dog with treats or toys when it responds correctly to a command, and withhold rewards until it learns to react properly.

Socialization is also crucial for a German Shepherd Chow mix. Expose your dog to humans and animals early on, and if you have children, introduce them to the dog as soon as possible to help the dog feel comfortable and tolerant.

Consistency is key when training a German Shepherd Chow mix. They can be stubborn at times, so be sure to set clear boundaries and expectations. Avoid yelling or aggression, as this can be counterproductive.

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They're fiercely loyal and desperate for their owner's attention, but can get into trouble if they feel bored or neglected. German Shepherd Chow Mixes need a lot of stimulation both mentally and physically.

They're extremely intelligent dogs, as both parent breeds are among the smartest in the canine world. This means they take to training well and require as much mental stimulation as physical.

Chow Shepherds are loyal and loving toward their families and would do anything to protect them. However, that instinct can sometimes cause them to be standoffish toward strangers.

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They're extremely intelligent dogs, as both parent breeds are among the smartest in the canine world. This means they take to training well and require as much mental stimulation as physical.

Chow Shepherds can quickly figure out what you want them to do, as well as how to get you to do what they want you to do. They'll find ways to occupy themselves if you don't give them enough to do.

They're fiercely loyal and desperate for their owner's attention, which can get them into trouble if they feel bored or neglected. This means they need a lot of stimulation both mentally and physically.

Chow Shepherds are loyal and loving toward their families and would do anything to protect them. They're excellent guard dogs, but this can make having visitors over a dicey proposition.

They'll often entertain themselves rather than hang out with you, and they won't always play games just because you're in the mood.

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If you have a lot of young children and other pets running around, a Shepherd Chow mix might not be the best fit. They do fine if socialized at a young age, but it's better to bring one of these breeds into your family when you can teach your kids how to respect animals and give them personal space when they need it.

However, if you have tweens or teenagers, they'll get along just fine and enjoy running around and playing with each other all day long.

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Chow Shepherds aren't typically prone to aggression around other dogs, but they might not take a shine to them either. They're often aloof around other animals.

They sometimes tend to be domineering as well. This means they might need some extra training to get along with other dogs.

You should socialize them from a young age to ensure that there aren't any issues with other pets. This will help them get along with cats and other pets fairly well.

They generally tend to ignore them.

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Owning a German Shepherd Chow Mix requires a significant amount of time and effort to keep up with their high energy levels. They need to have a stern trainer with lots of positive reinforcement and patience to become well-behaved and social.

These dogs are medium-sized and have a good lifespan of 10-12 years, but they do have a few standard health issues to consider. They are generally in good health when they get plenty of exercise.

Their intelligence and hard work ethic make them great at search and rescue missions, drug detection, and guard dogs, but they can be resistant to demands if not trained properly.

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If you're considering bringing a German Shepherd Chow puppy into your family, you'll want to start by researching the costs involved. About $1,000 is required for purchasing the puppy and providing it with medicines and vaccinations.

The typical price of a German Shepherd and Chow Chow offspring ranges from $250 to $750.

To ensure you're getting a healthy puppy, it's essential to find a reputable dog breeder. They should have healthy parents and offspring that are less likely to inherit health issues.

Another option is to look at adoption centers or German Shepherd Chow mix breeders who are open to adoption. You can expect to be interviewed by the staff to ensure the dog's wellbeing.

Some adoption sites and dog centers to consider are: Petcurious.comAdoptapet.comPuppyfinder.comCanine Clubs

Buying a puppy online can also be an option, but be sure to double check the seller's background just as you would with a dog breeder.

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If you're considering bringing a mixed breed dog like a Chow Chow / German Shepherd into your family, be prepared for a loyal companion.

Lady ThunderPaw, a 12-year-old Chow Chow / German Shepherd mix, was a rescue from a NYC dog pound and was very energetic and smart.

Mixed breed dogs can be prone to aggression if they've had a rough start in life, like Lady ThunderPaw, who was aggressive to other dogs.

Feeding your dog an excellent diet and providing regular exercise, like walking twice daily, can help maintain muscle and mobility as they age.

At 12 years old, Lady ThunderPaw is now arthritic and moves slowly, but with proper care, she's still able to enjoy time with her family.

Owning a German Shepherd Chow Mix requires a lot of energy and attention, so make sure you're up for the challenge.

They have a lot of demands that must be met for them to be happy and act accordingly.

This breed isn't the easiest to take care of, so think carefully before bringing one home.

If you can't keep up with them, consider getting a dog that is more your speed.

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The Chow German Shepherd is an excellent choice for a guard dog. They are naturally protective of their pack and will alert you to any potential threats.

Their loyalty is unwavering, and they will defend their family with courage.

They're not afraid to chase down an intruder, making them a formidable deterrent for any would-be burglars.