The Chow Poodle mix dog is a unique and fascinating breed. This crossbreed combines the loyalty and protective nature of the Chow Chow with the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle.
They generally weigh between 40-70 pounds and stand between 15-20 inches tall, making them a medium to large-sized dog.
Their coats can vary greatly in appearance, ranging from a soft, curly Poodle coat to a thick, rough Chow Chow coat.
They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially if they inherit the Poodle's low-shedding trait.
The Doodle
The Chow Chow Poodle Mix, also known as the Chowdoodle, is a playful and intelligent breed that will bond closely with everyone in the family.
They love to run and play, and they require a lot of time spent on walks, runs, playtime, or work. This mix is not for the faint of heart.
With a coat that can be anything from the Chow Chow's dense double coat to the Poodle's hypoallergenic curly coat, you really won't know how the Chowdoodle's coat will turn out until they are born.
If the pup's coat is set to resemble the Poodle parent's coat the most, you should always check for skin irritations, which are common in Poodles.
Thankfully, the poodle parent helps the Chowdoodle shed less than a purebred Chow Chow, making them better picks for owners who place a premium on tidyness.
Chowdoodles may be a little aloof around strangers, but they have no trouble showing their soft side at home.
Both Poodles and Chow Chows are well-known purebred dogs thanks to their unique and adorable looks and personality traits.
The Chow Chow is thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back thousands of years to ancient China.
Chowdoodles outshine the purebred Chow Chow with their much less shedding coats, all thanks to the Poodle's genes!
Physical Characteristics
The Chow Poodle mix dog is a unique and lovable breed, and its physical characteristics are just as interesting. They're generally medium-sized dogs with a muscular build.
Their weight can range between 25 and 70 pounds, and their height between 12 and 25 inches, depending on the size of the Poodle used in the mix. This variation in size is largely determined by the size of their parents.
Here's a breakdown of the different sizes of Chow Doodles:
The height of a Chow Doodle is measured from their withers, which is the highest part of their shoulder blades.
Physical Appearance
The Chow Doodle's physical appearance is a stunning combination of its parent breeds. They're generally medium-sized dogs with a muscular build. Their floppy Doodle ears are a distinctive feature, just like other Poodle mixes.
The Chow Doodle's size can vary depending on the size of the Poodle used in the mix. A Mini Chow Doodle typically weighs between 25-45 pounds and stands 12-20 inches tall, while a Standard Chow Doodle weighs between 40-70 pounds and stands 17-25 inches tall.
Here's a breakdown of the different sizes of Chow Doodles:
Their height is measured from their withers, which is the highest part of their shoulder blades.
Coat and Hypoallergenic Level
The Chow Doodle's coat is a major part of its charm, but it does require some regular maintenance. They come in three main coat types: curly, wavy, and straight, with curly being the most hypoallergenic.
Curly-coated Chow Doodles are a single-layered fur, which means they shed minimally. Their thick curls trap loose hair, making them a great choice for those with allergies. However, this coat type does require daily brushing to prevent matting.
Wavy-coated Chow Doodles are another popular option. They tend to shed less than straight-coated Chow Doodles and purebred Chow Chows, making them a great compromise for those who want a low-shedding coat without the high maintenance of a curly coat.
Regardless of coat type, regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling. Daily brushing with a good quality dog brush and a metal or stainless steel comb is recommended, with curly-coated Chow Doodles requiring the most attention.
Some Chow Doodles may inherit a shedding undercoat, which can cause problems if not properly maintained. Regular brushing and grooming can help minimize shedding and prevent matting.
Variations Generations
The Chow Doodle's physical characteristics can vary greatly depending on its generation. The F1 Chow Doodle, which is the most common variation, is a 50/50 mix of Chow Chow and Poodle, resulting in a unique combination of traits.
The size of the Chow Doodle can also vary depending on its generation. F1B Chow Doodles, for example, tend to inherit more traits from the Poodle, which can result in a smaller size.
Here's a breakdown of the different generations and their genetic makeup:
The genetic makeup of the Chow Doodle can also affect its coat type and personality. The F2 Chow Doodle, for example, has a 50/50 chance of inheriting traits from both parents, which can result in a unique combination of characteristics.
The F3/Multigen Chow Doodle is a combination of multiple generations, resulting in a varied genetic makeup. This can make it difficult to predict the Chow Doodle's traits, but it can also result in a unique and interesting combination of characteristics.
Additional reading: Poodle Dog Temperament
Personality Temperament
The Chow Poodle mix dog is an intelligent breed that shines with its smarts. They usually form very strong bonds with their family members, but they can be wary of strangers and protective of their loved ones.
Chow Doodles are calm and loving dogs, but they may have an independent streak and be a bit passive. They are not unlike cats in this regard.
Proper socialization and desensitization from an early age can help prevent aggression in Chow Doodles. However, their Chow Chow heritage may cause them to become territorial when other dogs are around.
Chow Doodles can be prone to separation anxiety, so they shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to unwanted behaviors like excessive digging and barking.
With their Poodle parent, Chow Doodles may have a playful side and be more silly and goofy rather than aloof.
Health and Care
Chow Poodle mixes are generally at risk of certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. These conditions are often hereditary, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who health screens their breeding dogs.
Feeding your Chow Poodle mix a healthy diet in the right amount and providing daily exercise can greatly impact their quality of life and lifespan. Preventing stressful situations is also crucial for their overall well-being.
Regular ear hygiene is vital for Chow Poodle mixes due to their floppy ears, which can lead to ear infections. Proper care can help prevent these issues.
Health
Chow Doodles are at risk of certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions like cataracts, PRA, glaucoma, and entropion, luxating patella, diabetes, and epilepsy.
Feeding your dog a healthy diet in the right amount will greatly affect their quality of life and lifespan. Daily exercise and preventing stressful situations will also help your pup live a healthy and happy life.
Chow Doodles may often have allergies and sensitivities that tend to manifest as digestive issues or skin irritations and coat health problems. They’re also prone to ear infections due to the restricted airflow in their floppy ears.
Proper ear hygiene is vital for all Doodle breeds. This includes regular cleaning and checking for signs of infection.
Reputable breeders only use health-screened breeding dogs in their programs. They’ll never use parent dogs that either haven’t been tested or cleared from certain genetic conditions that both Chow Chows and Poodles are prone to.
Chow Doodles can benefit from something called hybrid vigor, which means they’re less likely to inherit conditions that are very common in either purebred Poodles or Chow Chows.
However, hybrid vigor tends to diminish with each consecutive generation, so it’s more prevalent in first-generation Chow Doodles.
A Chow Doodle's average lifespan ranges between 10 to 15 years.
Exercise Training
Exercise is a must for Chow Doodles, with 60 minutes of exercise per day being a good starting point.
Daily walks and light jogging are great ways to keep your pup active and prevent destructive behaviors.
Excess body weight can lead to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, diabetes, and heart conditions, so keeping your Chow Doodle at a healthy weight is crucial.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, with fun puzzle toys, chew toys, and interactive games keeping their intelligent brain engaged.
Daily training sessions and playtime will help prevent destructive behaviors and keep your pup happy and healthy.
Establishing a daily schedule from the start, including potty training, crate training, and obedience training, will help enforce good behaviors in your Chow Doodle.
Home Grooming
Grooming your Chow Doodle at home can be a great way to save money and bond with your pet. Brushing daily with a good quality dog brush and a metal or stainless steel comb is essential to prevent matting, especially for curly-coated Chow Doodles.
Regular bathing with a dog shampoo and conditioner is also crucial, but be sure to use a shampoo formulated for dogs, as human products can be very harmful. Some Chow Doodles may need to be bathed weekly, while others can go every few months.
Daily brushing is also an excellent way to minimize shedding, and can be done 3-4 times a week for wavy and straight-coated Chow Doodles. To prevent overgrown nails and injuries, trim their nails every week.
You can also try trimming your Chow Doodle's hair every 6 to 8 weeks to keep them looking beautiful and feeling great. This can be a fun activity to do with your pet, and can help prevent matting and tangling.
Getting a Doodle
Getting a Doodle can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right information, you'll be well on your way to finding your perfect furry friend. Adopting a Chow Doodle puppy from a reputable breeder will cost about $1,500 to $4,000.
The good news is that there are many responsible breeders out there who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Ethical Doodle breeders follow responsible breeding practices, including health and genetic testing, and provide a safe and nurturing environment for their breeding dogs and puppies.
If you're considering adopting a Chow Doodle puppy, make sure to opt for an ethical breeder or adopt from a shelter or rescue. This will ensure that you're getting a pup that's been properly cared for and socialized.
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What Is a Doodle?
The Chow Chow, one of the oldest dog breeds, dates back thousands of years and originated in ancient China. This rich history is part of what makes the Chow Doodle so unique.
With a Poodle's genes, Chow Doodles have a much less shedding coat, which is a big plus for owners who value tidiness. This is a great perk for those who want a low-maintenance coat.
The Chow Doodle's coat can be unpredictable, ranging from a dense double coat to a hypoallergenic curly coat, depending on the parents. This uncertainty can be exciting for owners who want a unique-looking dog.
This hybrid breed requires a lot of time and exercise, so it's not for the faint of heart. They need regular walks, runs, and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
Their intelligence and playful nature make them great companions for families who are active and willing to spend time with them.
Where to Get Puppies
Getting a Doodle can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to find a reputable breeder or a shelter to adopt from. Adopting a Chow Doodle puppy from a reputable breeder in the US can cost between $1,500 to $4,000.
Make sure to look for an ethical breeder who follows responsible breeding practices, including health and genetic testing, proper care for breeding dogs and puppies, and a safe environment for them to grow.
Tracking down a reputable breeder can be challenging, but it's worth the effort to ensure you're getting a healthy and well-cared-for puppy.
Related reading: Doberman and Lab Mix Puppy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chow doodles shed?
Chowdoodles are low to non-shedding due to their Poodle heritage, making them a great choice for those with allergies or a preference for low-maintenance grooming.
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