Golden Retriever Lab Chow Mix: The Ultimate Pet Guide

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Posted Nov 4, 2024

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The Golden Retriever Lab Chow Mix is a unique and lovable breed that can make a fantastic family pet.

They typically weigh between 60-90 pounds and stand between 20-25 inches tall at the shoulder.

This mix is known for being highly intelligent and easy to train, but can be prone to obesity if not given regular exercise.

Regular walks and playtime are a must to keep them happy and healthy.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but their friendly nature makes it a joy to spend time with them.

Care and Management

Golden retriever lab chow mix dogs are big and full of energy, so they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime is a must.

They're generally pretty healthy, but they can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, so regular check-ups with the vet are a good idea.

Older people may find it challenging to keep up with their energetic nature, making them a better fit for active families or individuals.

Training

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Training your Golden Chow is crucial to developing a strong bond and preventing potential behavioral issues. They can be stubborn, so it's essential to establish yourself as the Alpha quickly.

Positive reinforcement is the best method for training your Golden Chow. This means giving them treats or toys for a job well done, rather than scolding or punishing them for mistakes.

Socialization is vital from an early age, especially if you want your dog to trust people and feel comfortable in various situations. Take care to socialize them when they're young, so they grow to trust people.

Obedience training should start as soon as your puppy arrives, so they can learn right from wrong. This will make training easier and prevent unwanted behavior from developing.

Large dogs like Golden Chows are relatively easy to train to pee outside due to their larger bladders. They can also handle being alone for longer periods between potty breaks.

Training needs to be done regularly, ideally every day, and thoroughly. You can seek help from professional trainers if needed, but consistency is key.

  • Positive reinforcement is always the best approach when training your Golden Chow.
  • Socialization should start from day one to prevent future behavioral issues.

Considering a Pet

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You'll want to establish yourself as the "alpha" with a Golden Chow mix, which means being consistent in how you treat the dog.

This breed can be challenging for large families with young children because they need a strong leader to follow.

Socialization is key, especially since Chow Chows are naturally more suspicious than Golden Retrievers.

You'll need to teach your Golden Chow to accept other dogs and people from a young age.

A daily walk might be enough exercise for a Chow-dominant Golden Chow mix, but be prepared for more physical activity if your dog is Retriever-dominant.

Spending 45-60 minutes outside with your Golden Chow every day is a good rule of thumb, regardless of its genetics.

Health and Wellness

As you consider bringing a Golden Retriever Lab Chow mix into your family, it's essential to think about their health and wellness. This breed can be prone to hip and joint problems, including hip dysplasia, which is an inherited disorder. Make sure to ask the breeder for the parents' health certificate to determine their health.

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Fleas can be another issue with Golden Chows due to their thick coat, so ensure they have their shots and take medication to prevent infestations, especially in the summer. Regular monitoring can also help rule out conditions like allergies and hypothyroidism.

To keep your Golden Retriever Lab Chow mix healthy, it's crucial to watch their weight and limit their food intake to prevent bloat, which can be life-threatening. A balanced diet and regular exercise will help prevent many health issues.

Health and Conditions

Golden Chows are a generally healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. They can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint.

Fleas are another issue with Golden Chows due to their thick coat. If your dog is allergic to them, an infestation can be painful.

Monitoring your dog's weight is crucial to prevent other health issues from arising, such as heart or eye problems. Larger dogs like Golden Chows can also suffer from bloat, which can affect the heart and eyes.

Here are some potential health conditions to be aware of:

  • Allergies
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch any potential health issues early on, reducing the risk of more serious problems down the line.

Temperament and Intelligence

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Golden Chows are intelligent dogs, but their intelligence manifests differently than their parent breeds. They often fall somewhere in the middle of the two.

Golden Retrievers are known for using their brainpower to try to make their owners happy, constantly finding new ways to bring a smile to their faces. They love to dote on their owners.

Chows, on the other hand, use their brains to scan for threats and offer protection. They're not as cuddly as Golden Retrievers but make better guard dogs.

Golden Chows love to spend time playing and goofing off with their families, but they become all business as soon as a threat appears. This unique combination of traits makes them loyal companions.

For another approach, see: Are Golden Retrievers Double Coated

Food and Diet

Golden retriever lab chow mix dogs are big and need a lot of nutrition. Big dogs require a lot of protein and fats with low carbs in their diet. Give them natural or organic food for optimal health. Three cups a day on average is the vets' recommendation. However, pay more attention to the calories in the food rather than the amount given. The average price to feed your Golden Chow will be around $50.

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You should feed them multiple times a day and with smaller portions to lessen the likelihood of bloat. It's better not to allow them to free-feed, as they will quickly munch themselves into obesity. Excess weight is a problem for this breed, especially since many of them can suffer from hip dysplasia and other joint issues later in life. Find a suitable diet high in fat and protein, and feed your dog a set amount every day. Ask your vet if you don't know how much food would be appropriate.

It's also advisable to give your pooch a regular glucosamine supplement to help with those achy joints. Provide your dog such foods that are normal to large dogs like its parents. The quantity should also be the same, and this depends on the amount of energy your big doggie possesses.

Grooming

Grooming can be a challenge with a Golden Retriever Lab Chow mix, as their thick coat sheds regularly.

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You'll need to brush your dog every week to remove dead hairs, and bathe them once every one to two months, depending on their level of dirtiness.

Their thick hair can easily get matted, so regular brushing is essential to prevent this.

Daily brushing is a must to keep dog hair off every surface in your home, and a monthly trim at a professional groomer will help keep mats away.

Regular dental care is also crucial, as Golden Chows are prone to dental issues - brush their teeth regularly to keep them healthy.

Don't forget to keep their ears clean and their nails trimmed to prevent any potential problems.

Breed Information

The Golden Retriever Lab Chow mix is a unique and lovable breed.

This mix typically inherits the friendly and outgoing nature of the Golden Retriever, making it a great family pet.

They can grow to be quite large, weighing between 70-120 pounds and standing between 20-26 inches tall.

Their short, dense coat is often a combination of the Golden Retriever's golden coat and the Chow's black or blue coat.

They require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, but their energy level can vary depending on their individual mix.

General Information

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Golden Retrievers and Labs are both popular breeds known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which is a great combination for a mixed breed like the Golden Retriever Lab Chow mix.

They typically weigh between 60-80 pounds and stand between 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder.

With proper training and socialization, they can be excellent family pets and are often used as therapy dogs due to their gentle nature.

Their short coats require minimal grooming and are relatively easy to maintain, but they do shed heavily twice a year.

Their intelligence and trainability make them highly responsive to commands and training, but consistency is key to avoiding unwanted behaviors.

See what others are reading: Crate Training Golden Retriever

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Golden Retriever chow mix good dogs?

Golden Retriever Chow mixes can make great pets for families without young children, but they may require consistent training and socialization to reach their full potential

How long does a Golden Retriever chow mix live?

A Golden Retriever Chow mix typically lives 10 to 14 years, with an average lifespan similar to other mixed-breed dogs. However, individual longevity may vary due to genetic factors.

Is Labrador and Golden Retriever a good mix?

Yes, a Labrador and Golden Retriever mix can make a wonderful companion, combining the best traits of both breeds. They're steady, confident, and loving, making them a great choice for families and active owners.

How big is a chowski?

Our Chowskies typically grow to 18-22 inches in height and weigh between 18-35kg.

Edmond Gibson

Lead Writer

Edmond Gibson is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in the human-animal bond, Edmond has honed his expertise in writing about pets and their well-being. His articles have appeared in various online publications, covering topics such as dog ear surgery and other veterinary-related issues.