Let's talk Chow Chows

A cherubic face encircled by a lion’s mane of plush fur: the very refined Chow Chow is one-of-a-kind. Princely in their conduct, some may take that as aloof, but they’re really just keeping to themselves. The breed bonds strongly to their human family and although they can be wary of strangers, they do warm up when properly introduced. Chow Chows are known to be fastidious - and easy to housebreak - a winning combination of traits all around.

Official name: Chow Chow

Other names: Chow

Origins: China

Drooling tendencies
3 out of 5
Shedding Level
1 out of 5
Energy level*
1 out of 5
Compatibility with other pets
1 out of 5
Warm weather?
1 out of 5
Suited to apartment living
3 out of 5
Family pet?*
3 out of 5
Can be left alone
4 out of 5

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations. Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication. For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social, and behavioral needs. Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child. Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice. All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

Male	Female
Height	Height
17 - 22 in	17 - 20 in
Weight	Weight
45 - 70 lb	45 - 60 lb

Life stages
Puppy	Adult
2 to 12 months	1 to 7 years
Mature	Senior
7 to 10 years	From 10 years
Baby
Birth to 2 months

Drooling tendencies
3 out of 5
Shedding Level
1 out of 5
Energy level*
1 out of 5
Compatibility with other pets
1 out of 5
Warm weather?
1 out of 5
Suited to apartment living
3 out of 5
Family pet?*
3 out of 5
Can be left alone
4 out of 5

Male	Female
Height	Height
17 - 22 in	17 - 20 in
Weight	Weight
45 - 70 lb	45 - 60 lb

Life stages
Puppy	Adult
2 to 12 months	1 to 7 years
Mature	Senior
7 to 10 years	From 10 years
Baby
Birth to 2 months

Tailored nutrition for your Chow Chow

Medium Puppy Dry

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$31.99

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Medium Adult Dry

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$26.49

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MEDIUM ADULT 7+

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Get to know the Chow Chow

All you need to know about the breed

Maybe it was years of keeping watch at the palaces of Chinese Emperors and hanging with nobility that formed the Chow Chow into the noble breed they are, but the world is better for it. Their dignified stare emanates from a face enrobed by a thick mane of fur that’s usually golden, but also red, black, blue (!), chestnut or cream white. Leontyne in appearance, they’re finished off by sturdy limbs, substantial paws, and a hefty but strong body.

The Chow Chow dog is not at all shy or aggressive. Call them the strong silent type. They may sport what looks like a bit of a scowl but their overall demeanor is quite serene. The Chow Chow was bred over centuries to be incredibly loyal, just one of their many winning attributes.

One of the Chow Chow’s other great qualities is their clean nature. They are practically odor-free and very meticulous with their surroundings and conduct.

The Chow Chow dog also takes to city life without missing a beat - not that they can’t also adjust to bigger, more rural spaces but given their particular nature, being in a more low-key place is preferable. When newcomers enter their domain, the Chow Chow is often quite wary, but with early socialization, your dog can grow up to be a regular canine social butterfly.

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Two facts about Chow Chows

1. Barker, not a barker

Of regal bearing – thank you very much – the Chow Chow breed isn’t terribly vocal, such is their subdued nature and need to sit back and assess. That said, the breed was raised to protect palaces so they know to express themselves on an as-needed basis. That’s usually if they feel you’re in danger or something strange is afoot.

2. Why so blue?

Chow Chows are known for their blue-black tongue, one of their many outstanding and unique characteristics. Chow Chow puppies are born with pink tongues and as their eyes open, the blue-black color sets in, reaching its full hue at six months. The atypical tint is a result of a higher amount of pigment cells on the tongue’s surface. A Chow Chow with a dark tongue is considered top dog when it comes to championship ranking.

Black and white portrait of a sitting Chow Chow

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History of the breed

Look closely at artifacts from China’s Han Dynasty in the year 206 B.C. and you will see the large fluffy Chow Chow often depicted. The breed counts themselves among the world’s oldest breeds, and were traditionally a prized companion of nobles. In the 8th century, it is said one emperor of the Tang Dynasty housed 5,000 Chow Chows in his kennel. A working dog as well, they’ve been used for sport, as a guardian, and for labor.

The Chow Chow’s plush coat and curved tail is said to be the original of the spitz-type breeds, giving rise to others like the Pomeranian and Akita. Their name stems from British importers who brought the breed in along with other foreign goods from Asia, logging them simply as “various goods” on shipping manifests.

An exhibition of Chow Chows at the London Zoo in the 1820s brought the breed into prominence and Queen Victoria, who reigned later in the century, was a proponent of the breed. They then made their way to America in the 1890s, reaching huge popularity in the 1980s. The American Kennel Club had already recognized the breed in 1903.

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Chow Chows

1.Ears

Small, somewhat thick ears, set widely apart, carried erect and slightly tilted forward.

2.Head

Large head framed by lion-like ruff.

3.Body

Very compact, strongly muscled square body, broad chest.

4.Tail

Tail curves over back, well-covered in fur.

5.Coat

Very thick, bushy double coat either smooth – hard and dense – or rough – abundant and dense – with soft and thick wooly undercoat.

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Chow Chow

Clean and tidy

One of the better qualities of the Chow Chow dog is their fastidiousness. The breed is known for their finicky nature, particularly when it comes to themselves and their surroundings. They also exude very little canine odor naturally. Some describe their smell as like fresh laundry or even popcorn (you read that right). Brushing them often to rid them of dead hair will help keep any odor - or dirt - from accumulating.

Look into my eyes

Chow Chows are a brachycephalic breed - meaning a more pushed-in face and snout - including deep-set, oval eyes sunken into their plush fur. Their cherubic facial structure can detract from their peripheral vision and ability to make quick judgements at times. Approaching them always on the slow side is the best call. When it comes to brachycephalic breeds, choose a dog with features that aren't over-exaggerated, buy from a responsible breeder, and seek counsel from your veterinarian.

When choosing food for a Chow Chow, there are many factors to consider: Their age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog.

Strong Immune System
Supports the development of the puppy's healthy immune system with the inclusion of clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamins E and C.

Brain Development
Enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is scientifically proven to support the puppy's brain development.

Microbiome Support
Combination of prebiotics & highly digestible proteins to help promote a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria for digestive health.

The main nutritional goals for adult Chow Chows are:

Body Condition
Helps maintain ideal weight and muscle mass with optimal levels of protein.

Healthy Immune System
Clinically proven antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and prebiotics for a healthy gut and immune system.

Healthy Digestion
Easy-to-digest proteins, vitamins & minerals, and a blend of fibers for optimal nutrient absorption.

After 7 years old, Chow Chows start facing the first signs of aging. A formula enriched with antioxidants will help maintain their vitality, and specific nutrients, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, will help maintain healthy bones and joints. Aging is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for older Chow Chows should have the following characteristics:

Body Condition
Helps maintain ideal weight and muscle mass with optimal levels of protein.

Vitality Support
Supports heart, kidney and brain health in first stage of aging.

Healthy Immune System
Clinically proven antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and prebiotics for a healthy gut and immune system.

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Caring for your Chow Chow

Grooming, training and exercise tips

Forever fluffy, grooming the Chow Chow is - you guessed it - a commitment, but not overly demanding. They do shed a good deal so stay on top of brushing. Rough-coat Chow Chows require brushing every other day in order to prevent matting; smooth-coat Chow Chows only need brushing twice a week on average. The breed has very little naturally occurring odor to boot, a plus when it comes to their cleanliness. Bathing will need to happen though, but twice a year on average is suitable, unless they get messy. The Chow Chow breed does not require a great deal of exercise to stay strong. Daily walks, short jogs, or romps in the yard are sufficient to keep their strong bodies intact. Take caution when exercising your Chow Chow in higher temperatures as they can quickly overheat due to all of that fur and the brachycephalic nature of their face, meaning a more pushed-in snout. The number one trait of the Chow Chow dog is their reserved manner. This along with their independence can make training the Chow Chow a process. They will resist any measures that push them too forcefully. A breed as subtle as the Chow Chow requires an owner who’s the same, who can give commands with respect and leadership, and offer rewards in return. Best to take them from their daily ration to avoid any undue weight gain.

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All about Chow Chows

Are Chow Chows friendly?

One look at the buoyant face of a Chow Chow and it’s easy to think they’re extremely friendly. They are however fairly standoffish - not that they’re not affectionate but the breed definitely takes their time warming up to all who enter the inner circle. The Chow Chow is used to being independent, which is a great trait for those who want a mature canine on the homefront. Go slow with introductions and socialize them when young so they’re used to new friends of all sorts.

Are Chow Chows good for first-time dog owners?

The Chow Chow dog possesses so many great traits: unbending loyalty, steadfastness, and high intelligence but one thing they are as well is stubborn. The breed tends to be independent-minded but their determined nature doesn’t mean they’re hard to train, it just means repetition may be needed. Praise and more praise will bring out the best behavior.

Let's talk Chow Chows

Drooling tendencies

Shedding Level

Energy level*

Compatibility with other pets

Warm weather?

Suited to apartment living

Family pet?*

Can be left alone