Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a sturdy, square-built dog from China, recognized at once by the thick ruff around its head and its blue-black tongue. Adults usually stand between 17 and 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh roughly 45 to 70 pounds, placing the breed in the medium range. The coat comes in two types, rough and smooth, and gives the dog a heavy, compact silhouette.

Temperament sets the Chow Chow apart as much as appearance. The breed is loyal and dignified, often choosing one or two people as its close companions while staying reserved or aloof with strangers. It tends to be quiet and self-contained rather than demonstrative, and many owners compare its manner to that of a cat.

A Chow Chow does well in a calm household that respects its independence. It is not a dog that craves constant fuss, and it forms its strongest attachments through steady routine rather than high energy play.

Who it suits

The Chow Chow fits an experienced, patient owner who values a calm, loyal companion over an eager-to-please pet. Early, consistent socialization is important because the breed is naturally reserved. Homes with very young children or a steady stream of unfamiliar visitors should weigh the dog's aloof nature before committing.

The Chow Chow is among the oldest recognizable dog types and traces to northern China. Depictions of dogs resembling the breed appear in Chinese art from the Han dynasty period, roughly two thousand years ago, which points to a long history in the region.

Over the centuries the breed filled several working roles in China. Dogs of this type were kept as guardians of homes and temples, used in hunting, and worked alongside people in other practical tasks. The thick double coat suited the cold northern climate.

The breed reached Britain in the late 1700s and early 1800s through trade with China, and the name Chow Chow is generally linked to a catch-all term used for miscellaneous cargo from the East. Interest grew through the 1800s, and Queen Victoria's keeping of a Chow Chow helped raise the breed's profile in England.

Formal recognition followed as breed clubs formed. The American Kennel Club recognized the Chow Chow in 1903. From a working background in China the breed shifted toward life as a companion and show dog in Europe and North America, the role it mainly holds today.

The Chow Chow has a powerful, square body carried on straight hind legs that give it a stilted, deliberate gait. The broad skull, full ruff, and small rounded ears set close together create a scowling, lion-like expression. The tail is set high and carried over the back. A defining feature is the blue-black tongue and dark mouth tissue, present in the breed and in few others.

Coat and colors

Two coat types are recognized. The rough coat is abundant and dense with a thick off-standing outer layer and a soft undercoat, heaviest around the neck. The smooth coat is shorter and hard but still double-layered. Accepted solid colors are red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream, sometimes with lighter shading. The dense undercoat sheds heavily during seasonal coat changes.

The Chow Chow is independent and self-assured. It bonds closely with its family but often picks one or two favored people and shows quiet devotion rather than open affection. With strangers the breed is reserved and watchful, a trait that comes from its guardian past, so early socialization matters.

With children the Chow Chow can be tolerant of those it has grown up with, though its low tolerance for rough handling makes supervision sensible. Around other dogs and pets it may be territorial or aloof, and same-sex aggression can occur, so careful introductions help. The breed is generally quiet and not prone to needless barking, but it will alert to anything out of place.

Grooming

• Brush the rough coat at least two to three times a week, and daily during seasonal shedding
• Brush the smooth coat about once a week
• Work through the dense undercoat to the skin to prevent mats, especially around the ruff and hindquarters
• Bathe every four to six weeks or as needed, drying the coat fully
• Check and clean the deep facial folds and ears to keep them dry
• Trim nails regularly and check eyes, which can be obscured by the heavy coat

Exercise

• Provide two moderate walks daily, totaling around 30 to 60 minutes
• Keep activity light during hot or humid weather
• Offer short play or training sessions for mental stimulation
• Avoid forced or strenuous exercise, which the breed neither enjoys nor needs

Environment

The Chow Chow suits a calm home and tolerates apartment life if exercise needs are met. The heavy coat makes the breed sensitive to heat, so cool, shaded, well-ventilated space is important. A securely fenced area suits its territorial nature.

The Chow Chow does well on a complete, balanced diet formulated for its size and activity level. Because the breed has moderate energy and a heavy coat that hides weight gain, portions should be measured and body condition checked regularly. Diets with controlled fat and adequate protein support a healthy coat and steady weight. Always provide fresh water, particularly given the breed's sensitivity to heat.

Treats and supplements

Keep treats to a small share of daily calories to prevent weight gain. Joint supplements such as glucosamine may help given the breed's risk of hip and elbow problems, but introduce any supplement only after discussing it with a veterinarian.

The Chow Chow generally lives 8 to 12 years. Its build and dense coat predispose it to several conditions, so routine veterinary care and weight control are important. Eye and joint issues are the most common concerns, and the deep coat and facial folds call for regular skin and ear monitoring.

Preventive care

• Annual veterinary exams, with twice-yearly checks for seniors
• Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention current
• Hip, elbow, and eye screening for breeding dogs
• Maintain a lean body weight to ease joint load
• Routine dental care and regular coat and ear checks

The Chow Chow is intelligent and capable but strong-willed and not naturally eager to please. It learns quickly when motivated yet may choose not to comply, so training calls for patience, consistency, and a calm, firm handler. Harsh methods tend to backfire and erode trust. Early, broad socialization is essential to temper the breed's reserve with strangers and other animals.

Basics

1. Begin socialization in puppyhood with varied people, places, and dogs
2. Teach core cues (sit, stay, come, leash manners) in short sessions
3. Reward compliance immediately with food or praise
4. Keep rules consistent across the household
5. Practice calm greetings to manage reserve with visitors

Chow Chows reach sexual maturity around 9 to 12 months, but responsible breeders usually wait until physical and mental maturity at one to two years before mating, with health clearances for hips, elbows, and eyes completed first. Gestation runs about 63 days. Litters commonly number four to six puppies. Because of the breed's broad head, some litters need close monitoring at whelping, and veterinary supervision is advisable.

Newborn puppies depend fully on the dam for warmth and feeding in the early weeks. Early handling and gentle exposure to people and everyday sights from a young age are important, since the breed's reserve makes early socialization a key part of raising sound, well-adjusted dogs. Puppies generally go to new homes from about eight weeks.

How to register a Chow Chow in Australia

Punch in your Chow Chow's name, his date of birth, and a decent photo, attach your mobile, and save. Done: a lifetime record that never bills you. Registering your dog is the easy half of responsible ownership, and the half people skip.

A chipped Chow Chow without a registration is carrying a number nobody can use. File it with United Pet Club and the number works for him: free for life, open to every chip brand sold here, searchable from any clinic or pound in the country. Microchip registration now, free account while you're at it.