Chow Chows are sturdy little fluff balls who are independent and fiercely loyal, yet not overly cuddly. While they make great companion pets, they are prone to certain health concerns.
Personality and temperament
Independent, aloof and dignified are all words that can be used to describe the personality of the regal Chow Chow. These proud but serious pups can be wary of new people and animals, but they are loyal and protective with the ones they love. Often compared to being ‘cat-like’ in nature, their stubbornness and extreme intelligence may not be suited to first-time dog owners or anyone that wants a cuddly pooch.
Size and appearance
With over-the-top fur coverage, a blue/black tongue and cute triangle ears, Chow Chows are half bear and half dog in appearance. Their dense double coat, which comes in two types (rough-coated and smooth-coated) gives teddy-bear vibes, as does their beautiful almond-shaped eyes and constantly furrowed brow. Chow Chows have a flat face and short snout which can make it harder for them to breathe, especially while exercising. A medium-sized dog, Chow Chows can reach to 51cm tall and can weight up to 32 kilos.
History
One of the oldest dog breeds in the world, Chow Chows are believed to date back to China’s Han Dynasty (that’s over 2200 years ago!). Originally bred as hunting and guard dogs for the Emperor, they were also later used to herd livestock (yes, really). They were brought to England in the late 19th century and even Queen Victoria was said to be a fan of their calm and loyal nature.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
The Chow Chow’s flat face, big round eyes and short nose put it amongst a group of dog breeds known as brachycephalic – a term that comes from the Greek words brachy (flat) and cephalic (head). Unfortunately, these unique physical features mean that brachycephalic dog breeds are more prone to certain health conditions, including:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) where the flattened shape of the nose and skull restricts airflow and causes breathing difficulties. Symptoms include noisy breathing, snoring, wheezing, gagging and choking, exercise intolerance and fainting. Some dogs benefit from surgery to improve their breathing
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (where the joints don’t form properly)
- Eye problems, like cataracts and entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Allergies and skin issues due to their thick double coat
- Gastric torsion (a serious stomach twisting condition)
- Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Stomach cancer (Chow Chows seem to have an increased risk)
- Heat-related illnesses (ranging from heat stress to heatstroke)
Food and exercise
Like all dogs, Chow Chows need a balanced diet full of protein, fibre and nutrients. Due to their tendency for allergies, checking for skin irritations when changing food can be helpful, and avoid overfeeding – even if they use their adorable eyes to beg.
Chow Chows are active dogs needing at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, however due to their ridiculously fluffy fur, they are best kept inside on very hot days as they can overheat easily, as well as very wet days. They particularly like being off the lead due to their independent nature, so a fenced park can be their favourite place to go on a ‘sniffari’.
The Chow Chow’s compact facial structure makes it difficult for them to regulate their temperature in hot weather. They’re at increased risk of overheating when temperatures exceed 25°C. To keep them safe while still meeting their daily exercise needs, stick to cooler parts of the day during summer – think sunrise or after dark.
Grooming and maintenance
With their thick double coat, Chow Chows require a dedicated grooming routine to prevent matting and overheating.
- Bathe: every 6-8 weeks
- Top-coat groom: brush 2-3 times a week minimum (more often for rough-coated)
- Professional groom: can be beneficial during spring and autumn shedding seasons, particularly if fur is matted
How to groom Chow Chows
- Fur: For rough-coated fur use an undercoat rake and slicker brush to prevent mats and remove dead fur. Focus on the neck, behind the ears, and the legs. For smooth-coated fur, brush regularly with a slicker brush to keep coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly to avoid infections, especially since dense fur can trap moisture
- Eyes: gently clean discharge
- Seasonal shedding: increase brushing during moulting periods
Training and space requirements
Being an intelligent and stubborn dog – with a streak for independence – it’s not surprising that Chow Chows can be a bit of a handful to train. Consistent training, starting from puppyhood, if possible, will get the best results, but they can be a challenge for first-time dog owners.
Chow Chows don’t need a lot of space if they have enough mental stimulation and exercise, but they will be happiest with at least a small outside (fenced) area to roam in. Apartment and small-space owners should consider the amount of shedding that these bear-dogs do throughout the year!
Best suited for…
Calm, decerning and protective, Chow Chows can make loving pets for experienced dog owners, even in small spaces. However, since Chow Chows are a brachycephalic dog breed, they come with a greater risk of health problems, so make sure you factor in time and money you may need to support them.
