Chow Chow

Dog Breed Group

Non Sporting Dogs 

Origin of Breed

China as a draft, guard, hunting, and flock dog. 

Life Expectancy

8 to 15 years 

Color

Cream-White, Fawn, Red, Blue, Black 

Coat

Two types of coat; Rough and Smooth. Both are double coated, with coarse and abundant outer layer and a soft, thick and woolly u 

Exercise Needs

About 80 minutes per day 

Temperament

Keen intelligence, an independent spirit and innate dignity give the Chow an aura of aloofness. It is a Chow's nature to be rese 

Good with Children

Chow Chows have a non-deserved reputation of being aggressive. They are friendly and faithful to his immediate family but, they  

Grooming Needs

Heavy shedder. Should be brushed 3 times per week. 

Average Size - Male (in)

17 - 20 

Average Size - Female (in)

17 - 20 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

45 - 70 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

45 - 70 

Health Issues

Entropion, hip dysplasiav

Living Conditions

Adapts easily to city or country living. 

Breed Description

The Chow Chow is a breed of nonsporting dog known for its plush, lionlike mane and coat and for its unique black-pigmented tongue, lips, and gums; it has a massive head, forehead wrinkles, and drooping eyes which make the dog appear to be scowling; Its coat is long, straight, and very dense and may be any solid color, such as black, red, or white; its ears are small, erect, and rounded at tip; the tail is very well feathered and curls loosely over the back in a plume; eyes are almond-shaped, deep-set, and dark brown; they are usually reserved and aloof with strangers but is loyal to its master; they originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and is known to date to the Han dynasty (206 BC-ad 220); it is believed by some to be one of the oldest of all breeds. It served as a draft, guard, hunting, and flock dog; some dogs were raised expressly to be used as food by the Chinese, who fed them only grain; pelts were then made into clothing; chou is the Chinese word for "edible," and many experts agree that is where the breed got its name. Others argue that the name chow chow is derived from an English term used in the 19th century to refer to cargo from the Orient. Chow Chows were once displayed in zoos as the wild dog of China.

Breed Infobits

Although puppy Chow Chows look like woolly lambs, the lion-like appearance of the adult dog is more true to its character.
Although the Chow Chow has been known in China for at least 2000 years, the West knew nothing of the breed until the late eighteenth century, first arriving in Great Britain around 1780.
The Chow Chow will make an excellent watchdog, and is quick to respond to intruders.