Chow Chow
Also known as Chow
- Height at the withers
- 46 to 56 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 8 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- China
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- young children, without close supervision
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
An ancient, powerful and sturdy Arctic spitz-type dog, known for its distinctive lion-like mane, its unique blue-black tongue, its stilted gait and its dense double coat.
History and origins
One of the oldest recognizable breeds, with origins going back more than 2,000 years in northern China, where it served as a hunting dog, herding dog, guard dog and companion. It was refined under the Tang dynasty and recognized in the West in the 19th century.
Health
Life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Entropion
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Heatstroke
- Patellar luxation
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Very well, 5 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Chow Chow FAQ
How big does the Chow Chow get?
The Chow Chow stands 46 to 56 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 32 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Chow Chow shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Chow Chow live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Chow Chow need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Chow Chow good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Chow Chow live?
Life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are entropion, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia.
