Chow Chow

Other name: Chow

Photo: adult dog of Chow Chow breed
© Shutterstock
Photo: adult dog of Chow Chow breed

The Chow Chow is a dog with quite an unusual character. Very solitary and independent, he is devoted to his masters without ever (or very rarely) showing signs of affection. Naturally wary of strangers, he makes a good watchdog. Discrete, quiet and neither playful or active, he has a very calm way of life. Armed with a strong temperament, this dog is not for novice owners as he can be difficult to train.

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Life expectancy

The Chow Chow has a life expectancy of between 9 and 12 years

Temperament

Size

Medium

Adult size

Female Between 18 and 20 in
Male Between 19 and 22 in

Adult weight

Female Between 44 and 66 lb
Male Between 44 and 66 lb
Coat colour
Black White Red Sand
Type of coat
Short Long
Eye colour
Brown

Purchase price

The Chow Chow costs between £1050 and £1460

Good to know

Several years go, the owner of a pet shop in Chengdu, China, had the genius idea of creating a Chow Chow panda. Whether you think it’s an amazing or naive idea, people went crazy for the phenomena and the demand for it is ever growing.  

The man who came up with this idea was able to execute it in two hours only, through some simple grooming and colouring of the fur.

While it is assured that no chemical product comes into direct contact with the animal, the necessity of such an act can be questioned; especially the wellbeing of this pet during the treatment, which has to be topped up every 6 weeks.

This all being said, the Chow Chow panda is not recognised as an official breed since his aesthetic is anything but the result of natural processes.

More details about the Chow Chow

Chow Chow: Origins and history

The Chow dates back a very long time, but his precise origins are unknown. Previously used as a war dog in China, he later became a sled dog, watchdog and in the end, a dog destined for the butchers (people liked the meat produced from the Chow!), and fur makers. England was his adoptive country: he arrived in the 19th century and went through a thorough breeding and selection process before he was introduced into the rest of Europe.

FCI classification of the Chow Chow

  • Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types

  • Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds

Training a Chow Chow

Training this magnificent dog is very difficult due to his hard-headed temperament and sometimes complete ignorance towards human interaction. He will naturally try to override his owner’s orders.

To overcome this issue, it will be necessary to begin training early and to employ a firm approach. 

However, note that firmness does not equate to cruelty! To succeed in fostering a good relationship between this dog and his master, softness, patience and consistency will be very necessary tools. 

Only with a relationship based on trust and mutual respect will you be able to effectively train this dog.

Chow Chow: Purchase price

The price of a Chow Chow varies depending on his origins, age and sex. You should budget on average £1455 for a Chow registered with the KC. 

An average budget of £50 a month will be necessary to meet your Chow’s necessary dietary and care requirements.

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Frequently asked questions

What are Chow Chows known for?

Why are Chow Chows banned in some parts of the world?

Are Chow Chows aggressive?

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