Chow Chow
dog Breed Profile
The chow chow is a medium-sized dog ranging in height from 17 to 20 inches and in weight from 50 pounds to 75 pounds (23 to 34 kilograms).
In this article
Brachycephalic (squashed face), droopy eyes, upright ears (naturally), body folds (wrinkles)
Size
Weight
45-70 lbs.
45-70 lbs.
Height
18 in.
(at withers)
19 in.
Coat
Length
Medium/short
Color
Red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream
Care
Exercise
<20 minutes/day
Energy level
Laid Back
Longevity
10-12 yrs.
Needs
Low
Traits
Low
Moderate to high
Drooling
Moderate
Digging
Low
Grooming Needs
High
Social Needs
Low
Club recognition
AKC Class.
Non-sporting
UKC Class.
Northern Breeds
Prevalence
Common
Chow chows were raised in China primarily on grains and have an overweight tendency with too much rich food.
The chow chow is a medium-sized dog ranging in height from 17 to 20 inches and in weight from 50 pounds to 75 pounds (23 to 34 kilograms).
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Chow chows are not usually social, outgoing dogs. They tend to be aloof with strangers and can be aggressive with other dogs. This is fitting with their history as guard dogs for homes and livestock. Early socialization to other dogs, pets and people is important. Chow chows may become nuisance barkers if their alarm barking is not controlled.
Chow chows are fairly intelligent but they have both an independent and a stubborn streak, so training them can be a challenge. To do well in competitions, they require a firm, patient trainer who has plenty of creativity. Chow chows are fiercely protective and need training to control this guarding tendency.
Chow chows are devoted to and protective of their families. To make them good family pets, they need plenty of early socialization including exposure to children. Chow chows do best with training to clarify their position in the family or they can become dominant. Despite the challenges of training, some chow chows compete and do well in obedience and agility.
Grooming varies with the coat type. A rough-coated chow chow does best with a daily grooming to keep him free of tangles. Smooth-coated dogs can be groomed briefly once or twice a week. Special attention should be paid to keeping the eyes and the facial folds clean because the profuse coat can retain dirt and debris.
The chow chow is perhaps the most ancient of the Chinese breeds of dogs. The breed can be traced back for thousands of years, and it is often questioned whether the chow chow developed from spitz-type dogs or whether spitz-type dogs developed from the chow chow.
The chow chow was a dog of many hats right from the start. These dogs have been known as sled pullers, hunters, livestock guarders and, unfortunately for them, dinner. The very name chow chow may come from the Chinese chou for edible, although most historians feel that the name is from the slang for curios, with the chow chow most certainly being an Oriental curio.
The chow chow reached the Western world in the late 1800s and began a rise to popularity, which has landed it in the top-10 American Kennel Club breeds. The breed has not fared so well in its native land where many chow chows were eliminated during the cultural revolution.
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