Breed Description: The Chow Chow has a broad, flat skull, small triangular ears and a thick double coat suitable for harsh weather. This dog breed has a strong personality and is usually loyal to only a select few people. Two of the breed's most distinctive features are its nearly straight hind legs and its bluish-black tongue.
Group: Non-Sporting group.
Purpose of Breed: Guard dog and pulling carts.
Country of Origin: China
Average Size: Chow Chows average 18 - 22 inches tall and weigh 45-75 pounds.
Color(s): The Chow Chow comes in five different colors: red (light golden to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to deep cinnamon) and cream.
Coat Type: Chow Chows have either a rough or smooth coat. The rough coat is most common and has a longer and coarser outer coat. The smooth coat has a shorter and sleeker outer coat. Both types are double-coated and have a dense, woolly undercoat..
Grooming: This breed is susceptible to eczema, so the coat requires regular grooming-especially the mane around the collar. Extra brushing is needed during shedding season and standard care should be exercised for ears, pads and nails. The eye should be monitored closely for signs of trouble.
Exercise Needs: Chow Chows need lots of daily exercise and attention to maintain a healthy mental and physical state. This dog has a highly independent nature and should live in a house with a fenced yard.
Temperament: This breed is intelligent, independent and tends to be extremely loyal to only a few people. This breed is not easily dominated and if not properly trained, the Chow Chow can be unfriendly toward people and very aggressive toward other dogs. The owner of a Chow Chow needs to be a consistently calm and assertive leader. Chows are best acquired as puppies and need to be raised with a loving and patient, but firm, hand.
Common Ailments: Highly susceptible to eye disorders, skin disorders and also prone to hip dysplasia.
Life Expectancy: Averages 8-12 years.
Trivia: Martha Stewart owns Chow Chows and often featured them on her show.
More Information: Chow Chow Club, Inc.
Here is a great informational video from Animal Planet about the Chow Chow breed. It includes general information, history about the breed, and tips for raising a Chow Chow.
Check out these photos.
This is Honey, we adopted her as a puppy in March 2008, she's about 2 years old now. We believe she is a full Chow Chow.
In November of 2014 I had someone threatening to kill me. My sister recommended I find a Chow Chow breeder. They are loyal and protective of their families. I found Striker online and he was flown from Lindale, Texas at 9 weeks old! He has been my faithful, loving, sweet companion!
Pebbles is an 11 year old Chow. This picture was taken on Christmas Day. Pebbles was given to my husband and I as a wedding gift.
Honey is 3 years old and is a Chow Chow. We got Honey as a puppy a few years ago from the Northwest Chow rescue. Honey loves long morning walks, and she especially likes going to the beach.
It has been awhile since everyone has been updated on Rocco, one of Thriftyfun's office pets. Here are some recent photos of Rocco, before and after his new haircut.
Honey was rescued from a breeder when she was a puppy. Although many of the dogs who were rescued at the same time were poorly cared for and abused, Honey was young enough that she just needed a family to love her.
Tootsie is a 6 year old Chow Chow. I searched the internet; she is Martha Stewart's Paw Paw's Granddaughter. I drove to Connecticut and picked her up Nov. 2002.
Honey is a 4 year old Chow Chow. Honey was born on Endor and came to us as a little fur ball Ewok. Honey loves to corner fluff and pounce on it.
Smurf is 10 years old and is a Chow Chow. I got her from a breeder.She likes to sleep. She love food, and hates cats and monkeys.
Bubbalouie is a 6 year old Chow Chow. I bought my precious baby from a breeder in Columbus, Ohio.
We were looking for a family dog and liked the personality of my mom's Chow mix, Maggie. She suggested we contact the NW Chow Chow Rescue for a possible adoption.
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Rocco is nearly 5 years old. He was a rescue from a puppy mill, along with many others of all ages (38 in all), all chow chows.
