Non-Sporting group
Chow Chow
A lion-maned, blue-tongued ancient breed — dignified, aloof and fiercely loyal.
Chow Chows are sturdy, fluffy spitz-type dogs with a lion-like mane and a blue-black tongue. They are clean, quiet and devoted to their family, but independent, reserved and not for first-time owners.
- Height
- 17–20 in43–51 cm
- Weight
- 45–70 lb20–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Origin
- Northern China
Coat: Rough (dense, stand-off) or smooth double coat with a ruff. Colours: Red, Black, Blue, Cinnamon, Cream.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Chows are dignified, serious and loyal, often bonding with one person. They are quiet, clean and easy to house-train.
They are aloof or suspicious with strangers and can be protective. Their independence makes training a matter of patience and respect; early socialisation is essential.
Living with a Chow Chow
Exercise
Moderate: two daily walks. Avoid heat — the heavy coat makes Chows prone to overheating.
Grooming
Brush several times a week (daily for rough coats during sheds). Check the skin under the thick coat.
Training
Independent and stubborn; firm, respectful, reward-based training and socialisation from puppyhood.
Kids & other pets
Loyal to their family but best with adults or older children. Can be selective with other dogs.
Time alone
Tolerates alone time well and is quiet indoors, but needs a cool spot in warm weather and a secure home.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Chow Chow right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Chow Chow matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Chow Chow typically lives 8–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Common in the breed; screened parents reduce the risk.
Entropion
Inward-rolling eyelids are common and may need surgery.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Skin allergies
Allergies and skin infections can hide under the thick coat.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination
- Thyroid evaluation
- Patella evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Chow Chow; Chow Chow Club, Inc.. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Chows are one of the oldest dog breeds, with roots in northern China going back over 2,000 years. They worked as hunters, haulers and guards for Chinese nobility and farmers.
Chows arrived in England in the late 1700s, and Queen Victoria helped popularise them. The AKC recognised the breed in 1903.
Did you know?
- Chows have a blue-black tongue, shared only with the Shar-Pei among dog breeds.
- Sigmund Freud’s Chow, Jofi, sat in on his therapy sessions.
- Chows walk with a distinctive stilted, straight-legged gait.
Library guides for Chow Chow owners
Grooming
Brushing
Chow Chow coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Chow Chow without drying out the coat.
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Chow Chow.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Chow Chows good family dogs?
- For experienced owners, yes. They are loyal but aloof and independent.
- Do Chow Chows shed?
- Yes, heavily — especially seasonally.
- Are Chows easy to house-train?
- Usually, yes — they are very clean dogs.