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China•non-sporting
Chow Chow
moderateApartment Friendly
One of 14 most ancient breeds with dignified, serious demeanor. Cat-like temperament: aloof, reserved, and independent. Distinctive blue-black tongue.
Weight20-32 kg44-70.5 lbs
Height43-51 cm17-20"
Lifespan9-15 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
DignifiedAloofIndependentLoyalIntelligent
Height
43-51 cm17-20"
Weight
20-32 kg44-70.5 lbs
Lifespan
9-15 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Couch potato - content with short walks and lounging
Trainability
Strong-willed - needs an experienced handler
Grooming
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barking
Rarely barks
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Chow43-51 cm17-20"Compatibility
How well Chow Chow matches your lifestyle
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Chow Chow
low energy20-40 min/day
Chow Chows have modest exercise needs. Short walks and light play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
30-45 minutes daily of moderate exercise
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Short Walks
Gentle strolls around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.
15-20 min
Low intensity
Indoor Play
Light play sessions with toys indoors.
10-15 min
Low intensity
Sniff Walks
Leisurely walks focused on mental stimulation through sniffing.
15-20 min
Keep in Mind
- Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather
- Watch for signs of fatigue during exercise
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Chow Chow
High Maintenancefur coat
Chow Chows require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Daily
Regular Bathing
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Every 2-4 weeks
Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Every 4-6 weeks
Mat Prevention
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Daily check
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Chow Chow
Strong-Willed
Chow Chows have a strong will and may resist training. Success requires patience, experience, and understanding that stubbornness often indicates intelligence.
Best Approach
Never force or punish - it will backfire. Find creative ways to make them think compliance was their idea. Consider professional training help if needed.
Training Tips
Essential
Extreme Patience Required
Progress may be slower than with other breeds. Celebrate small wins and don't get discouraged.
Essential
Get Creative
Standard training methods may not work. Be willing to try unconventional approaches.
Essential
Firm, Fair Boundaries
Set clear boundaries consistently, but always with positive methods. Never use punishment.
Recommended
Consider Professional Help
A professional trainer experienced with this breed can provide valuable techniques and support.
Recommended
Set Realistic Expectations
They may never be perfectly obedient, and that's okay. Focus on essential commands and safety.
Common Challenges
- May refuse commands they know perfectly well
- Can be manipulative - knows how to get what they want
- Training sessions may require multiple approaches
- May need experienced handlers
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Chow Chow
Medium Breed2 meals$41-103/month
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding Tips
Balanced Nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Adjust for Activity
Active dogs need more calories; less active dogs need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Quality Protein Source
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Chow Chow
3
High Risk
1
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Chow Chow
Monthly costs
Food
$41-103
Insurance
$42-98
Supplies
$15-30
Grooming
$75-90
Monthly total
$173-321
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$432-720/yr
Parasite prevention
$360/yr
Annual total
$792-1,080/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Chow Chow's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
4 references for Chow Chow
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Chow Chow
Health·OFA-CHIC
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research