Chow Chow
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting |
| Size | Medium to Large (45-70 lbs) |
| Height | 17-20 in |
| Lifespan | 8-12 years |
| Temperament | Dignified, Bright, Serious |
| Good with Kids | Moderate |
| Shedding | High |
| Exercise Needs | Low to Moderate |
| Grooming Needs | High |
Recommended for Chow Chows
Tune the values here against the animal's real-world data points: weight over the last six months, typical exercise intensity, and any current treatment plan.
A catlike spitz with a short fuse for nonsense
Chow chows stand about 17 to 20 inches and weigh 45 to 70 pounds. They are serious, loyal to their own people, and moderate about exercise. The coat, rough or smooth, sheds heavily and mats if the undercoat is never raked. They are not a breed you hug without an invitation.
Children in a quiet home can do well. Children who climb on dogs should live with a different breed. Same-sex dog conflict is common.
Eyelids that roll in
Entropion is common and painful. A Chow that squints or has a wet, stained face may need surgery, not a bigger bow. Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and bloat are the rest of the structural list. VCA explains entropion. Eye pain is a same-day problem, and the checker is there if you are unsure the squint can wait until Monday.
Chow chow questions
Are Chow chows aggressive?
They are reserved, and many are dog-selective. A Chow that was never socialized can be dangerous with strangers. The breed is a poor match for someone who wants a dog that greets every child at the park.
Why is the tongue dark?
A blue-black tongue is normal in the breed. A pale tongue in a dog that is collapsing is a circulation problem. Color alone is not a party trick to show off if the dog is in distress.
How hot is too hot?
Warmer than you think, sooner than you think. The coat and the flat-ish face make heatstroke realistic. Walk in the cool and keep air conditioning available.
People who live with a Chow Chow tend to develop a deep appreciation for the breed's personality — the dignified, bright, serious nature becomes part of the household's rhythm.
Buying Guides for Chow Chow
The standard's gait can hide a sore hip
The American Kennel Club standard describes a stilted, straight-hocked gait and a blue-black tongue, both of them breed traits in a dog of about 17 to 20 inches and 45 to 70 pounds. A Chow that skips, squints, or fades on a short walk still needs a veterinarian to separate that outline from pain. Entropion rolls the eyelid inward so hair rubs the cornea, and a veterinary ophthalmologist is who discusses surgery. Pharmacy-aisle drops leave the lid where it was. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip and patella results are the parent paperwork worth reading before the puppy comes home. Rough and smooth coats are both in the breed, and both mat when the undercoat is never raked.