The Chow Chow is a unique and fascinating breed that has existed for thousands of years. Originally bred in China, they were used for hunting, herding and guarding. Today, they are known for their distinctive appearance, independent personality and loyal companionship. Read more about this very special breed!
race facts
Family friendly
Activity level
Fur care
Training needs
Clearing
Size
Facts about the breed
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence today. They have lived in China for over 2,000 years, and throughout history the breed has been valued for its loyalty and intelligence. The breed is also known as one of the first breeds to be imported to the West. In the late 1800s, the breed was brought to England, where it quickly became popular with the aristocracy. The first Chow Chow breed club was formed in England in 1895, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903. Today, the Chow Chow is a popular breed all over the world, thanks to its unique personality and beautiful appearance.
The characteristic appearance may resemble a furry teddy bear. The Chow Chow is also easily recognizable by its straight hind legs and blue tongue.
What can you expect as a chow chow owner?
Personality
Personality
The Chow Chow is known for its independence and strong will, and some compare its independence and stubbornness to the personality of a cat. They are loyal and affectionate towards people they “accept”, but can be reserved towards strangers. A Chow Chow therefore requires an owner who exudes security, who can establish himself as a pack leader and, not least, who is patient.
Activity level
Activity level
Like most breeds, the Chow Chow requires daily exercise. It is not the most active breed, however, and falls under the companion dog category. Short and moderate walks and playtimes are usually sufficient. Be careful not to overexert yourself, especially in hot weather.
Training
Training
The breed's headstrong and stubborn nature can make training a Chow Chow a challenge. Consistent training with positive reinforcement is the key to success.
Health
Health
Weight and size
The weight of a Chow Chow is between 23 and 34 kg.
The height of male dogs is between 48 to 56 cm, while females are between 46 and 51 cm.
Hereditary diseases
Like all breeds, Chow Chows can develop genetic health problems. These can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems such as cataracts. Many of these dogs also suffer from rolled eyelids from a young age, making them prone to corneal damage if not treated properly.
It is always important to ensure that the parent animals are healthy when purchasing a new dog. We also recommend regular veterinary check-ups to ensure that your Chow Chow remains healthy throughout its life.
Fur
Fur
The Chow Chow is well known for its fluffy and lion-like mane, which is especially common in males. There are two coat varieties; long-haired and short-haired, but long-haired is the most common. The coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and beautiful, and the long-haired dogs naturally require a little extra maintenance.
Food and nutrition
Food and nutrition
Chow chows are primarily bred for grain and can become overweight if they eat too much “rich” food. We therefore recommend choosing a breed-specific food that is designed for weight control. As an owner, you should be careful not to feed too many treats and remember to provide enough daily exercise.
Chow Chow
If you are considering getting a Chow Chow, it is important to find a reputable breeder. It is crucial to choose a seller who can provide you with information about how the dog was bred, so that you avoid contributing to illegal or uncontrolled dog trade. Unfortunately, there are breeders who do not breed responsibly, and this can lead to serious diseases in the puppies. Therefore, it is important to be well prepared and find a reliable breeder, both for your own sake and for the dog's.
