Chow Chow: Dog Breed Characteristics, History & Lifespan

Chow Chow Scientific Classification

Kingdom                   Animalia

Phylum                       Chordata

Class                            Mammalia

Order                          Carnivora

Family                           Canidae

Genus                             Canis

Scientific Name:            Canis lupus

Chow Chow Locations

Asia

Chow Chow Facts

Origin                             China

Color                    Cream, Black, Blue, Red, Fawn

Skin Type                 Hair

Lifespan                  10 – 15 years

Group                      North

Diet                           Omnivore

Weight                     33kg (70lbs)

Pros and Cons of Chow Chow

Pros

Good watchdogs

Regardless of size, these dogs are decent watchdogs and conscious of their surroundings.

Calm and confident

If you are looking for a firm breed, this might be the best option for you as a pet.

Cons

Aggressive

These dogs show aggressive behaviors occasionally and can be very suspicious about the visitors.

Grooming

They need regular grooming, so if you are looking for a low-maintenance dog, there are better choices than this breed.

Chow Chow History and Origins

Genetic testing confirms that the Chow Chow is one of the oldest dogs. This ancient breed is considered to have originated in Mongolia and southern China, where it has been migrating southward with roaming tribes. One Chinese Emperor believed he had 2,500 pairs of these as pursuing dogs. Despite their hunting capabilities, the dogs were prized for protecting their owner’s goods.

The dogs’ names were derived from British merchants in the late 18th century. Observers believe that dogs have undergone fewer changes than dogs presented 200 years ago.

About a century later, the breed started being imported regularly. Queen Victoria’s interest in this dog breed also boosted its popularity—the club of this dog breed was formed in England in 1895 for the first time. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially identified this breed in 1903, and the first Chow registered by the AKC was called Yen How.

In 1920, this dog breed attained popularity among the poor and rich. It was also entered in the White House, where President Calvin Coolidge kept other breeds. Now, the breed ranks 64th in popularity among the 155 breeds recognized by AKC.

Chow Chow Personality

The dog breed’s temperament is compared to an aloof, independent, intelligent, and stubborn cat. Despite their angry look, the dog breed never becomes aggressive. They avoid themselves from creating trouble. They enjoy playing with their family members. They allow strangers to touch them if the owners properly trained them. Early puppy socialization is necessary to confirm that your dog grows into a safe and relaxed adult. This includes presenting these dogs to new people and other pets.

Chow Chow Size and Weight

These dogs have relatively small size. The dogs are firm, although they are small in size. Males measure 17 – 18 inches tall, while females measure 18 inches tall. The weight of males is 45 – 70 lbs when fully grown, and the weight of females is 44 – 60 lbs when fully mature.

Height and Weight of Males

Height (Male)                  17 – 20 inches tall

Weight (Male)               45 – 70lbs, fully mature

Height and Weight of Females

Height (Female)            18 inches tall

Weight (Female)          44 – 60lbs, fully mature

Best food for Chow Chow dog breed

The Chow Chow suggested that daily food should consist of 2 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food. Your dog’s food needs depend on size, age, digestion, and activity level. All types of dogs have different nutritional requirements. The quality of food matters; high-quality food provides better nourishment and requires less quantity.

To keep your dog in good shape, it is necessary to measure his food and feed him two times a day instead of leaving food the whole day. If you consider your dog to be w, do eye and hands-on tests. If you place your hands on his back along with your thumb and spread your fingers downward, you should be able to feel but not see his ribs without pressing too hard. If you can’t feel his ribs easily, this saves him less food and more exercise.

Chow Chow Health Problems

Although this is a healthy dog breed, it is prone to various diseases.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a heredity disease in which the hip joint doesn’t grow properly. It can lead to uneasiness and trouble in movement.

Elbow Dysplasia

It is a heredity disease that affects the elbow joint. It can lead to joint pain.

 Bloat

This dog breed can be at risk of bloat, a very life-damaging situation in which the stomach fills with gas and coils on itself.

Cataracts

It is a disease that affects the vision and causes blindness in dogs.

Allergies

Skin allergies and food sensitivities are usual in this dog breed, causing skin irritations, ear infections, and itching.

Maintenance and Grooming

These dogs are known to be high maintenance and require brushing daily. Their coats need regular brushing. They have a double coat and need enough time to remove the hair they shed. They can bathe once a week but normally get baths every six weeks at minimum.

Exercise

They need regular exercise to support a healthy weight and normalize mood-balancing hormone release. Exercise prevents them from becoming agitated. They don’t need much walking, but a normal daily walk is enough for this breed. Their bodies are meant to be thicker and require 15 minutes of exercise daily.

Training

Training these dogs is challenging, irrespective of the mix of the breeds. They have a hunting nature and frequently are aggressive and predatory towards other pets, and these leanings are hard to liberate them of.

These dogs are highly independent and cannot be forced into anything. They will show retaliating behavior if they are trained under harsh conditions or punishment. The best training methods will need to include inspiration and positive reinforcement.

Chow Chow Puppies

The puppies of Chow Chow have a double coat early on, so intensive grooming is essential after they are a few weeks old. They must be trained as early as pups to become socialized as adults. Pups need a small amount of food after a short interval because their small stomachs don’t digest enough food simultaneously. The meals are often continued until they reach the age of one year.

Chow Chow Popular Names

• Bow – Wow
• Sparky
• Daisy
• Lucky

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long does a Chow Chow live?

The average lifespan of these dogs is about 10 – 15 years. However, they can sometimes live for about 18 years with proper care and nutrition. Unfortunately, larger breeds have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds.

How expensive is a Chow Chow?

The price of a puppy depends on various factors, such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and location. The average cost of a puppy is $1,200 to $2,000. The price may also be high if you buy from a reputable breeder. The cost of a rare bloodline like Panda Chows is much higher.

Are Chow Chow Friendly?

The dog’s temperament is similar to that of a cat: aloof, independent, intelligent, and stubborn. Despite its glaring look, the dog breed never becomes violent. It avoids creating trouble, enjoys playing with its family members, and allows strangers to touch it if the owners properly train it. Early socialization is also necessary.

Is a Chow Chow a good family dog?

These dogs are active, affectionate, and loving with other pets and family members. Some are happy to live with other pets in a house, but some like to live alone as a pet. They are the best option for singles and people living with families, but it is recommended that the owner has older children.

What are the disadvantages of Chow Chow?

The dog breed is challenging to train. It develops unbalanced temperatures and becomes violent, hyperactive, and barky if not bred well. It is aggressive or suspicious of other dogs and strangers and performs poorly in a hot environment.

Can Chow Chow be left alone?

These dogs are quite aloof and independent. This makes them the ideal dog for living alone, as they don’t need as much physical attention as other dog breeds. They also don’t need much exercise, so a little walk at home is sufficient for this dog breed.

Is Chow Chow good for kids?

They are independent, loyal, and protective, making them the best family dog with proper training and socialization. However, they may be aggressive toward strangers. Early socialization is also necessary to develop a dog that behaves well around children and other dogs. As they have thick coats, they need regular grooming.

Does Chow Chow bark a lot?

They want consistent exercise to stay healthy and stable. They need to be eating, busy on regular walks, and engaging in mental stimulation activities so you can avoid their excessive barking.

What does Chow Chow eat?

The suggested daily food amount is 2 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food. Your dog’s food requirement depends on size, age, metabolism, and activity level. The quality of food matters; high-quality food provides better nourishment and requires less quantity.

Does Chow Chow have health problems?

They have health problems if you do not buy from a reputable breeder. The diseases this dog breed is prone to are elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, allergies, and cataracts. Stomach cancer can also be seen in this breed.