The Chow Chow, an all-purpose dog of ancient China, presents the picture of a muscular, deep-chested aristocrat with an air of inscrutable timelessness. Dignified, serious-minded, and aloof, the Chow Chow is a breed of unique delights — a sturdy, spitz-type dog from Northern China known for its lion-like ruff and distinctive blue-black tongue.
The Chow Chow is a medium-to-large non-sporting dog breed from China that is known for a lion-like or bear-like appearance and blue-black tongue. This reserved and independent dog may have a rough or smooth coat. Though the breed sometimes has a reputation for being aggressive, most chows are faithful, calm dogs that make excellent companions.
Among the Most Ancient of Breeds
The Chow Chow is a native of China and among the most ancient of all dog breeds, dating back as early as 200 B.C., when recognizable ancestors of the breed began showing up in pictures on Chinese pottery and sculpture. Recent DNA studies indicate that the chow chow is among the 14 most ancient breeds recognized by the AKC, in the branch that includes the shar-pei, Shiba Inu, and Akita, distinct from the lineage of all other dogs. The ancient breed evolved and manifests both morphological and physiological features, including its dark tongue, coat of fur, and stronger build.
Historians differ as to the exact origins of the Chow Chow, but the Chinese and Mongolian people bred the dog to serve as a hunter, herding dog, guardian, and draft animal. They were also used as temple guards in Asia. The dogs were brought to England in the late 1700s, and were dubbed chow chows by the English, the name probably derived from a term meaning "Oriental knick knack." English merchants brought miscellaneous cargo from the Far East that they called "chow chow," and because the dogs were sometimes part of that cargo, the name eventually caught on. Queen Victoria was a proponent of the breed, and the AKC recognized the chow chow in 1903.
In the 1980s, the breed soared in popularity in America, peaking when it was the 6th most popular breed; since then their numbers have plummeted.
A Lion's Mane and a Blue-Black Tongue
The Chow Chow is a sturdily built dog, square in profile, with a broad skull and small, triangular, erect ears with rounded tips. The breed is known for a very dense double coat that is either smooth or rough. Rough-coated chows have a soft, wooly undercoat and a medium-length topcoat that is straight, dense, coarse, and very full, with a thick, long "mane" around the head and neck. Smooth chows also have a double coat, but it is much shorter.
The fur is particularly thick in the neck area, giving the breed a distinctive ruff or mane appearance. Coat colors include shaded or self-red, black, blue, cinnamon/fawn, and cream. The Chow Chow's eyes are typically deep-set and almond shaped, and furrowing on his face gives him a frowning expression. The tongue is purple or blue-black, and this color extends to the lips — the Chow Chow is the only dog breed with this distinctive bluish color in its lips and oral cavity. The hind legs are very straight, resulting in a somewhat stilted gait, and the thick curly tail lies curled on the back.
Reserved, Dignified, and Fiercely Loyal
The Chow Chow is a reserved, dignified individual. He doesn't particularly enjoy being petted, cuddled, or fussed over, especially by children. That said, he's generally easy to live with: quiet, clean, and usually very well-behaved. He makes a devoted and protective family member, fiercely loyal to his loved ones.
Chow Chows are not very outgoing dogs. They act quite aloof towards strangers, and really only tend to be affectionate towards their loved ones. They also are more protective and territorial than many other breeds; anyone who passes in front of a home where a Chow Chow lives will draw a barking commentary from the dog. Chow Chows aren't friendly towards strange dogs and tend to be independent and stubborn, rebelling against forceful methods.
Exercise and Activity
The Chow Chow requires daily exercise in the form of a leisurely walk, short jog, or quick game. It is not physically suited to overly vigorous exercise, and becomes overheated easily while enjoying cold weather.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 20–30 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 15–20 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
A calm and alert housedog, the Chow is generally happy with short walks or play. Obedience training is essential not only for control, but for the mental exercise it provides. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for exercising a low-energy breed.
Training a Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is very smart, which makes training easier, but the breed is prone to stubbornness. The best way to combat these stubborn streaks is with patient, positive training methods. The Chow does best with a firm owner who can combine reward-based training with good control and leadership.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are key in making sure the Chow Chow grows into a well-adjusted, well-behaved adult. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Chow Chow
The Chow Chow comes in two coat types. The rough coat is straight and off-standing and needs brushing every other day to remove dead coat and prevent serious matting. The smooth coat is hard and smooth and needs brushing once or twice a week. Both coat types have wooly undercoats, and shedding is above average.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season) | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a heavy-shedding double coat.
Feeding a Chow Chow
A Chow Chow should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight. Chow chows tend to stay in good weight or be slightly overweight, and you must use your hands to feel beneath the thick coat.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Puppies should be fed a large-breed growth food, which slows their growing rate but not final size and may decrease the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adults. Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Chow Chow has a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, with a UK study finding a life expectancy of 12.1 years. The breed is at high risk for autoimmune disease, and can suffer from diabetes mellitus, gastric cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions such as entropion. Responsible breeders health-test for these conditions.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
For the right family, the chow chow can be a devoted and fun companion. However, these dogs need to be trained and socialized properly from a young age, as they can exhibit negative behaviors like aggression. This dominant breed is not ideal for more timid owners and fares best in a home with experienced owners and older children.
Chow Chows aren't the most playful or patient dogs, so they may not be the best choice for families with young, boisterous children. Care should be taken when introducing a Chow Chow to other animals; these dogs do best with somewhat submissive dogs of the opposite sex, and may view cats and tiny dogs as prey. They do fine home alone as trained adults. If you're weighing whether a Chow Chow fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Chow Chow means committing to a dominant, independent breed that can be obstinate and tough for a first-time owner to train. They're aloof with strangers, not friendly with strange dogs, and may not be playful or patient enough for young children. Their heavy coat demands regular grooming, and they can be protective and territorial.
Yet for the right owner, the Chow Chow is a dignified, loyal, and quiet companion — the muscular, deep-chested aristocrat of ancient China.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Extremely loyal and devoted
- Quiet, calm, and clean
- Low exercise needs
- Excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to almost any environment
- Beautiful, distinctive appearance
Disadvantages
- Dominant and stubborn
- Not ideal for first-time owners
- Aloof with strangers and other dogs
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming needs
- Not the most playful with children
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Chow Chows get? They stand 17–20 inches and weigh 40–75 pounds.
How long do Chow Chows live? Typically 8 to 12 years.
Are Chow Chows good family dogs? Yes — for experienced owners and older children.
Are Chow Chows easy to train? They're smart but stubborn — patience and positive methods work best.
Are Chow Chows good with other dogs? Not especially — they're not friendly towards strange dogs.
Are Chow Chows good guard dogs? Yes — protective and territorial.
Are Chow Chows good apartment dogs? Yes — they're calm with low exercise needs.
Are Chow Chows good for first-time owners? They do best with experienced, dog-savvy owners.
Why do Chow Chows have blue-black tongues? It's a distinctive breed characteristic — the only breed with this bluish lip and mouth color.
What colors do Chow Chows come in? Red, black, blue, cream, and cinnamon.
Are Chow Chows hypoallergenic? No — they shed heavily.
What health problems do Chow Chows have? Autoimmune disease, diabetes, gastric cancer, hip/elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions.