Origin

The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed that originated in Northern China 2000-3000 years ago, where it was bred as a working dog for hunting, herding, and guarding. Known for its distinctive stilted gait and lion's mane ruff; its deep-set almond shaped eyes; and its characteristic black tongue, this breed boasts a powerful, dignified presence.

As a member of the spitz family, the Chow Chow is related to the Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Shiba Inu, Malamute, Akita, Pomeranian, and Keeshond, among others. It is likely that other spitz breeds evolved from the Chow Chow.

Did You Know?

In China, Chows are referred to as Songshi quan, or "puffy lion dog". They acquired their Western name when they were first shipped in crates to England -- "chow chow" was the pidgin English term for miscellaneous goods from the East.

Profile

Origin: Northern China or Mongolia
Personality: proud, independent, aloof, loyal
Health: generally good; glaucoma prone
Energy: low
Grooming: frequent; daily or weekly
Trainability: difficult, but imperative
Strangers: unfriendly, unless well trained and socialized
Other dogs: unfriendly, unless well trained and socialized
Good for families: yes, but must be well trained
Barking: low
Lifespan: 9 - 12 years
Height: 18 - 22 in. (46 - 56 cm.)
Weight: 40 - 70 lb. (18 - 32 kg.)

Appearance

Vector drawings comparing blue, black, red cinnamon, and cream fur colors

Chows are known for their dense double-coat, which comes in five recognized colors: blue, black, red, cinnamon, and cream. Most Chows have a rough, fluffier-looking coat, but some have a smooth coat, which is shorter. Their fur is particularly thick around the face and the neck, resulting in their distinctive mane-like ruff.

Front-facing torso shot of fawn-colored Chow looking away from camera

Facial Features

Chows have large heads with a somewhat scowling expression, and a stout muzzle. Their almond-shaped eyes are inset, and they have triangular, pointed ears that poke out from their ruff.

Tongue

The Chow Chow has an entirely black tongue, resulting from extra pigment deposits. Chows have pink tongues at birth, and it is completely normal for splotches of pink to remain on their tongues into adulthood.

Side view of a Chow posing at a dog show

Body

Chows have short, compact, muscular bodies, which results in a square build. They have characteristically straight hind legs, resulting in a stilted gait.

Tail

Chows have distinctively high-set, curly tails that press snugly against their backs. The fur is generally longer and feathered, resulting in an impressive arrangement.

Care

Chow Chows are strong-willed and independent, but they are also fiercely loyal and protective. They often earn a bad rap for being aggressive, but this is mostly a result of inexperienced or unprepared owners. If well-socialized and trained, they are among the best breeds – not only because of their lovable personality, but also because they’re clean, quiet, and adaptable.

Before You Adopt

Before considering adopting, research. It is crucial for a Chow puppy to be socialized with dogs and people in various settings. This way, it will grow accustomed to strangers and be less likely to be aggressive. Raising a puppy is like raising a child, only for a shorter period of time; the owner needs to commit the time to train the puppy, so that he/she can establish authority and set boundaries. Because Chows do not respond as eagerly to being trained, they are generally not a good breed for first-time dog owners. This is the case especially if adopting an adult Chow. Generally, it is best to practice positive reinforcement, since Chows do not respond particularly well to punishment because of their independent nature.

Regular Care

Overall, Chows are quite low-maintenance. They rarely bark and only require moderate to low amounts of exercise, making them well-suited for apartment living. Because they have a thick double coat, their skin stays clean; as such, they should only be bathed 2-3 times per year. However, it is important that they be brushed regularly, and groomed fairly often. Otherwise, their fur can get matted and dirty – not to mention, brushing and de-shedding keeps the house less furry.

Health Concerns

In most cases, Chows are a healthy breed. Like all breeds, they occasionally suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia or acquire eye diseases. If adopting a puppy, work with a responsible breeder to ensure good health practices. To help prevent glaucoma, it is important that owners walk their Chows with harnesses, rather than collars. This will reduce unnecessary pressure on the eyes and prevent choking if they pull.