Chow Chow: History, Care, Training & Health Insights

Quick Facts Overview

Trait	Details
Size Category	Medium to Large
Height & Weight	43–56 cm tall, 20–32 kg
Coat Type & Colours	Dense, double coat; red, black, blue, cream, cinnamon
Energy Level	Low to Moderate
Origin	China
Grooming Needs	High
Temperament	Aloof, loyal, quiet, dignified, independent
Trainability	Moderate
Compatibility	Better with adults or older kids, less social with pets
Lifespan	9–15 years

Breed Origins and History

The Chow Chow is one of the world’s oldest and most unique dog breeds, with origins dating back over 2,000 years to ancient China. These dogs were used for guarding temples, hunting, and even pulling carts. Their dignified, lion-like appearance and blue-black tongue have earned them admiration for generations.

Origin Summary:

Country: China
Traditional Roles: Guard dog, hunting dog, sled-puller
Fun Fact: Regarded as a sacred temple guardian in ancient Chinese culture

Personality and Temperament

The Chow Chow has a personality unlike most other breeds. They're known for their calm, self-contained attitude and fierce loyalty. While not overly affectionate, they're deeply devoted to their chosen humans and prefer a quiet environment.

Temperament Highlights:

Reserved and often aloof with strangers
Forms a strong bond with one or two family members
Naturally clean and quiet
Not a social butterfly—may ignore other pets

Chow Chows suit confident owners who understand dog behaviour and respect boundaries. They don’t crave constant attention, but they expect mutual respect.

Trainability and Intelligence

Chow Chows are smart—but not always cooperative. Their independent streak can make them seem stubborn, but with the right approach, they learn well.

Trainability Snapshot:

Trait	Rating	Notes
Obedience	Moderate	Needs patience and consistency
Responsiveness	Moderate	Responds better to structure than praise
Focus	High	Observant, but on their own terms
Social Learning	Low	Doesn't imitate other dogs easily

Helpful Gear:

Exercise and Activity Requirements

Chow Chows aren’t built for high-intensity activity. They prefer low-impact walks and quiet time in the garden. However, they still need movement to maintain their health.

Daily Needs:

30–45 mins of walking daily
Mental stimulation through puzzle toys
Avoid vigorous activity in heat due to their thick coat

Physical Characteristics

Chow Chows are famous for their lion-like mane, strong body, and straight hind legs that give them a distinct stilted walk. Their thick double coat is not just eye-catching—it’s functional, originally protecting them from harsh northern climates.

Breed Traits:

Compact, square body
Curled tail over the back
Blue-black tongue unique to the breed

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Grooming and Maintenance

Their beautiful coat needs serious upkeep. Chow Chows shed seasonally, and their thick fur mats easily without routine grooming.

Grooming Checklist:

Brush thoroughly 3–4 times per week
Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
Check for skin irritation and hot spots regularly
Clean folds around eyes and trim nails monthly

Grooming Helpers:

Living Environment Compatibility

Chow Chows prefer peace and predictability. They don’t enjoy chaotic environments or constant handling. They're better suited to calm households without small children.

Ideal Setups:

Home with a secure yard
Access to cool, shaded areas
Minimal noise or foot traffic

Helpful Gear:

Health and Longevity

Chow Chows have a strong build but are prone to several breed-specific issues, especially related to joints, eyes, and skin.

Common Health Risks:

Entropion (inward-turning eyelids)
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Thyroid imbalances

Diet and Feeding Guidelines

Nutrition plays a major role in joint support, coat quality, and weight management for this breed.

Feeding Tips:

Feed two balanced meals a day
Limit carbs, focus on protein and joint-friendly supplements
Maintain a lean physique to ease pressure on joints

Accessories for Feeding & Travel:

Compatibility and Home Life

Chow Chows are incredibly loyal to their people but don’t warm up quickly to strangers or unpredictable environments. They thrive with owners who respect their space.

Compatibility Overview:

Best with adults and teens
Not ideal for multi-pet homes
Prefers a routine lifestyle

Useful Home Gear:

Behavioural Issues and Solutions

Without structure, Chows may become territorial, stubborn, or withdrawn. Early training and enrichment help build balanced behaviour.

Common Concerns:

Leash pulling: try non-pull harnesses
Aloofness: build trust through gentle, positive experiences
Grooming tension: train early using treat bags

Essential Gear for Chow Chows

Walking Essentials:

Comfort and Rest:

Training Support:

Style and ID:

Travel Ready:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Chow Chow a good family dog?
They can be a good fit for the right family. Chow Chows are loyal and protective but do better in households with older kids who understand their need for space and calm.

Do Chow Chows get aggressive?
They aren’t aggressive by nature, but they are very territorial and may react defensively if not properly trained and socialised from a young age.

Why are Chow Chows so hard to train?
Chow Chows are independent and stubborn. They prefer doing things their own way, so training takes patience, repetition, and firm but kind guidance.

Can Chow Chows be left alone?
Yes, but only for short periods. They prefer routine and may become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long or too often.

Are Chow Chows high maintenance?
Yes. Their thick coat requires regular grooming, and they need structure, clear rules, and a calm environment to thrive.

Why do groomers refuse Chow Chows?
Some groomers may decline Chow Chows due to their strong-willed nature and sensitivity during handling. Starting grooming early helps prevent issues.

Do Chow Chows shed a lot?
Yes, especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps reduce hair around the home and keeps the coat healthy.

What are the disadvantages of a Chow Chow?
They can be aloof, tough to train, and may not tolerate rough play or unfamiliar dogs. They need experienced, calm owners.

How long do Chow Chows live?
With good care, they typically live between 9 and 15 years. A healthy diet, moderate exercise, and routine vet visits support their longevity.

Can a Chow Chow be a service dog?
It’s rare. While intelligent, their independent nature makes them a poor fit for typical service dog roles which require high obedience and sociability.

Final Thoughts

Chow Chows are majestic, self-assured dogs who thrive with structure, respect, and the right environment. While not for every owner, they offer unwavering loyalty and a quiet, dignified presence in the right hands.

Explore breed-suited accessories, harnesses, and travel gear tailored for Chow Chows at EzyDog.