Dog breed profile
Chow chow
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Chow Chow is a medium-to-large, powerfully built breed originating in northern China, where it was historically used for guarding, hunting, pulling and general working duties. Most adults stand around 43 to 51 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 20 to 32 kilograms. The breed has a broad head, small triangular ears, deep-set eyes, a high-set tail carried over the back and a distinctive blue-black tongue.
Chow Chows may have either a rough, abundant coat or a shorter smooth coat and occur in colours including red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream. They are typically dignified, independent, quiet and strongly loyal to their household. Many form a particularly close bond with one or two people while remaining reserved or suspicious around strangers. A functionally built Chow chow should show balance and comfortable movement rather than an exaggerated interpretation of the physical features for which the breed is known.
Chow Chows are not usually highly demonstrative and may dislike rough handling or excessive physical attention. They can be territorial and may be selective around unfamiliar dogs, making early socialisation essential. The breed is intelligent but often prefers to make its own decisions rather than respond automatically to commands. It is best suited to experienced or patient owners who understand independent guardian breeds. Individual Chow chows still vary with breeding, early experience, health and training, so these breed tendencies should guide preparation rather than predetermine the personality of every dog.
When assessing a Chow chow, owners should look beyond puppy appeal and consider the mature dog's requirements. People choosing a Chow chow should meet mature examples where possible, because adult energy, confidence and handling needs may be less obvious in an appealing puppy.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
Routine Chow chow care combines moderate daily exercise, thorough grooming and carefully managed socialisation. Several steady walks and controlled play sessions are generally sufficient, although young dogs may need additional mental stimulation.
Exercise should be reduced during warm or humid weather because the heavy coat and compact muzzle can make overheating more likely. Training should begin early and focus on lead manners, accepting handling, calm visitor behaviour and appropriate responses around other animals. Positive reinforcement and consistent boundaries are more effective than forceful methods.
Rough-coated dogs should be brushed several times a week and daily during heavy seasonal shedding. Smooth-coated dogs need less grooming but should still be brushed regularly. Particular attention is required around the neck, hindquarters, tail and behind the ears where dense hair may mat. Skin beneath the coat should be checked for redness, moisture or infection. A monthly weight or body-condition record makes gradual change in a Chow chow easier to detect than appearance alone, particularly when day-to-day familiarity masks a slow trend.
Eyes should be monitored for excessive tearing, squinting or irritation, and ears should be checked for wax or odour. Teeth require regular brushing and nails should be kept short. Food should be measured carefully to maintain a lean body condition. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor eyes, hips, elbows, knees, thyroid function, skin and breathing. Preventive planning for the Chow chow should reflect family history and give particular attention to mobility and joint comfort, eye comfort and vision, skin and coat condition, without assuming that a breed association means an individual dog is affected. Owners should establish the Chow chow's normal appetite, breathing, movement, sleep and social behaviour so a persistent departure from that baseline can be investigated promptly. Care requirements for a senior Chow chow should be reviewed as mobility, senses and recovery change; shorter sessions, better footing and easier access can preserve independence without removing enrichment.
Conditions linked to this breed
Atopy, Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases
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Alopecia X [Adrenal Sex Hormone Dermatosis, "Black Skin Disease"]
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Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Cerebellar Abiotrophy [Cerebellar Ataxia]
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Cervical Spondylomyelopathy [CSM, Canine Wobbler Syndrome]
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Colour Dilution Alopecia
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Congenital Myotonia
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Congenital Renal Disease [Hereditary Nephropathies]
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Corneal Dystrophy
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Dermatomyositis
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Dermoid Sinus
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Ectropion and Entropion
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
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Glaucoma (Primary, Inherited)
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Hip Dysplasia
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Hypo-/Dysmyelinogenesis “Shaker Pup” Syndrome
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Hypothyroidism
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Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca KCS, Dry Eye
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Osteochondrosis
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Panosteitis
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Persistent Pupillary Membrane & Persistent Hyaloid Remnants
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.