Chow Chow

Chow Chows, among the world’s oldest breeds, likely descended from spitz breeds, although it’s impossible to tell. They have been in China for hundreds, if not thousands of years, depicted in artifacts of China’s Han Dynasty. Chows have played many roles during their long history. At times, they were the lordly companions to Chinese nobles, but over the centuries they also earned their keep as guarders, haulers, and hunters. A few pure descendants were kept in isolated monasteries and wealthy households which helped preserve the breed. In the 1820s Chow Chows were exhibited at the London Zoo as the “Wild Dogs of China,” but they didn't really catch on in the West until Queen Victoria acquired one later in the century. Chows were first exhibited in America in the 1890s.

These teddy bears need a calm, pragmatic owner who can work hard on training and socialization and who understands that, despite their cuddly looks, these are snobbish dogs that can be aloof, even with their owners. Ideal owner qualities also include a willingness to perform a lot of grooming, and the ability to provide a large, secure yard. Chows are best suited for homes with teenagers or child-free families, and do best in rural and suburban areas that do not get too hot as they are very sensitive to the heat.

They love the outdoors and don’t require extreme amounts of exercise. Chow Chows are quite happy doing their own thing in the yard. Too much exercise too young can lead to bone and joint problems later in life, so exercise must be monitored closely.

The Chow Chow is a large dog with territorial tendencies so they do best in large homes with big well-fenced yards. They must have somewhere shaded and cool that they can retreat to in warm and hot weather so they do not get overheated.

Chow Chows have two coats: the rough variety is coarse-textured and not excessive in length, and the undercoat is soft and wooly. They have thicker hair around the neck and backs of their thighs. Both need regular grooming.

Chows Chows can be resistant to training but respond well to positive reinforcement. They need to be leash-trained and should have plenty of early and ongoing socialization. Chows are unlikely to be particularly social or playful dogs but the more they are around other pets and humans, the better.

The Chow Chow does best in child-free homes or families with no children. They don’t make the best pets for young children.

The cost of a Chow Chow from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.