Chow Chow at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 46–56 cm
- Weight
- 20–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- up to 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Time alone.
Is the Chow Chow right for you?
Like every breed, the Chow Chow is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You would like a dog that tends to be quiet.
- You would like a dog that is usually calm at home.
Consider another breed if…
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- This would be your first dog.
- You have cats or other small pets.
How would the Chow Chow fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a compact, bear-like dog with a thick mane of off-standing coat, a tail curled over its back, a blue-black tongue and gums, and a rather stilted gait caused by its very straight hind legs. Its coat makes it look bigger than it really is. Chows are typically loyal to their family but aloof and independent.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Usually calm
Tends to be calm and settled around the home.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Can be selective
Can be selective about other dogs.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet dog around the home.
- Time alone
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
The breed can be traced back around 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty in China, where the Han Dog was used as a guard dog. Chows were also used for hunting and herding, and in early China they were reared for meat and fur.
Two Chows were brought to Britain in 1780 by traders of the East India Company, and in 1828 London Zoo imported dogs from China known as the Black Mouthed Chinese. Interest grew after Queen Victoria acquired a Chow, and the breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1894.
Chow Chow temperament
Chow Chows are usually very loyal and protective of their family, but they are aloof and reserved, and often stubborn and independent. Many neither give nor want much affection, which can surprise people expecting a giant teddy bear. They suit owners who enjoy that independence.
As natural watchdogs they can be wary of strangers, so early socialisation is very important. They are not known as big barkers: they may alert you to comings and goings, but many owners say they are otherwise fairly quiet. Their thick coat means they can overheat in hot weather, which can make them more irritable.
Size and appearance
Chows are medium-sized according to the Royal Kennel Club, although PDSA and Purina describe them as large. Adults typically stand 46–56 cm and weigh around 20–30 kg.
There are two coat types. The rough coat is dense, coarse and stand-off with a soft woolly undercoat and thicker hair around the neck; the smooth coat is shorter. Breed standard colours are black, blue, cream, fawn, red and white.
How much exercise does a Chow Chow need?
Chows are not particularly high energy, but they need at least an hour of exercise a day, split into a couple of walks with off-lead play in a secure area. They also enjoy pottering in the garden, puzzle toys and short training sessions, as they can get bored.
They must have shade and somewhere cool to retreat to in warm weather. Too much exercise when young can lead to bone and joint problems, so puppies' exercise should be monitored. A large house with a big, well-fenced garden suits them best.
Training a Chow Chow
Chows have an independent streak and can be resistant to obedience training. They ideally suit experienced owners who know the breed.
- Use consistent, positive, reward-based training from a young age: they do not tolerate being told off.
- Socialise early and continue throughout life, so they learn to tolerate unfamiliar people and dogs.
- Teach them to walk well on a lead.
- Keep a firm grip on the lead outdoors, as they may chase.
Chow Chow grooming
Chows need brushing every day; the smooth coat needs grooming two or three times a week. They shed almost all year and blow their coats in spring and autumn, so expect to vacuum daily. Check and dry any skin folds hidden under the coat, as they can become infected.
Living with a Chow Chow
Chow Chows are not usually tolerant or playful enough to make good family dogs, and their guarding instinct needs respect. They can learn to live with sensible older children, and are best suited to adult-only homes or families with older children or teenagers who understand the breed. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Can be selective about other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Chow Chow health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Like many purebred dogs, Chow Chows are prone to some conditions linked to how they have been bred. Knowing about them helps you ask a breeder about health testing; it does not mean every Chow will be affected.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Elbow dysplasia
The elbow joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. Elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme is recommended.
Entropion
The eyelids roll inwards, causing constant irritation and pain to the eye. It can result from the extra skin around the eyes. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
Cruciate ligament disease
The ligaments in the knee become damaged, making the joint wobbly and painful and causing limping.
Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
The stomach twists. This is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention.
Panosteitis
A painful, inflammatory bone disease.
Hypothyroidism
PDSA lists hypothyroidism among the conditions Chow Chows may develop.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Chow Chow home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Chow Chow cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Chow Chow home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Chow Chow
If you have decided the Chow Chow suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Chow Chow
Chow Chows do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Chow Chows looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Chow Chow adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Standard Poodle
Intelligent, playful, adventurous, obedient, athletic, spirited, elegant and clownish.
View breed guideShar Pei
Loyal, calm, protective, intelligent, independent, aloof, devoted and confident.
View breed guideKeeshond
Affectionate, loving, energetic, playful, alert, cheerful, friendly and companionable.
View breed guide
Chow Chow FAQs
Is the Chow Chow good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Chow Chow live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Chow Chow need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Chow Chow shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Chow Chow need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Chow Chow easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Does the Chow Chow bark a lot?
Tends to be quiet. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Chow Chow good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Chow Chow live?
Typically up to 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Chow Chow get?
Adults typically stand 46–56 cm at the shoulder and weigh 20–30 kg.