MediumChina

Chow Chow

"The majestic lion dog from China fascinates with its blue tongue and dignified, cat-like nature – a proud companion for experienced owners."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 52 cm

Age8-12 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 48-56cmHead Height: ~68cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight25-32 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€65+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

The Chow Chow is generally calm and has a moderate urge to exercise.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

He is known to be very stubborn and independent, requiring a lot of patience and consistent training.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

He is fiercely loyal to his family, but often tends to bond most deeply with one primary caregiver.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

He is naturally aloof, reserved, and suspicious towards strangers.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Because of his strong-willed character, he is absolutely not recommended for first-time dog owners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Due to his quiet indoor nature, he can adapt well to apartment living if given enough daily exercise.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

His extremely lush, thick double coat requires daily, intensive grooming.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

He loses considerable amounts of hair, especially during the seasonal shedding periods.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

Character & Training: A Chow Chow is far from your typical people-pleaser. Known for being proud, independent, and fiercely loyal, they often maintain a cool distance from strangers. Their personality is frequently compared to that of a cat: headstrong and reserved. Training demands immense patience and calm leadership, as they have zero interest in blind obedience. Early socialization is crucial to channel their natural protective instincts properly.

Living & Exercise

Living & Exercise: Indoors, the Chow Chow is a quiet, almost stoic roommate who rarely barks without cause. While they don't require high-intensity sports, they truly enjoy long, leisurely walks. Due to their dense double coat, they are highly sensitive to heat; during summer, their routine should focus on staying in cool, shaded environments. They are a perfect fit for owners who appreciate a dog that values personal space.

Health & Grooming

Health & Grooming: Their striking appearance comes with significant grooming responsibilities: the dense coat mats easily and requires daily brushing. Particular attention must be paid to skin folds and the eye area, which need regular inspection for irritation. Genetically, owners should monitor for hip dysplasia. Ensuring the skin is thoroughly dried after bathing is non-negotiable to prevent painful hot spots hidden beneath the undercoat.

History

History: With a lineage stretching back over 2,000 years, the Chow Chow is one of China’s most ancient breeds. Originally, they served as temple guardians, hunters, and versatile draft dogs pulling heavy carts. They even enjoyed status as imperial palace dogs. This multi-faceted history as a working breed explains their modern-day independence and vigilant nature when encountering the unknown.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.