Chow Chow — breed guide

At a glance

Group

non-sporting

Size

Medium

Weight

20–32 kg (44–71 lb)

Life span

8–12 years

Coat

Profuse rough or smooth double coat

Living with a Chow Chow

• Low energy — happy with gentle daily exercise.
• Daily grooming — this coat is a commitment.
• Constant heavy shedding.
• Can be stubborn.
• Quiet.
• Better in a home without young children.
• Not always easy with other dogs — introduce carefully.
• Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
• Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Struggles in heat — walk early, walk late, and watch for distress.
• Built for cold weather.
• Flat-faced (brachycephalic): breathing is harder in heat and under exertion, so walk weather matters more for this breed than most.

Temperament

Aloof · Dignified · Loyal · Serious

Health to watch

• Entropion
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Heat intolerance

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

One of only two breeds with a blue-black tongue.

Questions people ask

Is a Chow Chow good with kids?

Usually not the first pick for a home with small children. Older, calmer households suit this breed better.

Is a Chow Chow good with cats?

It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.

How much exercise does a Chow Chow need?

A gentle daily walk.

Can a Chow Chow handle hot weather?

Carefully. Flat-faced breeds overheat fast — early or late walks only on hot days. It struggles; keep summer outings short and shaded.