Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the world's oldest and most distinctive dog breeds, originating in northern China where it served as a hunting, herding, and guard dog for centuries.
Immediately recognisable by its impressive lion-like ruff, blue-black tongue, and dignified bearing, this medium-sized dog stands 40–51 cm tall and weighs 20–32 kg.
20-32kg
Weight
Medium
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Chow Chow
The breed comes in two coat varieties, rough and smooth, both dense and requiring regular grooming to maintain their striking appearance in red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream. Temperamentally, the Chow Chow is a dignified and independent breed that values loyalty above social charm. Rather than seeking universal affection, they typically form profound bonds with one or two family members, remaining calm and reserved with strangers. This aloofness should never be mistaken for unfriendliness, though early and thorough socialisation is essential for well-adjusted adults. With exercise needs of up to one hour daily and a lifespan of 12–14 years, Chow Chows suit experienced owners who respect their independent nature and can provide consistent, patient training. They thrive with people who appreciate their quiet dignity and are willing to invest time in understanding their selective, thoughtful temperament.
Chow Chow at a Glance
- Group
- Utility
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 20–32 kg
- Height
- 40–51 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Origin
- China
- Colours
- Cream, beige, red, blue, black
- Typical price
- £800–£1900
Chow Chow Temperament
The Chow Chow is a dignified, independent and loyal breed with a calm, reserved nature. Deeply devoted to its immediate family, it tends to be aloof and selective with strangers, and this aloofness should never be mistaken for aggression. Chow Chows form particularly strong bonds with one or two people rather than seeking attention from everyone. They are quiet and undemanding in the home, but require early and thorough socialisation to ensure they are well-adjusted around other people and animals. Consistent, patient training is important given their independent streak. For experienced owners who respect their character, Chow Chows are profoundly loyal companions.
Chow Chow Lifestyle
The Chow Chow does best with plenty of indoor space and is content with a small or medium garden. They thrive in a rural setting and may find busy city life a little overwhelming.
Dog Food for Chow Chow
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Nutrition & Diet
Healthy and a well-balanced diet are necessary to keep your dog in top physical shape. A chow chow diet has been crafted from the highest quality, natural ingredients and needs to be rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are beneficial to both skin and coat condition. Chow chow is a breed of dogs prone to many skin issues as well as allergies. If your dog is often experiencing skin problems or if you see any symptoms of food allergies, such as diarrhoea, throwing up, lack of appetite or visible changes on the skin, you can give an elimination diet a try. Choose food with a new source of animal protein like for example & Coat Adult. Chow chow need a lot of fluids in a day, so you can incorporate more wet food into your dog’s diet.
Recommended Food for Chow Chow
Chow Chow Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Chow Chow weighing around 26 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£4.75 - £5.06
Per month
£143 - £152
Per year
£1734 - £1848
Chow Chow Characteristics
The Chow Chow is a high-energy breed that needs a real outlet every day and is one of the easier breeds to train. They are a fantastic choice for families with children and are fairly independent and manage alone time well. The coat needs a good brush several times a week at minimum and is a moderate shedder. Exceptionally clever, they thrive when given jobs to do or puzzles to solve.
Chow Chow Pros & Cons
Pros
- Known for their distinctive blackish-blue tongue, a feature shared only with the Shar Pei
- Loyal and devoted, with a strong bond typically formed with one main person
- Comes in both smooth and rough coat types, giving them a striking and unique appearance
- A natural watchdog with centuries of guarding and hunting history behind them
Cons
- Needs thorough early socialisation and consistent training to manage their strong-willed nature
- Moderate to high grooming demands, with heavy seasonal shedding to manage
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods
- High prey drive means off-lead time needs careful management around livestock and wildlife
