Looking for a protective dog that looks like a bear?
The Chow Chow dog breed is such a distinctive-looking breed, with a thick and heavy fluffy coat and facial wrinkles.
Add their stunning look to their devoted natures and it's easy to see why they are often a firm dog breed favourite!
What does a Chow Chow look like?
You’ll notice that Chow Chows can have 2 variations in their coat types: rough or smooth. Either way, this coat is known for its shedding.
A typical Chow Chow will range in height between 46 and 56 cm. With broad and deep chests, they have quite a powerful body under all that fluff!
The British Kennel Club recognises 8 breed standards colours, including:
- black,
- cream
- red
- and blue.
Another distinctive part of the Chow Chow’s look is its curled tail. You’ll notice a shorter tail that curves back on itself toward the back.
What is a Chow Chow’s temperament like?
Despite their fluffy appearance, if you’re looking for a big, cuddly teddy bear dog, you might be disappointed. They’re well known for being incredibly independent, introverted, and even occasionally aloof.
As a pet, you’ll often find they are usually low-maintenance and won’t demand much of your time. Or even affection.
With this in mind, you might be surprised to find these dogs will have an incredibly strong bond with their family. After they’ve formed a bond, they’ll make loyal and adoring canine companions.
What types of owners suit a Chow Chow dog?
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Experienced dog owners
Due to their strong-willed nature, they’re only recommended for experienced dog owners.
As a dog owner, you need to be calm, patient, and confident in your training ability.
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Single-dog households
Usually, a Chow Chow dog does better in a single-pet household. This is because of their aloof nature.
However, thorough and early socialisation can combat this. Especially if they were exposed to other animals during their early lives.
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Families with older children
Their levels of devotion to their family can make them a popular choice for a family dog.
However, they aren’t known as a breed that likes to fulfil the role of entertainer. They aren’t often described as playful or patient, so families with energetic children should consider another breed.
11 good family dogs
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Someone who isn’t intimidated by their grooming needs
You’ll find that Chow Chows will frequently try to groom themselves. even being occasionally described as cat-like in their approach.
Although no amount of personal grooming will counteract their fluffy, high-shedding coats.
How to groom your dog at home
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Owners who aren’t looking for a cuddly lapdog
There will always be individual differences between dogs. But if you’re looking for a cuddly dog that enjoys hours of lap cuddling, perhaps look at another breed.
With the right owner, they’ll happily give and take affection. However, you’ll probably never have to deal with a very clingy Chow Chow.
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Non-allergy sufferers
Chow Chows can be described as many positive things, but hypoallergenic is not among them.
This high-shedding dog is not suitable for allergy sufferers of pet hair and dander.
Find hypoallergenic dog breeds
Training a Chow Chow dog
If you’re up for the training challenge, then the intelligent Chow Chow can learn quickly. But be prepared for their stubbornness!
Always start training your dog as early as possible, this means you’ve got the best chance of getting good behaviour ingrained early.
They will respond much more favourably to the use of positive reinforcement. This is why many dog owners adopt positive puppy training.
Training areas to focus on:
As Chow Chows are natural hunters, you’ll need to pay special attention to recall and/or lead training. Make sure you’re confident in the training before letting them off the lead in public.
Early and thorough socialisation is important for this dog breed. Their naturally aloof nature can leave them wary and potentially even suspicious of strangers.
Socialising your puppy
This is why so many dog owners favour the breed as a dog guard of choice. Combined with their deep devotion to their family, you know that your Chow Chow will protect you wherever possible.
Grooming a Chow Chow dog
Depending on which type of coat your Chow Chow has, you’ll need to adopt slightly different techniques.
Regardless of whether they have a rough or smooth coat, they need to be brushed a few times a week at least. This will help cut down on excess fur in between bigger grooming sessions.
Chow Chow’s distinctive wrinkles can become a source of discomfort if owners aren’t regularly checking them. The skin folds need to clean and dry to prevent infections.
Ready to find your Forever Puppy?
Whether the Chow Chow is the right dog for you or not, we have thousands of adverts on our website. From dogs needing to be rehomed to puppy-litters looking for their forever homes.
Remember, buying or adopting a dog is a big decision. Before making any rash decisions, always fully research what it takes to look after a dog. It's also worth looking into your favourite breed to see if your home or lifestyle would suit them.
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