Buying a Chow: The Complete Breed Guide for Prospective Owners

Chow Chow Breed Overview: Ancient Guardian, Modern Companion

The Chow Chow is one of the oldest recognizable dog breeds, with DNA evidence placing its origins in northern China over 2,000 years ago. Originally bred as working dogs for herding, pulling sleds, and guarding property, these spitz-type dogs served Chinese nobility and working families alike before arriving in England in the late 1700s and the United States by the 1890s. The breed's name likely derives from the pidgin English term "chow chow," used to describe miscellaneous goods shipped from the East.

Chows fall squarely in the medium-to-large size class. Adult males typically stand 19–22 inches (48–56 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 55–70 lb (25–32 kg), while females are slightly smaller at 18–20 inches (46–51 cm) and 45–60 lb (20–27 kg). Their lifespan ranges from 8 to 12 years, with an average of around 10 years — shorter than many breeds of similar size, largely due to breed-specific health predispositions.

If you're researching buying a Chow, understanding what makes this breed fundamentally different from typical family dogs is essential. They are not retrievers, not eager pleasers, and not social butterflies. They are independent, cat-like companions who bond deeply with one or two people and remain aloof with everyone else.

Attribute	Details
Size Class	Medium-to-Large
Weight (Male)	55–70 lb / 25–32 kg
Weight (Female)	45–60 lb / 20–27 kg
Height (Male)	19–22 in / 48–56 cm
Height (Female)	18–20 in / 46–51 cm
Lifespan	8–12 years (avg. 10)
Coat Type	Rough (long, dense) or Smooth (short, hard)
Energy Level	Low-to-Moderate
Grooming Frequency	Weekly (rough) / Bi-weekly (smooth)
Family Fit	Best for experienced owners, quieter households

Temperament & Personality: What Living With a Chow Actually Looks Like

The Chow Chow's temperament is the single most important factor to evaluate before buying one. According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, Chows should be "dignified, bright, and aloof." In practice, here is what that means day to day:

• Fierce Loyalty to One or Two People: A Chow will follow its chosen person from room to room, lean against their legs, and watch them with quiet intensity. But this loyalty does not extend to strangers — visitors may be greeted with indifference or a low, warning growl if the dog hasn't been properly socialized.
• Cat-Like Independence: Unlike a Golden Retriever who lives for your approval, a Chow decides when it wants affection. They'll sit near you on the couch but rarely on your lap. They don't typically bring you toys or beg to play fetch. They are self-entertaining and content spending hours alone.
• Territorial Instinct: Chows are natural guardians. They will bark at delivery drivers, stiffen when unfamiliar people enter the home, and position themselves between their owner and strangers. This is not aggression — it is the breed's default protective posture.
• Stubbornness During Training: A Chow understands what you're asking. They simply may not care to comply. This is not a lack of intelligence — it is a lack of motivation. They respond to clear, consistent leadership but shut down under pressure or repetition.
• Low Tolerance for Rough Handling: Chows do not enjoy being poked, prodded, hugged tightly, or having their tails pulled. They will tolerate gentle children they've been raised with but will not tolerate mistreatment. A Chow that feels cornered or harassed may snap without the typical warning signs other breeds give.

Physical Characteristics: The Chow's Unmistakable Build

Buying a Chow means committing to one of the most visually distinctive breeds in the world. Beyond the famous blue-black tongue (the only breed alongside the Shar-Pei to have this trait), several physical features define the breed:

Coat: The rough-coated variety has a dense, straight, harsh outer coat with a soft, thick undercoat — resembling a lion's mane around the neck and shoulders. The smooth-coated variety has a short, hard, dense coat without a ruff. Both come in five AKC-recognized colors: red, black, blue, cinnamon (fawn), and cream.

Build: Chows are compact and square-proportioned. They have a broad skull, small rounded ears set high on the head, and deep-set almond-shaped eyes that contribute to their characteristic scowling expression.

Gait: The breed is known for a stilted, straight-legged gait caused by their relatively straight rear angulation. This is normal breed conformation, not a structural fault — but it does limit their athletic ability compared to more angulated breeds.

Tail: The tail is carried high and curled over the back, typical of spitz breeds.

Exercise & Activity Requirements

Chows are among the lower-energy large breeds, but "low energy" does not mean "no exercise." A healthy adult Chow needs 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity, ideally split into two sessions:

Activity	Duration	Frequency	Notes
Moderate leash walk	15–20 minutes	Twice daily	Avoid midday heat — Chows overheat easily
Free yard exploration	10–15 minutes	Daily	Secure fencing required (minimum 5 ft)
Mental enrichment	10–15 minutes	3–5x weekly	Puzzle feeders, scent work, hide-and-seek
Structured play	5–10 minutes	As desired	Most Chows prefer tug over fetch

Critical heat warning: The Chow's dense double coat and brachycephalic-adjacent facial structure make them highly susceptible to heatstroke. When temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C), limit outdoor activity to early morning and evening. Always provide shade and fresh water, and watch for excessive panting, drooling, or a bright red tongue — these are early signs of heat distress.

Chows are not running partners, agility competitors, or hiking dogs. Their straight rear structure and heavy coat make sustained, vigorous exercise uncomfortable. They are best suited to a lifestyle of short walks, gentle play, and plenty of indoor downtime.

Common Health Issues in Chow Chows

Before buying a Chow, you should understand the breed's health predispositions. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, but even well-bred Chows carry elevated risk. The Merck Veterinary Manual and breed health surveys identify these primary concerns:

Condition	Description	Estimated Prevalence	Screening Available
Hip Dysplasia	Malformation of the hip joint causing pain and arthritis	~15–20% (OFA data)	OFA/PennHIP radiographs
Elbow Dysplasia	Abnormal elbow joint development leading to lameness	~12–15%	OFA elbow radiographs
Entropion	Eyelids roll inward, causing corneal irritation and ulcers	~8–10%	CERF/OFA eye exam
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)	Stomach twists, trapping gas — life-threatening emergency	Elevated risk (deep-chested breed)	No screening; preventive gastropexy possible
Autoimmune Thyroiditis	Immune system attacks thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism	~5–8%	OFA thyroid panel

Additional concerns: Chows have a higher-than-average incidence of certain skin conditions (hot spots, allergic dermatitis) due to their dense coat trapping moisture and allergens. They are also predisposed to certain cancers, including gastric carcinoma, at rates higher than the general dog population.

What to ask a breeder: Request OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certificates for hips, elbows, and thyroid, plus a current CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) eye clearance for both parents. Any reputable breeder selling Chow puppies will have these on file and publicly listed on the OFA database.

Always consult your veterinarian about breed-specific screening and preventive care when bringing home a Chow, especially regarding bloat prevention and joint health management.

Grooming Requirements: Managing That Legendary Coat

The Chow's double coat is a significant time commitment. Here is what the grooming schedule looks like in practice:

Rough-coated Chows:

• Brushing: 2–3 times per week using a slicker brush and undercoat rake. During seasonal coat blows (typically spring and fall), daily brushing is necessary for 2–4 weeks as the undercoat sheds in large clumps.
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks, or as needed. The dense coat takes 45–90 minutes to fully dry with a high-velocity dryer — air-drying can lead to fungal skin infections if moisture is trapped near the skin.
• Professional grooming: Every 8–12 weeks for sanitary trims, nail care, and thorough deshedding. Budget $60–$120 per session depending on your region.

Smooth-coated Chows:

• Brushing: Once per week with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush.
• Bathing: Every 8–10 weeks.
• Shedding: Moderate year-round with seasonal increases — far less dramatic than the rough coat.

Tools you'll need: A high-quality slicker brush (Chris Christensen Big G or similar, ~$45–$65), an undercoat rake (~$15–$25), a steel greyhound comb for finishing (~$12–$18), and ideally a high-velocity dryer (MetroVac or similar, ~$100–$180 for home use).

Never shave a Chow Chow. The double coat insulates against both heat and cold. Shaving disrupts the coat's natural thermoregulation and sun protection, and the coat may never grow back correctly — a condition known as post-clipping alopecia.

Training & Intelligence: Working With an Independent Thinker

Chows rank low on traditional obedience intelligence scales — not because they can't learn, but because they lack the motivation to perform on command for strangers or repetitive drills. Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs places them in the lowest working/obedience tier, but experienced Chow owners know this ranking is misleading.

What works:

• Positive reinforcement only. Food rewards, praise, and short (3–5 minute) training sessions keep a Chow engaged. They shut down with repetitive drilling.
• Early socialization is non-negotiable. Between 8 and 16 weeks, expose your Chow puppy to diverse people, environments, sounds, and handling experiences. The Chow Chow Club International recommends structured puppy classes and daily novel experiences during this critical window.
• Respect their dignity. Harsh corrections, prong collars, shock collars, or alpha rolls will damage a Chow's trust and may trigger defensive aggression. Force-free, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods are the only appropriate approach for this breed.
• Focus on life skills over tricks. Reliable leash walking, a solid "come," "leave it," and a comfortable crate are far more valuable than teaching a Chow to roll over.

Trainability rating: 2 out of 5 for first-time obedience. Expect to invest in at least one professional puppy class series ($150–$300 for 6–8 weeks) and potentially private sessions ($75–$150 per session) if behavioral challenges arise.

Family Suitability: Kids, Pets, and Living Spaces

With children: Chows can coexist peacefully with children they are raised alongside, provided the children are taught to respect the dog's boundaries. They are not recommended for families with toddlers or very young children who may grab ears or tails. Chows are best matched with families whose children are at least 8–10 years old and understand calm, respectful interaction.

With other pets: This is where many prospective owners face challenges. Same-sex aggression is well-documented in Chows, particularly between males. Introducing a Chow to an existing household dog requires careful, gradual management — and even then, long-term harmony is not guaranteed. Chows have a high prey drive toward cats and small animals unless raised with them from puppyhood.

Apartment living: Chows are surprisingly good apartment dogs due to their low indoor energy, quiet nature (they rarely bark without cause), and moderate size. However, you must commit to daily outdoor walks and ensure your building allows the breed — some complexes restrict Chow Chows under breed-specific policies. Check your local jurisdiction as well, as some municipalities include Chows in breed-specific legislation (BSL) lists.

Cost of Buying and Owning a Chow Chow

Buying a Chow from a responsible breeder involves a meaningful financial investment — both upfront and ongoing.

Puppy purchase price (2026 ranges):

• AKC-registered puppy from a health-tested breeder: $2,500–$5,000
• Show-quality puppy from champion bloodlines: $5,000–$8,000+
• Rescue/adoption: $300–$600 (breed-specific rescues like Chow Chow Welfare occasionally have dogs available)

First-year costs beyond purchase price:

• Veterinary care (initial exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter): $800–$1,500
• Food (premium large-breed kibble or balanced raw): $600–$1,200/year
• Grooming (professional sessions + tools): $400–$800
• Training classes: $150–$500
• Supplies (crate, leash, bed, bowls): $200–$400
• Pet insurance (recommended for this breed): $600–$1,200/year

Estimated total first-year cost (excluding puppy price): $2,750–$5,600

Annual ongoing costs (years 2+): $2,200–$4,500

Given the breed's predisposition to hip/elbow dysplasia and eye conditions, pet insurance is strongly recommended. Policies from providers like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, or Nationwide typically cost $50–$100/month for a Chow and can cover thousands in surgical costs if joint issues develop.

Is a Chow Chow Right for You? Key Questions Answered

Buying a Chow Chow is a decision that rewards the right owner with years of quiet, dignified companionship — but it requires honest self-assessment. If you want a dog that greets every stranger with enthusiasm, comes when called every time, and thrives in a busy household full of kids and pets, the Chow is not your breed. If you want a loyal, clean, independent companion who will bond deeply with you and ask for little beyond respect, consistency, and a cool spot to nap — and you're prepared for the grooming, health screening, and training investment — the Chow Chow may be the most rewarding dog you'll ever own.