Chow Chow: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Lifespan: 9 – 15 years
Origin: China
Temperament: Aloof, Loyal, Independent, Quiet
Height: Male: 48–56 cm, Female: 46–51 cm
Weight: Male: 25–32 kg, Female: 20–27 kg
Colors: Black, Blue, Fawn, Cream, Tan

The Chow Chow is a calm, but self-confident dog with a very original character. Like many Asian races, he is more independent and can therefore put his owner in the education of some tasks. But with loving and consistent education, a Chow Chow can become a pleasant and unobtrusive companion, though one often hears the prejudice of "ineptitude." He shows himself distanced from strangers and is more suitable for experienced dog owners due to his special character traits.

he ancestors of Chow Chow have probably found their way to China from Mongolia and Siberia. In his homeland, the Chow Chow has many names and is called due to its appearance, for example, "puffed lion dog", "Wolfhound" or "bear dog". He is one of the original dog breeds whose history can be traced back to the eleventh century BC. 

He was used mainly as a sled dog and in hunting, but was also used for other tasks such as herding cattle. In 1880, the first specimens came to Europe and 1887 was started in England with the breed. Only a few years later, the breed was then recognized and was also very popular at the English royal court.

The adult height at withers is 48 to 56 cm and that of a bitch 46 to 51 cm according to the FCI standard. An exact weight is not specified by the standard, but this is usually 20 to 32 kg.

The coat of the Chow Chow is monochrome black, blue, red, fawn, cream or white. Frequently there are shades, however, stains or patches should not occur. The thighs and underside of the tail are often of a lighter color than the rest of the coat. The coat itself may be either long or short haired. For long-haired dogs, it is lush and dense and just stands out from the body. The covering hair, with its rather coarse texture, stands in stark contrast to the dense soft undercoat. Around the neck the coat forms a mane or a collar. Shorthair chow chows, on the other hand, have a dense and luxuriant coat, but their texture is more plushy.

The body of the Chow Chow is built very harmoniously and its lion-like appearance is impressive. The back is straight formed and short and strong built. The loins are equally powerful and the chest is wide and deep between the forelegs. The tail is set high and should be worn over the back. The head is rather flat and wide, without a pronounced stop. Particularly characteristic of the Chow Chow are its bluish tongue and the same-colored lips. The nose sponge is always black in color and large and broad.

The Chow shows a rather serious character, but of course there are also individual differences within the breed. He is loyal to his owner, but still retains a degree of independence. With children, he gets along well with appropriate socialization, if the children know how to deal with a dog.

In general, the Chow Chow is a confident dog that maintains a proper distance from strangers. Although his character is characterized by restraint and calm, he is a very good watchdog who does not tend to yap. With loving and consistent education, he will follow his commands well and implement - however, it takes the chow a certain amount of work to make him a pleasant companion. Due to its earlier use, many Chow Chows still show a pronounced hunting instinct, so they should only be depleted in game-rich areas if they can be safely retrieved.

In his native China, the Chow Chow was mainly kept as a guard and hunting dog. In the northern provinces of the country but he was also used as a sled or herding dog. Even the Chinese imperial court kept many chow chows, not as workhorses, but as pure jewelery dogs.

Today, the Chow Chow is held mainly as a loyal family and companion dog. However, his special nature requires an experienced dog owner who can meet his needs. For dog athletes, the Chow Chow is only partially suitable because he has little fun in most "classic" sports. But he goes for it gladly and extensively for a walk. The former task as watchdog is still transmitted to him today. He fulfills these with calm detachment and without unnecessary aggressiveness.