Chow ChowCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Chow Chow's ancestors come from China, where it was used as a guard dog and for hunting. The FCI standard says it has been known there for more than 2,000 years and that it is related to the northern spitz breeds, but also has something of the mastiff.

Because of China's policy of isolation from the rest of the world, the Chow Chow only began to appear in other countries around 1800. Wikipedia notes that a genetic study concluded that the breed descends from local dogs in central China, from about 8,300 years ago.

How the breed developed

• More than 2,000 years ago – The breed is known in China as a guard dog and hunting dog.
• Around 1800 – The first Chow Chows reach countries outside China.
• 10 December 1957 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 8 September 2026 – The newest FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a powerful, compact, square dog, with a lion-like ruff around the head and over the shoulders. It walks with rather stiff legs, a gait typical of the breed.

General appearance

The small, thick ears stand erect, tilted forward, and give it the “scowling” expression typical of the breed. The oval eyes are dark. The tail is carried over the back. The tongue is blue-black.

The Chow Chow is a single colour: black, red, blue, fawn, cream or white, often shaded, but without patches. The area under the tail and the back of the thighs are often lighter.

The AKC says it is very intelligent, but can be stubborn. Patience, praise and regular practice are the best tools. Harsh methods should be avoided so that a relationship of trust can form.

Early socialisation and puppy classes help it become a well-balanced companion. A well-socialised Chow is never fierce, but refined and dignified.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it early. It is reserved with strangers and with other dogs.
• Be patient and positive. Harshness damages its trust.
• Be consistent. It can be stubborn.
• Practise little and often. Short, regular sessions work best.

The AKC says it needs moderate exercise: moderately paced walks, four or more times a day, and calm play with toys, with no rough play or intense exertion.

Tips for a balanced life

• Avoid exertion during the hottest hours: it does not tolerate heat and humidity well.
• It does not need intense exertion or rough play.
• It is clean and easy to house-train.

Coat and skin care

Both coat types are double and abundant. The AKC recommends thorough brushing at least twice a week and a bath once a month. After a bath it should be dried well, with a dryer on a cool setting. The coat of puppies and the hair around the head tangle easily.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but a few problems can occur:

Other care

• Check the eyes and ears at every brushing.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Check the coat for fleas and ticks.

Choose a good-quality food suited to its age. Watch its weight so it does not get fat.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Fresh water should always be available, especially in summer.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• A blue-black tongue. Its blue-black tongue is one of the best-known features of the breed.
• As clean as a cat. The AKC says owners consider it one of the cleanest dogs, with very little odour.
• A scowling expression. The forward-tilted ears give it the “scowling” expression required by the standard.
• A stiff gait. Walking on rather straight legs is typical of the breed.
• A very old breed. Wikipedia says it has been identified as a “basal” breed, older than the modern breeds.

Why does the Chow Chow have a blue tongue?

The blue-black tongue is a characteristic feature of the breed.

How big does it get?

Males measure 48–56 cm, females 46–51 cm; they weigh about 20–32 kg.

Is it a good family dog?

Yes, it is loyal and devoted, but reserved with strangers and needs socialisation.

Does it cope with heat?

Not really. It must be kept from exertion during the hottest hours.

How long does it live?

Its life expectancy is 8–12 years.