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Dog Breeds

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a reserved and fiercely independent breed that is deeply loyal to those it trusts.

Chow Chow

Dog Breeds

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a reserved and fiercely independent breed that is deeply loyal to those it trusts.

Chow Chow

Dog Breeds

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a reserved and fiercely independent breed that is deeply loyal to those it trusts.

Chow Chow

Dog Breeds

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a reserved and fiercely independent breed that is deeply loyal to those it trusts.

Chow Chow

Other Names

Chow, Chow Dog, Edible Dog

Other Names

Chow, Chow Dog, Edible Dog

Other Names

Chow, Chow Dog, Edible Dog

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, UKC

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, UKC

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, UKC

Country of Origin

China

Country of Origin

China

Country of Origin

China

Popularity in the UAE

Relatively rare and uncommon

Popularity in the UAE

Relatively rare and uncommon

Popularity in the UAE

Relatively rare and uncommon

Primary Use

Guard dog, companion dog, hunting dog, herd dog, sled dog

Primary Use

Guard dog, companion dog, hunting dog, herd dog, sled dog

Primary Use

Guard dog, companion dog, hunting dog, herd dog, sled dog

Chow Chow

Chow Chow

Chow Chow

Breed History

The Chow Chow dog breed is known as one of the oldest breeds in the world, having origins from the Han Dynasty. These dogs were initially bred for hunting, companionship, guarding, and pulling sleds. Their thick double coat was put to good use against the cold in the northern regions of China, where they were used for various purposes.

Chow Chows are believed to be related to the Samoyed, Pomeranian, and even the Norwegian Elkhound. Near the end of the 18th century, they gained popularity in the West, especially after being exhibited in England. Over time, their status as a luxury companion dog grew.

Throughout their history, Chows have remained relatively unchanged, maintaining their distinct physical and behavioral traits. The breed is now recognized worldwide and is often seen as a status symbol, especially in urban settings.

The Chow Chow dog breed is known as one of the oldest breeds in the world, having origins from the Han Dynasty. These dogs were initially bred for hunting, companionship, guarding, and pulling sleds. Their thick double coat was put to good use against the cold in the northern regions of China, where they were used for various purposes.

Chow Chows are believed to be related to the Samoyed, Pomeranian, and even the Norwegian Elkhound. Near the end of the 18th century, they gained popularity in the West, especially after being exhibited in England. Over time, their status as a luxury companion dog grew.

Throughout their history, Chows have remained relatively unchanged, maintaining their distinct physical and behavioral traits. The breed is now recognized worldwide and is often seen as a status symbol, especially in urban settings.

Chow Chow Breed History
Chow Chow Breed History
Chow Chow Breed History

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Stomach Cancer 

This is a malignant tumor that affects the lining of the stomach. Symptoms include chronic vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite, often mistaken for digestive issues. (Koterbay et al., 2020)

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer involving the lymphatic system that leads to swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, and weight loss. It is one of the most common cancers in dogs. (Rooyen et al., 2018)

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Neurology

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Reproduction

Reproduction

Temperament and Common Traits

Chow Chow Personality
Chow Chow Personality
Chow Chow Personality
Chow Chow Personality

Personality

Chow Chows are known for their aloof, distant, and independent personality. They are reserved with strangers but fiercely loyal to their families.

Chow Chows are known for their aloof, distant, and independent personality. They are reserved with strangers but fiercely loyal to their families.

Chow Chow Distinct Habits
Chow Chow Distinct Habits
Chow Chow Distinct Habits
Chow Chow Distinct Habits

Distinct Habits

They are quiet and tend to bark only when they feel threatened or to alert their owners. Chow dogs are not overly active but enjoy regular walks and exploring their surroundings.

They are quiet and tend to bark only when they feel threatened or to alert their owners. Chow dogs are not overly active but enjoy regular walks and exploring their surroundings.

Chow Chow Suitability for Work
Chow Chow Suitability for Work
Chow Chow Suitability for Work
Chow Chow Suitability for Work

Suitability for Work

Due to their intelligence and independent nature, Chow Chows make excellent guard dogs, but they are not as easily trained as some other breeds.

Due to their intelligence and independent nature, Chow Chows make excellent guard dogs, but they are not as easily trained as some other breeds.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of Chows is 12 to 15 years.

The shortest lifespan for a Chow Chow is around 9 years, while some can live up to 15 years or even slightly longer.

The shortest lifespan for a Chow Chow is around 9 years, while some can live up to 15 years or even slightly longer.

Training and Care

Chow Chow Training and Care
Chow Chow Training and Care
Chow Chow Training and Care

Trainability

Chow Chows can be a challenge to train because of their independent nature. They are intelligent but may have a stubborn streak, requiring an experienced handler to guide them effectively.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Chow Chows can be a challenge to train because of their independent nature. They are intelligent but may have a stubborn streak, requiring an experienced handler to guide them effectively.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Chow Chows can be a challenge to train because of their independent nature. They are intelligent but may have a stubborn streak, requiring an experienced handler to guide them effectively.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Chow Chows do not tolerate high temperatures well due to their thick coats. They require a cool environment and should not be exposed to the sun for too long.

Precautions

It’s best to exercise Chow Chows in the early mornings or late evenings at cooler temperatures. Provide plenty of water and try to keep them in air-conditioned areas during the hotter months.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Chow Chows do not tolerate high temperatures well due to their thick coats. They require a cool environment and should not be exposed to the sun for too long.

Precautions

It’s best to exercise Chow Chows in the early mornings or late evenings at cooler temperatures. Provide plenty of water and try to keep them in air-conditioned areas during the hotter months.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Chow Chows do not tolerate high temperatures well due to their thick coats. They require a cool environment and should not be exposed to the sun for too long.

Precautions

It’s best to exercise Chow Chows in the early mornings or late evenings at cooler temperatures. Provide plenty of water and try to keep them in air-conditioned areas during the hotter months.

Diet & Nutrition

Dietary Needs

Chow Chows benefit from a balanced diet with good amounts of healthy fats, vitamins, and protein to keep their energy and healthy coat. Manage their weight because they can be prone to obesity. 

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Chow Chows benefit from a balanced diet with good amounts of healthy fats, vitamins, and protein to keep their energy and healthy coat. Manage their weight because they can be prone to obesity. 

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Chow Chows benefit from a balanced diet with good amounts of healthy fats, vitamins, and protein to keep their energy and healthy coat. Manage their weight because they can be prone to obesity. 

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Chow Chow Diet and Nutrition
Chow Chow Diet and Nutrition
Chow Chow Diet and Nutrition

Suitability as a Pet

Ideal Owners

Chow dogs are best suited for experienced dog owners. These dogs are great for singles looking for a companion or families with older kids.

Chow dogs are best suited for experienced dog owners. These dogs are great for singles looking for a companion or families with older kids.

Chow Chows are generally good with children but may not tolerate rough handling. They tend to be reserved around other pets.

Chow Chows are generally good with children but may not tolerate rough handling. They tend to be reserved around other pets.

Compatibility with Children & Pets

First-Time Owner Friendly

Chows are not ideal for first-time dog owners because of their independent and sometimes aloof nature. They require consistent training.

Chows are not ideal for first-time dog owners because of their independent and sometimes aloof nature. They require consistent training.

Physical Characteristics

Chow Chow Physical Characteristics
Chow Chow Physical Characteristics
Chow Chow Physical Characteristics

Head

The Chow Chow has a broad head with a flat skull and a short muzzle. Their distinctive lion-like mane adds to their regal appearance.

The Chow Chow has a broad head with a flat skull and a short muzzle. Their distinctive lion-like mane adds to their regal appearance.

Eyes

The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown, and convey a calm, reserved expression.

The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown, and convey a calm, reserved expression.

Ears

Chow dogs have small, triangular ears that are set wide apart and stand erect.

Chow dogs have small, triangular ears that are set wide apart and stand erect.

Body

Their body is compact, with a broad chest and well-defined limbs. A Chow's strong back and thick neck contribute to its powerful appearance.

Their body is compact, with a broad chest and well-defined limbs. A Chow's strong back and thick neck contribute to its powerful appearance.

Limbs

Chow Chows have sturdy, straight legs and rounded paws. Their limbs are muscular, enabling them to pull sleds and perform other tasks requiring strength.

Chow Chows have sturdy, straight legs and rounded paws. Their limbs are muscular, enabling them to pull sleds and perform other tasks requiring strength.

Tail

Their tail is thick, set high, and carried over the back in a graceful curve, often described as "fluffy" due to their dense coat.

Their tail is thick, set high, and carried over the back in a graceful curve, often described as "fluffy" due to their dense coat.

Coat

Chows have a dense, double-layered coat that is either rough or smooth. Their fur can come in various colors, including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.

Chows have a dense, double-layered coat that is either rough or smooth. Their fur can come in various colors, including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.

Size

Males are about 45-58 cm (18-23 inches) tall while females are about 43-53 cm (17-21 inches) high.

Males are about 45-58 cm (18-23 inches) tall while females are about 43-53 cm (17-21 inches) high.

Weight

Generally, both male and female Chows weigh around 20-31 kg (45-70 lb).

Generally, both male and female Chows weigh around 20-31 kg (45-70 lb).

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2024 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA