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

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

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

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

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.



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




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.




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.




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



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



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



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).



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© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2024 Noble Veterinary Clinics
Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA