Breed Overview
Loyal, independent, reserved, intelligent, calm, discerning, protective, and strong-willed
Red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream
20-32 kg (44-71 lbs)
Short to long
Solid
Dark brown, amber, and blue
8-12 years
No
Where Did Chow Chows Come From?
The Chow Chow is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, with roots tracing back thousands of years to ancient China. These dogs were especially associated with Northern China, where their thick coats helped them tolerate cold weather and harsh working conditions.
Historically, Chow Chows were valued as versatile working dogs. Because they were strong and had compact builds, they were very useful to families, workers, and even Buddhist communities.
These dogs were highly dependable, naturally protective, and always alert. Chow Chows were used to guard homes and temples, pull sleds, hunt, and provide companionship.
The breed’s name is believed to come from a Cantonese term once used for assorted imported goods, which may have been applied to the dogs when they first arrived in the West. By the late 19th century, Chow Chows had gained attention outside of China.
Have a Chow Chow in Dubai? Always stay up to date on your dog’s vaccinations, registration, and pet passport. These are the cornerstones of pet ownership in the UAE. We recommend booking a wellness check shortly after arrival so our vets can assess your Chow Chow’s health, coat condition, vaccination record, and adjustment to Dubai’s climate.
What Do Chow Chows Look Like?
Chow Chows are sturdy, squarely built dogs with a powerful frame and a distinctive, dignified expression. They have broad heads, flat skulls, and short muzzles. Their eyes are deep-set, almond-shaped, and usually dark brown or amber. This gives them the iconic watchful expression.
One of the breed’s most famous traits is its blue-black tongue, with the dark pigmentation extending toward the gums, lips, and palate.
The body is compact and muscular, with a broad chest, strong back, straight legs, and rounded paws. Chow Chows are heavily boned and move with a short, stiff gait that corresponds to their overall build. The tail is set high, carried tightly curved over the back, and is covered with thick fur.
Chow Chows have a dense double coat that comes in two types: rough and smooth. The rough coat is more common and creates the famous lion-like mane around the head and shoulders.
The smooth-coated variety has shorter, dense fur but still sheds. Coat colors include red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream, and the breed is always solid-colored.
Male Chow Chows usually stand around 45-58 cm (18-23 inches), while females are around 43-53 cm (17-21 inches). Both males and females typically weigh 20-32 kg (44-71 lbs).
Can Chow Chows Handle Dubai’s Heat?
Chow Chows are not naturally suited to Dubai’s hot and humid climate, mainly because of where they originated. Their thick double coat was developed for the colder regions of China. In Dubai, that same coat can easily trap heat and make it difficult for them to cool down.
Chow Chows can be more vulnerable to overheating and heat stroke compared to many other breeds. Owners of Chows should be especially careful when the outdoor temperature reaches 35°C and above, which is common in Dubai for most of the year.
Watch for common signs of overheating. This includes heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, glazed eyes, vomiting, or collapse, as these may be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
It’s best to avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, which are from 11 am to 4 pm. Walks done during the early mornings (before 8 am) and late evenings (after 6 pm) are your best options for outdoor exercise.
These walks must be short and gentle. If you can, have your Chow Chow wear protective boots to protect the paw pads from burns.
At home, Chow Chows need reliable air conditioning, cool resting areas, and good ventilation. Keep the temps at a consistent 22-24°C. Cooling mats and bowls of fresh water placed all around the home can be beneficial.
Never shave a Chow Chow’s coat, as the double coat also provides some protection from sun exposure and skin irritation. Instead, regular brushing and proper coat maintenance are the best ways to help them stay cool.
Just welcomed a Chow Chow
What Is a Chow Chow’s Personality Like?
Chow Chows are calm, reserved, and independent dogs. Unlike breeds that constantly seek attention, Chow Chows often enjoy quiet companionship and personal space. They show affection by following their owners, leaning against their legs, and sitting close by. Essentially, they prefer affection in their own terms.
Chow Chows are naturally loyal to their families and can be protective of their home. Around strangers, they are often aloof or watchful rather than openly friendly. They aren’t aggressive, but it does mean that they need early socialization and gentle handling starting from puppyhood.
These dogs are also quiet companions. They don’t bark excessively, but they do bark to alert owners of unfamiliar people or movement. Some Chow dogs may also snort, grunt, wheeze, or make low-pitched vocalizations.
Chow Chows are also intelligent, but they aren’t eager to please and are often stubborn. This will make training a bit challenging, but it’s possible with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Harsh methods can make them defensive or withdrawn. Focus on short training sessions starting in their early years.
Chow Chows are best suited to experienced dog owners who understand independent breeds. They can live well in apartments if the home is cool and calm. These dogs thrive in quiet households and with kids who know how to handle them properly.
What Health Problems Are Chow Chows Prone To?
Chow Chows are prone to several inherited and breed-related health concerns, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, entropion, allergies, skin infections, and diabetes. They also face climate-specific risks in Dubai, such as heat stroke, hot spots, and moisture-related skin irritation.
Regular vet checkups, weight monitoring, eye exams, skin assessments, and early screening for joint issues can help catch problems before they become more serious.
How Do You Groom a Chow Chow?
Chow Chows are high-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Their dense double coat needs brushing at least 2-3 times a week, and daily brushing may be helpful during shedding seasons.
Use an undercoat rake to remove loose fur from the dense underlayer, followed by a slicker brush to work through the outer coat and prevent matting. A metal comb can help check for tangles, especially around the mane, chest, tail, and behind the ears.
Because their coat is so thick, skin checks are essential. Look for redness, flaking, hot spots, trapped moisture, or signs of itching, especially after outdoor activity or bathing.
Bathing is usually needed every 4-6 weeks, or sooner if your Chow Chow becomes dirty or develops an odor. Use a gentle dog shampoo suitable for sensitive skin, and rinse thoroughly to avoid residue. After bathing, dry the coat completely, as damp fur can lead to skin infections.
Since many Chow Chows spend more time indoors, their nails may not wear down naturally. Their nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks, or when you hear them clicking on hard floors. Clean the ears regularly using a pet-safe ear cleaner, especially after dusty walks or outdoor activity.
Chow Chows also need daily eye checks. Wipe away mild discharge with a clean, damp cloth and contact our vets if you notice redness, swelling, squinting, or excessive tearing.
For dental care, daily brushing is ideal, though brushing 2-3 times a week can still help reduce plaque and bad breath. Annual dental exams and cleanings are recommended to support long-term oral health and avoid gum disease.
What Should Chow Chows Eat?
Chow Chows need a high-quality, balanced diet that supports healthy skin, coat condition, joint health, and weight control. Since they are not as active as many working breeds, portion control is especially important to prevent obesity and reduce strain on the hips, elbows, and knees.
Choose a diet with high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, such as chicken, lamb, beef, fish, or another named meat source. Healthy fats in their food and supplements, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can help support their coat and sensitive skin.
Some Chow Chows may be sensitive to fillers, so foods with excessive wheat, corn, or soy aren’t recommended.
Adult Chow Chows generally need around 2-4 cups of dry kibble per day, split into two meals. Puppies usually need smaller, more frequent meals, often 3-4 meals a day. The exact amount depends on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, metabolism, and health condition.
Avoid free-feeding them, as these dogs are prone to obesity. If you need help with the specifics, our vets will be happy to help create a nutritional plan.
As with all dogs, keep toxic foods away from Chow Chows. Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, and anything containing xylitol. Table scraps should also be limited, as rich or fatty foods can upset digestion and contribute to weight gain.
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