Dog Breeds

Chow Chow

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

Chow Chow

Dog Breeds

Chow Chow

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

Chow Chow

Dog Breeds

Chow Chow

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

Chow Chow

Dog Breeds

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a reserved and fiercely independent breed, 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. Because of their thick double coat, these dogs were able to endure the harsh cold of the northern regions of China.

Chow Chows are believed to be related to the Samoyed, Pomeranian, and even the Norwegian Elkhound. Over time, their popularity grew, and so did their status as a luxury companion.

Today, Chow Chows have remained a popular choice mainly because of their "teddy bear" look and independent nature.

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. Because of their thick double coat, these dogs were able to endure the harsh cold of the northern regions of China.

Chow Chows are believed to be related to the Samoyed, Pomeranian, and even the Norwegian Elkhound. Over time, their popularity grew, and so did their status as a luxury companion.

Today, Chow Chows have remained a popular choice mainly because of their "teddy bear" look and independent nature.

Chow Chow Breed History
Chow Chow Breed History
Chow Chow Breed History
Just welcomed a Chow Chow?
Just welcomed a Chow Chow?
Just welcomed a Chow Chow?
Just welcomed a Chow Chow?

Schedule their first vet visit today!

Schedule their first vet visit today!

Schedule their first vet visit today!

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Stomach Cancer 

A malignant tumor that affects the lining of the stomach. Common signs include chronic vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite, which can be mistaken for digestive problems. (Koterbay et al., 2020)

Lymphoma

A cancer of the lymphatic system, lymphoma causes swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, and weight loss. It is one of the most common cancers in dogs. (Rooyen et al., 2018)

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Stomach Cancer 

A malignant tumor that affects the lining of the stomach. Common signs include chronic vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite, which can be mistaken for digestive problems. (Koterbay et al., 2020)

Lymphoma

A cancer of the lymphatic system, lymphoma causes 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 toward strangers. However, they are extremely loyal to people they trust.

Chow Chows are known for their aloof, distant, and independent personality toward strangers. However, they are extremely loyal to people they trust.

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

Distinct Habits

These dogs are quiet and only bark when they want to alert their owners. Chows are also not that active, but they enjoy short, regular walks.

These dogs are quiet and only bark when they want to alert their owners. Chows are also not that active, but they enjoy short, regular walks.

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, which requires an experienced handler to train.

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, which requires an experienced handler to train.

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, which requires an experienced handler to train.

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, which requires an experienced handler to train.

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 to avoid overheating.

Precautions

It’s best to exercise Chow Chows in the early mornings or late evenings due to the cooler temperatures. Indoor dog parks are safe places for exercise.

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 to avoid overheating.

Precautions

It’s best to exercise Chow Chows in the early mornings or late evenings due to the cooler temperatures. Indoor dog parks are safe places for exercise.

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 to avoid overheating.

Precautions

It’s best to exercise Chow Chows in the early mornings or late evenings due to the cooler temperatures. Indoor dog parks are safe places for exercise.

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 to avoid overheating.

Precautions

It’s best to exercise Chow Chows in the early mornings or late evenings due to the cooler temperatures. Indoor dog parks are safe places for exercise.

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. Their weight needs to be effectively managed.

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. Their weight needs to be effectively managed.

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. Their weight needs to be effectively managed.

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. Their weight needs to be effectively managed.

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

Experienced owners who are patient and consistent with training are the Chow Chow's ideal owners.

Experienced owners who are patient and consistent with training are the Chow Chow's ideal owners.

Chow Chows are generally good with children but may not respond well to rough play. They tend to be reserved to other pets.

Chow Chows are generally good with children but may not respond well to rough play. They tend to be reserved to 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. They have a distinctive lion-like mane.

The Chow Chow has a broad head with a flat skull and a short muzzle. They have a distinctive lion-like mane.

Eyes

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

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

Ears

Chow dogs have small, triangular ears that stand erect.

Chow dogs have small, triangular ears that stand erect.

Body

Their body is compact, with a broad chest and well-defined limbs. Chows have a strong back and a thick neck.

Their body is compact, with a broad chest and well-defined limbs. Chows have a strong back and a thick neck.

Limbs

Chow Chows have sturdy, straight legs and rounded paws. Their limbs are muscular.

Chow Chows have sturdy, straight legs and rounded paws. Their limbs are muscular.

Tail

Their tail is thick, fluffy, and curled over the back. 

Their tail is thick, fluffy, and curled over the back. 

Coat

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

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

Size

Males have a height of 45-58 cm (18-23 inches), while females are about 43-53 cm (17-21 inches) tall.

Males have a height of 45-58 cm (18-23 inches), while females are about 43-53 cm (17-21 inches) tall.

Weight

Both male and female Chows weigh around 20-31 kg (45-70 lbs).

Both male and female Chows weigh around 20-31 kg (45-70 lbs).

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© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

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

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

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

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics