Chow Chow dog
Large breed regular energy Double coat Non-Sporting Group ๐ŸŒ China

Chow Chow

Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded

Chows are powerful, compactly built dogs standing as high as 20 inches at the shoulder. Their distinctive traits include a lionโ€™s-mane ruff around the head and shoulders; a blue-black tongue; deep-set almond eyes that add to a scowling, snobbish expression; and a stiff-legged gaiโ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 45โ€“70 lbs (20.41โ€“31.75 kg) ๐Ÿ“ 17โ€“20" ๐ŸŽ‚ 8โ€“12 yr lifespan ๐Ÿง  Intelligence #77 (Lowest)

Chow Chow Characteristics

Energy

60%

Shedding

60%

Trainability

20%

Grooming

60%

Friendliness

40%

Coat Type

Double coat

2-3 Times a Week Brushing

Breed Data

๐Ÿง 
#77
Intelligence
๐ŸŽ‚
9yr
Avg lifespan
๐Ÿ’ฐ
$16K
Lifetime cost
๐Ÿ–
$466/yr
Annual food
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
Great
With kids
๐Ÿฉบ
2
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: eye, hip problems

Expert Picks for Chow Chows

โญ Top Pick Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed

dog food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

Premium natural choice for large breeds with good coat & immune supporโ€ฆ

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

toys

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers โ€” nothing else comes closeโ€ฆ

Big Barker 7" Orthopedic Dog Bed

beds

Big Barker 7" Orthopedic Dog Bed

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

The only dog bed backed by a clinical study โ€” worth every cent for larโ€ฆ

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

health

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best DNA test overall โ€” unmatched health screening depthโ€ฆ

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

training

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best GPS collar for active owners โ€” 3-month battery is class-leadingโ€ฆ

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best probiotic coat spray โ€” supports skin microbiome health between baโ€ฆ

Chow Chow Care Tips

โœ“

Benefits from 30-60 minutes daily exercise โ€” walks, play sessions, or swimming.

โœ“

Seasonal shedder โ€” daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.

โœ“

Brush 2-3ร— weekly to maintain coat condition and reduce shedding around the home.

All Chow Chow Guides

FCI Classification

FCI Group

Group 5 โ€” Spitz and Primitive Types

Section

Aziatische keeshonden

Status

recognized