Genetic testing has confirmed the long-held belief among experts that the Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. This ancient breed is thought to have originated in Mongolia and Northern China, gradually migrating southward with the nomadic tribes. Depictions of dogs resembling the Chow Chow have been found in pottery and paintings dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 22 AD). One Chinese emperor was said to have kept an impressive 2,500 pairs of Chows as hunting dogs. Besides their hunting abilities, the dogs were prized as guardians of their owners’ possessions. Unfortunately, their fur was also used as trimming for coats, and their flesh was considered a delicacy.

In ancient China, the breed went by various names, such as the black-tongue dog (hei shi-tou), wolf dog (lang gou), bear dog (xiang gou), and Canton dog (Guangdong gou). The name “Chow Chow” emerged from British merchants in the late 18th century, who referred to various miscellaneous items, including dogs, as “chow chow.” The name eventually stuck to the breed. In 1781, the Chow Chow was described in a British book called “Natural History and Antiquities of Selbourne” by naturalist Gilbert White. Fanciers believe the breed has undergone little change since White’s observations more than 200 years ago.

Chow Chows began to be imported on a regular basis about a century later, with Queen Victoria showing a keen interest in the breed, further boosting its popularity. The breed club formed in England in 1895. In the United States, the first Chow Chow to appear at a dog show was Takya, who took third place in the Miscellaneous Class at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1890. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1903, and the first Chow registered with the AKC was named Yen How.

During the 1920s, Chow Chows gained significant popularity among the rich and famous. They even found their way into the White House, where President Calvin Coolidge and his wife kept Timmy, a red Chow, and Blackberry, a black Chow. Notable figures like analyst Sigmund Freud and his daughter Anna also had a fondness for Chows, with Anna even breeding them.

More recently, Martha Stewart has been a fan of Chow Chows, and the breed has made appearances on her TV show. Currently, Chow Chows rank 64th in popularity among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC.

The Chow Chow’s height at the shoulder ranges from 17 to 20 inches, and they weigh between 40 to 70 pounds.

The Chow Chow’s temperament is often compared to that of a cat: aloof, reserved, independent, dignified, intelligent, and stubborn. Despite their scowling appearance, a well-bred Chow should never be aggressive or shy. Chows typically keep to themselves and avoid causing trouble. They enjoy playing with their family members, but strangers hold little interest for them unless they approach the Chow’s home without invitation — in which case, he will assertively challenge the trespasser. However, he will allow strangers to touch him if properly introduced by one of his owners. To ensure that a Chow Chow grows up to be a safe and relaxed adult, extensive socialization is crucial during puppyhood. This includes introducing them to new people, other dogs, and various situations.

Chow Chows are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Although not all Chows will develop these diseases, it’s essential to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed. When buying a puppy, it’s crucial to find a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances for both the puppy’s parents. These clearances demonstrate that the dog has been tested and cleared of specific conditions. For Chows, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, which includes testing for hip dysplasia, and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) to ensure that the eyes are normal. Since some health issues may not manifest until the dog reaches full maturity, health clearances are typically not issued to dogs younger than 2 years old. Look for a breeder who waits until their dogs are two or three years old before breeding them.

While not common in the breed, certain health problems may still occur in Chows. One such condition is Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD), a heritable condition where the thighbone does not fit snugly into the hip joint, leading to pain and lameness in one or both rear legs. Regular X-ray screening for hip dysplasia can be done by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). This condition can be influenced by both genetics and environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries sustained from jumping or slipping on slick floors.

Another issue that may affect Chows is Entropion, a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation or injury to the eyeball. This can lead to rubbing of the eyes, and surgery may be required to correct the condition.

The recommended daily amount of high-quality dog food for a Chow Chow is 2 to 2 3/4 cups, divided into two meals. The specific amount your adult dog needs will depend on factors such as size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Just like people, dogs are individuals and have different nutritional requirements. An active dog will naturally need more food compared to a less active one. The quality of dog food also matters; better-quality food provides more nourishment, and you’ll need to serve smaller portions.

To keep your Chow Chow in good shape, it’s essential to measure his food and feed him twice a day instead of leaving food out all the time. If you’re uncertain about his weight, you can perform an eye test and a hands-on test. When looking down at him, there should be a visible waistline. When you place your hands on his back with thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward, you should be able to feel but not see his ribs without pressing too hard. If you can’t feel his ribs easily, it’s a sign that he may need less food and more exercise.

To learn more about feeding your Chow Chow, refer to our guidelines.

Chow Chows come in two coat types: rough and smooth. The rough coat, commonly seen, is thick and abundant, standing off from the body like a parka. Underneath the outer coat lies a soft, thick, woolly undercoat. The hair around the head and neck forms a ruff or mane, and the tail is also thickly furred and lies over the back. On the other hand, the smooth-coated Chow Chow has a hard, dense, and smooth outer coat without any obvious ruff or feathering. Both coat types are available in five colors: red (ranging from light golden to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to deep cinnamon), and cream. The colors may be solid or have lighter shadings in the ruff, tail, and feathering. When purchasing a puppy, be cautious of breeders charging extra for so-called rare or exotic colors like champagne, silver, lilac, chocolate, or white, as these are just fancy names for regular colors. Reputable breeders won’t charge premiums for them.

To maintain the coat in good condition and prevent loose hair from accumulating on clothes and furniture, regular brushing is necessary. Chow Chows are heavy seasonal shedders, so the coat requires extra attention during shedding periods. Regular brushing also helps prevent any doggie odor. Use a stainless steel Greyhound comb with medium-coarse teeth, a medium-size slicker brush for the legs, a medium pin brush for the longer body coat, and a spray bottle of diluted coat conditioner for misting the coat as you brush. Always brush a damp coat to avoid hair breakage and brush all the way down to the skin to prevent matting and tangles.

Grooming also includes dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Chow’s teeth two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria, with daily brushing being even better. Trim the nails once or twice a month, ensuring they don’t click on the floor, to keep the feet in good condition and prevent painful tears. It’s best to start grooming your Chow Chow when they are a puppy to get them accustomed to the process. Frequent handling of paws, mouth, and ears helps them get comfortable with grooming, making vet exams and other handling easier when they become adults. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards to establish a good foundation for their grooming routine.

Chow Chows can thrive in households with children if raised together, but they are not the rough and tumble type and may not tolerate excessive rough play or mistreatment from young children. For families with older children who understand proper dog handling, Chows can be wonderful companions. As with any dog, it’s essential to teach children how to approach and interact with the Chow and always supervise their interactions to prevent any potential incidents, such as biting or pulling of ears, from either the child or the dog.

When properly socialized and trained, Chows can get along well with other dogs and cats, especially if they are introduced to them during their puppyhood. However, Chows tend to get along better with dogs of the opposite sex and may be more prone to conflicts with dogs of the same sex. Ensuring proper socialization and training from a young age can significantly influence their behavior and compatibility with other pets.

Chow Chows are sometimes bought without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Many rescues can be found using a quick internet search. You may want to start your search with the rescues listed below:

• Chow Chow Rescue Society
• Chaps Chow Rescue 
• Chow Chow Rescue of Central New York

Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Chow Chow.

• Chow Chow Club, Inc.