Before You Adopt
Tips for finding the best cat or dog for you; plus: preparing for a puppy
Adopt a Chow Chow
Picture: Yann Arthus-Bertrand/Corbis
Family:
Spitz, Northern (companion)
Area of origin:
China
Original function:
guardian, cart puller, food source
Average size of male:
Ht: 17-20, Wt: 45-70
Average size of female:
Ht: 17-20, Wt: 45-70
Other names:
none
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Energy
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Exercise
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Playfulness
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Affection
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Friendliness towards dogs
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Friendliness towards other pets
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Friendliness towards strangers
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Ease of training
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Watchdog ability
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Protection ability
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Grooming
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Cold tolerance
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Heat tolerance
Chow Chow Dogs Available on Petfinder Right Now
See more adoptable Chow Chow dogs available on Petfinder
Chow Chow Dog Temperament
Dignified, even lordly, the chow chow conducts himself with reserve. He is not very demonstrative, even with his family, and can be somewhat suspicious of strangers. He is independent and stubborn and is generally good with other household pets. The Chow Chow is serious and protective, devoted to his family.
Chow Chow Dog Care
This is an alert breed that needs regular, but not strenuous, outdoor activity. He does not do well in hot humid weather. His needs are best met with casual morning or evening walks in warm weather or several short play sessions throughout the day. The smooth type needs brushing once weekly; the rough type needs brushing every other day, and daily when shedding.
Chow Chow Dog Health
Major concerns: CHD, entropion
Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia, cataract, distichiasis, PPM, gastric
torsion, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, elongated palate
Occasionally seen: renal cortical hypoplasia
Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye
Life span: 8-12 years
Dogs Related to the Chow Chow
American Eskimo Dog (Standard)
Finnish Spitz
Keeshond
Schipperke
Shiba Inu
Shelters with Chow Chow Dogs
Some animal welfare organizations with Chow Chows ready for adoption:
