Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is one of the most ancient dog breeds in existence, originating in northern China where it has been documented for over two thousand years as a working breed used for hunting, herding, hauling and guarding. Its distinctive characteristics - the dense lion-like mane, the deeply scowling expression and the famously blue-black tongue and gums - are immediately recognisable and set it apart from every other breed. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Utility Group, it is an established breed in the UK with a devoted following among owners who appreciate its very specific character.

Two coat varieties exist: the rough-coated Chow Chow, with its spectacular dense double coat that creates the lion-mane silhouette, and the less commonly seen smooth-coated variety with a shorter, denser coat that reveals the breed's actual structure more clearly. Both varieties are identical in temperament and character.

The Chow Chow's character is the aspect most important to understand before considering ownership. This is not a breed that wants to please its owner in the way that many working and gundog breeds do. It is not naturally sociable with people outside its own family, nor reliably friendly with other dogs. It is serious, reserved and dignified, forming deep loyalty to its own household but approaching the wider world with an aloofness that can read as distrust or indifference.

This character is not a failing or a training problem - it is what the Chow Chow is. Owners who understand and appreciate the breed describe it as a deeply rewarding companion: loyal, calm, substantial, and self-contained in a way that suits people who find more demonstrative breeds exhausting. Owners who acquired a Chow Chow expecting a friendly, sociable dog are typically disappointed and occasionally in difficulty.

The practical implications of the Chow Chow's character are significant. Socialisation must begin from the earliest possible age and be consistent and ongoing throughout the dog's life. It will not make the Chow Chow a gregarious, welcoming dog - that is not a realistic outcome for this breed. It will, with commitment, produce a dog that manages encounters with strangers and other animals with composure rather than anxiety or aggression.

Exercise needs are moderate. The breed is not high-energy and does not require extensive daily activity, but regular exercise is important for weight management and psychological balance. The dense coat provides little heat dissipation - exercise in warm weather must be timed carefully and heat stress monitored.

Grooming the rough-coated variety is a daily commitment. The dense double coat mats rapidly without regular attention, particularly around the neck mane, behind the ears and on the hindquarters. Daily brushing, combined with professional grooming every six to eight weeks, is the minimum standard for maintaining the coat in good condition.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are the primary orthopaedic concerns and both parents must be health scored before breeding. Entropion - the inrolling of the eyelid - is sufficiently common in the breed that prospective owners should specifically ask about eye screening in the breeder's lines and be prepared for the possibility of surgical correction.

Purchase prices from KC-registered breeders range from £1,200 to £2,500. Monthly running costs average £120 to £220, reflecting the significant grooming and potential health costs.

The Chow Chow Club is the primary resource for breed information, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

The Chow Chow is serious, dignified and reserved - not a demonstratively affectionate breed. Deeply loyal and protective of its own family, it is typically aloof or standoffish with strangers and can be dog-selective. It is not a breed that enjoys crowds, noise or excessive handling. It suits owners who respect its independent nature rather than demanding compliance.

Chow Chows are intelligent but fundamentally independent and are not motivated to please in the way retrievers or herding breeds are. Training requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement - the breed does not respond to forceful methods. Early and thorough socialisation is critical. They will often acknowledge a command when they choose to. Experienced owners understand this as breed character rather than disobedience.

Chow Chows need 45-60 minutes of moderate daily exercise. They are not a high-energy breed but regular activity is important for weight management and mental wellbeing. The thick coat makes them susceptible to overheating in warm weather - exercise early morning or evening in summer.

Chow Chows are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia - both parents should be scored. Entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward causing corneal damage, is common in the breed and may require surgical correction. Bloat is a risk. Skin fold conditions can affect the face. Hypothyroidism occurs in some lines. The breed can be sensitive to anaesthesia. Lifespan 8-12 years.

High-quality medium to large breed complete food. Adults typically need 300-450g dry food daily across two meals. Monitor body condition - can gain weight with reduced exercise. Avoid exercise immediately after feeding. Fresh water always available.

The rough-coated variety has a dense double coat requiring brushing daily to prevent severe matting - particularly behind the ears, around the neck mane and on the hindquarters. Smooth-coated Chow Chows need less frequent brushing but still benefit from several sessions weekly. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended.

Chow Chow puppies from KC-registered breeders typically cost £1,200-£2,500. Annual ongoing costs including food, professional grooming, insurance and routine veterinary care average £1,800-£2,800. Entropion is common and may require surgery. Hip and elbow dysplasia can generate significant veterinary costs.

Experienced owners who understand independent, aloof breeds. Not suitable for first-time owners seeking a sociable, compliant dog. Needs thorough early socialisation. Can be territorial and dog-selective. Better with older children. Significant grooming commitment required daily.