Chow Chow
Also known as: Chow, Songshi Quan
Energy Level
Apartment Friendly
Weight (Male)
45-70 lbs
Height (Male)
17-20 inches
Quick Facts
Coat Colors
Breed Summary
The Chow Chow is an ancient, lion-like breed with a blue-black tongue and dignified, cat-like personality. One of the oldest dog breeds, they are fiercely loyal but independent, with a distinctive regal bearing.
History
One of the most ancient breeds, dating back to ancient China over 2,000 years. Used for guarding, hunting, and pulling sleds. One of the basal breeds closest to wolves. Sigmund Freud had a Chow in his therapy sessions. AKC recognized in 1903.
Appearance
A sturdy, powerful dog with a lion-like mane and distinctive blue-black tongue. Dense double coat, deep-set dark eyes, and a scowling expression. Compact, square body with stiff, stilted gait.
Temperament
Cat-like, dignified, and deeply loyal. Chow Chows are independent dogs that bond intensely with one person. They are aloof with strangers, clean, and quiet—truly the most cat-like dog breed.
Personality Around Others
One-person dogs. Very aloof with strangers. Can be aggressive with other dogs. Cat-like independence. Clean habits.
Exercise Needs
Low to moderate exercise. Daily walks at a leisurely pace. Not high-energy. Avoid heat.
Training
Very stubborn and independent. Early socialization crucial. Firm but gentle handling. Not for beginners.
Grooming
High grooming for rough-coated variety. Daily brushing during shedding. Smooth variety is easier.
Health
Common Health Conditions
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common concerns. Entropion (inward-rolling eyelids) requires surgical correction.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Thyroid Testing
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Average Annual Vet Cost
$800-$1,600
Nutrition
Quality food. Two meals daily. Prone to weight gain. Avoid overfeeding.
Living Environment
Can adapt to apartments. Calm indoor dogs. Heat sensitive. Need air conditioning.
Ideal Family
Experienced owners who appreciate independent dogs. Not for families with small children.
Intelligence
Intelligent but willful. They understand commands but choose when to obey. Independent thinkers.
Barking
Frequency
Alert
Separation
Quiet Indoors
Generally quiet dogs. Deep bark for alerting. Not nuisance barkers.
Shedding
Year-Round
Seasonal
Vacuum Factor 🧹
Hypoallergenic
Very heavy shedding, especially seasonal. Daily brushing during coat blows.
Weather Tolerance
☀️
Heat
❄️
Cold
🌧️
Rain
🌨️
Snow
💧
Humidity
Breed Ratings
Fun Facts
One of the most ancient and primitive dog breeds—genetically close to wolves
Their blue-black tongue is shared only with the Shar-Pei
Sigmund Freud kept a Chow named Jofi in his therapy sessions
Martha Stewart and Calvin Coolidge are famous Chow owners
They have 44 teeth instead of the usual 42
Famous Dogs
Jofi
Sigmund Freud's Chow Chow who attended therapy sessions—Freud said Jofi could sense patient anxiety
Timmy
Calvin Coolidge's Chow Chow who lived at the White House
Common Myths
"They're aggressive"
Well-socialized Chows are dignified and loyal. Their aloofness is independence, not aggression
"Blue tongue means they're unhealthy"
The blue-black tongue is a natural breed characteristic, present from about 8-10 weeks of age
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is their tongue blue?
It's a natural breed characteristic. Puppies are born with pink tongues that turn blue-black around 8-10 weeks.
Are they good family dogs?
Best for experienced owners. They bond deeply with one person and can be aloof with others.
Puppy Guide
Chow puppies are adorable but need early socialization. Handle frequently. Establish grooming routine.
Senior Care
Senior Chows are calm and devoted. Joint care important. Keep cool. Continue grooming.
Ownership Costs
Estimated Lifetime Cost
$16,000-$26,000
Pros and Cons
Pros
Loyal and devoted
Quiet and dignified
Low exercise needs
Natural guardian
Clean habits
Cons
Very stubborn
Heavy shedding
Not good with strangers
Needs experienced owner
Heat intolerant