Chow Chow
Breed Description

The Chow Chow's name has sparked considerable debate among historians and dog enthusiasts regarding its origin and meaning. The most widely accepted theory suggests the name derives from the Cantonese pidgin English term "chow chow," which 18th-century British traders used to describe miscellaneous cargo items from the Orient. When the first specimens of this breed arrived in England aboard merchant ships, they were listed on cargo manifests as "chow chow," and the name stuck. Another theory proposes the name comes from the Mandarin Chinese word "chow," meaning food, referencing the unfortunate historical practice of raising these dogs for consumption in some regions of China.

In their country of origin, Chow Chows are known by several traditional Chinese names that more accurately reflect their characteristics and heritage. The Cantonese name "Songshi Quan" translates to "puffy-lion dog," perfectly describing the breed's abundant mane and dignified bearing. In Mandarin, they are sometimes called "Xiong Gou" or bear dog, referencing their teddy bear-like appearance and sturdy build. The name "Tang Quan," meaning "Dog of the Tang Empire," honors the breed's ancient lineage dating back more than 2,000 years to China's Tang Dynasty. Some historical texts refer to them as "Lang Gou" or wolf dog, though this designation has become rare in modern times.

Throughout different regions and languages, the Chow Chow maintains recognition under various names while retaining consistent breed characteristics. French speakers often use "Chou" or "Chow-Chow," while German-speaking countries typically employ "Chow-Chow" as well. Spanish-language regions generally use the anglicized "Chow Chow." English-speaking enthusiasts sometimes affectionately call them "Chowders" or simply "Chows." The nickname "Black-Tongue" references one of the breed's most distinctive features—their unique blue-black tongue, which appears from birth and remains throughout life.

The breed's official recognition by kennel clubs worldwide uses the standardized name "Chow Chow," establishing consistency across international dog registries. Major organizations including the American Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, The Kennel Club (UK), and Canadian Kennel Club all recognize the breed under this official designation. Despite centuries of existence and spread across multiple continents, the breed has maintained remarkable consistency in appearance and temperament, ensuring that whether called Chow Chow, Songshi Quan, or any other regional variation, these distinctive dogs remain immediately recognizable for their lion-like appearance, blue-black tongue, and dignified demeanor.

The Chow Chow enjoys recognition from all major international kennel clubs, each maintaining breed standards that describe ideal type, temperament, and structure. The Kennel Club (UK) was among the first organizations outside China to recognize the breed, granting official status in 1894. This early recognition established the foundation for breed standards adopted by other countries. The UK standard describes the Chow Chow as "a well balanced dog, leonine in appearance, proud, dignified bearing, loyal yet aloof." This concise description captures the essence of proper breed temperament and has influenced standards worldwide.

The American Kennel Club accepted the Chow Chow into its registry in 1903, placing the breed in the Non-Sporting Group. The AKC standard provides detailed specifications for the breed's distinctive features including the blue-black tongue, scowling expression, stilted gait resulting from straight rear angulation, and proud carriage. The standard emphasizes that "the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty, dignity and naturalness, unique in his blue-black tongue, scowling expression and stilted gait." Size specifications call for males to stand 19-20 inches at the shoulder and females 18-19 inches, with appropriate weight for the dog's build and structure.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, representing kennel clubs from more than 90 countries, recognizes the Chow Chow under Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive types), Section 5 (Asian Spitz and related breeds), acknowledging the breed's ancient heritage and spitz characteristics. The FCI standard, based primarily on the British standard, provides comprehensive descriptions of both rough and smooth coat varieties. The standard recognizes five color variations: red (from light golden to deep mahogany), black (pure jet black), blue (diluted black creating steel-gray to slate-blue), cinnamon (light tan to deep cinnamon), and cream (very light tan to pale cream). All colors should be solid without patches or particolor markings.

The Canadian Kennel Club classifies Chow Chows in the Non-Sporting Group, while the United Kennel Club places them in the Northern Breed Group, recognizing their spitz heritage and Arctic-type characteristics. The UKC standard emphasizes the breed's working background and natural abilities, describing them as "an Arctic-type dog, powerful, squarely built, sturdy with heavy bone and strong muscular development." Each organization's standard shares fundamental requirements while allowing minor variations in emphasis and specific details.

Breed clubs dedicated to preserving and promoting the Chow Chow exist in numerous countries, working collaboratively on health initiatives, education, and breed preservation. The Chow Chow Club, Inc., established in 1906, serves as the official AKC parent club in the United States. This organization maintains a code of ethics for member breeders, encourages health testing protocols, and provides resources for owners and prospective buyers. The club emphasizes breeding for correct temperament—neither shy nor aggressive—while maintaining the breed's natural aloofness and dignity.

International collaboration among breed clubs has led to development of comprehensive health testing recommendations aimed at reducing hereditary diseases. These organizations advocate for orthopedic evaluations including hip and elbow dysplasia screening through organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. They promote eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists to identify conditions like entropion, ectropion, and progressive retinal atrophy. Responsible breeders affiliated with these clubs commit to health testing breeding stock and making informed breeding decisions that prioritize the breed's long-term welfare over individual gain or short-term popularity.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Recognized - Non-Sporting Group (1903)"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized - Northern Breed Group"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized - Group 5, Section 5"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Recognized - Utility Group (1894)"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Recognized - Non-Sporting Group"

The Chow Chow presents a unique silhouette that immediately distinguishes them from all other breeds. Their compact, square build combines power and substance in a medium-sized frame, with males standing 19-20 inches at the shoulder weighing 55-70 pounds, and females measuring 18-19 inches weighing 45-60 pounds. The breed's substantial bone structure and muscular development create an impression of considerable strength despite their moderate size. Their body length equals their height, producing the characteristic square profile that defines proper breed type. The short-coupled back, deep chest, and level topline contribute to their sturdy, well-balanced appearance.

The Chow Chow's head commands attention with its broad skull, short muzzle, and distinctive scowling expression created by deep-set eyes and furrowed brow. The nose is large and black, though lighter pigmentation appears acceptable in cream-colored dogs. Their small, dark, almond-shaped eyes convey intelligence and wariness, set well apart and deeply embedded within facial furnishings in rough-coated individuals. The small, thick, triangular ears stand firmly erect, slightly rounded at the tips, tilting forward to enhance the breed's bear-like expression. One of the breed's most famous features, the blue-black tongue, extends throughout the mouth including lips and palate, present from birth and maintaining its distinctive coloration throughout life.

Two distinct coat varieties exist within the breed: rough and smooth. The rough coat, more commonly seen in show rings and among pet owners, features a dense, abundant, straight outer coat standing away from the body with a soft, thick, woolly undercoat beneath. The coat proves particularly profuse around the neck and shoulders, forming the characteristic ruff or mane that creates the lion-like appearance. The tail carries heavy feathering and curves over the back. The smooth coat variety displays a hard, dense outer coat without the extensive furnishings or ruff, lying closer to the body while still maintaining the protective undercoat. Both varieties provide excellent insulation against harsh weather.

Five distinct solid colors appear in the breed: red (ranging from light golden to deep mahogany red), black (solid jet black throughout), blue (dilute black appearing as slate-gray to steel-blue), cinnamon (ranging from light fawn to deep cinnamon), and cream (very light tan to pale cream). The colors should be solid and even, without markings or patches, though lighter shading may occur on ruff, tail, and breeching. The muzzle, halo around eyes, and underside may show lighter shading in some colors. Nose color typically corresponds to coat color, with black noses preferred for all colors except cream, which may have lighter pigmentation.

The breed's movement immediately identifies them to knowledgeable observers. Their unique straight rear angulation produces a distinctive stilted gait that appears as though walking on stilts. The hocks remain almost straight with minimal bend, creating the characteristic short, choppy stride. Front movement shows good reach, while the rear provides only moderate drive. The overall impression conveys purpose and efficiency rather than flowing grace. When moving at speed, the feet tend to converge toward the centerline, contributing to the breed's distinctive locomotion pattern that sets them apart from all other breeds.

The Chow Chow stands among the most ancient of all dog breeds, with archaeological evidence and genetic studies confirming their existence for more than 2,000 years. Bas-reliefs from China's Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE) depict dogs remarkably similar to modern Chow Chows, featuring the characteristic heavy build, proud bearing, and distinctive facial structure. Ancient Chinese pottery and sculptures frequently portrayed these dogs, suggesting their significant role in Chinese culture and society. Recent DNA analysis places Chow Chows among the breeds most genetically similar to wolves, indicating minimal modification from their ancestral form over millennia.

In ancient China, Chow Chows served diverse roles across different social strata. Chinese emperors and nobility maintained these dogs as palace guards and hunting companions, valuing their courage, strength, and unwavering loyalty. Historical records describe large hunting kennels where wealthy aristocrats kept hundreds of Chow Chows for pursuing game including pheasants, partridges, and large prey such as wild boar and bears. Their thick coats protected them during harsh northern Chinese winters and shielded them from injuries sustained during hunts. The breed's scenting ability, determination, and fearlessness made them formidable hunting partners capable of working independently without constant human direction.

Beyond their noble roles, Chow Chows also served utilitarian purposes in Chinese society. In some regions, particularly among rural and impoverished populations, these dogs were raised as food animals, their meat considered a delicacy. Their dense fur provided material for clothing trim and textiles. While disturbing to modern Western sensibilities, this utilitarian aspect of the breed's history reflects the harsh economic realities of historical Chinese rural life. Buddhist monasteries in Tibet and northern China are credited with maintaining the purest bloodlines of Chow Chows, carefully selecting breeding stock and keeping detailed records that preserved breed characteristics across generations.

The breed remained largely unknown outside China until British merchants began importing them to England in the late 18th century as exotic curiosities from the Orient. Early specimens were exhibited at the London Zoo labeled as "Wild Dogs of China," treated more as exotic animals than domestic dogs. Serious breeding programs began in England during the 1880s when British dog enthusiasts recognized the breed's unique characteristics and potential as companions. Queen Victoria's interest in Chow Chows during this period significantly boosted the breed's popularity among British aristocracy. The first Chow Chow breed club formed in England in 1895, establishing breed standards and promoting responsible breeding practices.

Chow Chows reached the United States in the 1890s, with the American Kennel Club granting official recognition in 1903. The first registered Chow Chow, "Chinese Chum," entered the AKC stud book in 1903. The Chow Chow Club, Inc., founded in 1906, became the breed's official parent club. During the 1920s and 1930s, Chow Chows experienced tremendous popularity in America, becoming fashionable companions for celebrities, politicians, and wealthy individuals. President Calvin Coolidge owned a Chow Chow named Timmy, elevating the breed's public profile. However, the popularity surge led to indiscriminate breeding by individuals prioritizing profit over breed quality, resulting in temperament problems including excessive aggression and fearfulness.

The breed's popularity declined somewhat after World War II as other breeds gained favor and concerns about temperament issues became widespread. Dedicated, responsible breeders worked diligently to restore proper temperament while maintaining the breed's distinctive physical characteristics and dignified bearing. Throughout the latter 20th century, breed clubs emphasized health testing and selective breeding to address orthopedic problems including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Modern Chow Chow breeders focus on producing dogs with sound temperament, correct structure, and good health while preserving the ancient breed's unique characteristics. Today's Chow Chows primarily serve as companion dogs, though they retain the guardian instincts and independent thinking that characterized their ancestors for thousands of years.

The Chow Chow's temperament reflects millennia of development as an independent guardian and hunting dog in China. Their personality embodies dignity, aloofness, and self-possession, rarely demonstrating the eager-to-please attitude common in modern companion breeds. They possess strong opinions about how they choose to spend their time and with whom they interact, maintaining a cat-like independence that defines their character. This autonomous nature stems from centuries of working without close human supervision, making independent decisions while guarding property or hunting game. Understanding and accepting this fundamental aspect of their personality is essential for harmonious coexistence.

With immediate family members, Chow Chows develop profound, unwavering loyalty and demonstrate affection in their characteristically reserved manner. They typically select one or two people as their special humans while remaining devoted to all household members. Their love manifests through proximity and quiet companionship rather than effusive displays of affection or attention-seeking behavior. Many Chow Chows follow their chosen person from room to room, preferring to remain nearby while maintaining dignified personal space. This subtle expression of devotion requires owners who appreciate understated affection rather than expecting overt demonstrations of love.

The breed's inherent suspicion of strangers represents a fundamental characteristic that cannot be eliminated through training or socialization. Chow Chows observe unfamiliar people with cool assessment, maintaining distance and avoiding interaction. They rarely approach strangers for attention and may actively retreat from unwanted contact. This wariness served their historical guardian role, making them naturally protective of home and family without training. Proper socialization from early puppyhood helps them distinguish between normal situations requiring tolerance and genuine threats requiring intervention. However, even extensively socialized Chow Chows maintain their characteristic aloofness toward people outside their immediate family circle.

With other dogs, Chow Chows frequently display aggression that poses management challenges for owners. This dog-aggression tendency has deep historical roots and affects many individuals regardless of early socialization efforts. They may tolerate familiar dogs they've been raised with while remaining hostile toward strange dogs encountered on walks or in public spaces. Same-sex aggression proves particularly common, with many Chow Chows preferring to be the sole dog in the household. Dog parks and off-leash areas are generally inappropriate environments for this breed due to their aggression potential. Owners must maintain vigilance during all encounters with other dogs and be prepared to manage or avoid confrontations.

The breed's intelligence combines with remarkable stubbornness and independence, creating significant training challenges. Chow Chows think for themselves and question commands that seem pointless from their perspective. They lack the strong desire to please humans that facilitates training in many breeds developed for cooperative work with people. Training requires patient, consistent effort from owners who earn respect through fair, predictable leadership rather than attempting to dominate through force. Harsh corrections damage the trust essential for a functional relationship and may trigger defensive aggression. Successful Chow Chow owners understand that training this breed involves negotiation and mutual respect rather than demanding unquestioning obedience.

Integrating a Chow Chow into family life requires understanding and accommodating their unique needs and personality traits. These dogs thrive in calm, structured households where they can maintain predictable routines and have access to personal space. Unlike many companion breeds that demand constant interaction, Chow Chows value quiet time alone and may retreat to favorite resting spots for solitude. Prospective owners must honestly evaluate whether they can provide the specific lifestyle this ancient breed requires, including patient training, consistent leadership, appropriate socialization, and respect for their independent nature.

The optimal living situation provides both indoor space where the Chow Chow can be near family and a securely fenced yard for outdoor access. While their moderate exercise requirements make them adaptable to various housing situations, they benefit from having territory to patrol and observe. Many Chow Chows claim specific vantage points, often elevated, where they can survey their domain. These observation posts satisfy their guardian instincts and provide mental stimulation through environmental monitoring. Secure fencing is essential, as their prey drive and territorial nature may lead them to chase small animals or confront perceived threats beyond their property boundaries.

Families with children must carefully consider whether a Chow Chow suits their household dynamics. The breed tolerates respectful, calm children better than rambunctious, unpredictable youngsters. They rarely seek out children for play and may react negatively to rough handling, grabbing, or forced interaction. Teaching children to respect the dog's space, recognize signals indicating the dog wants to be left alone, and avoid disturbing the dog while resting prevents negative encounters. Homes with older children who can understand and follow rules about appropriate dog interaction may successfully include a Chow Chow, while families with toddlers and young children should consider alternative breeds better suited to unpredictable child behavior.

The breed's strong protective instincts mean they take their guardian role seriously, monitoring activity around their property and alerting to visitors and unusual occurrences. Owners must socialize their Chow Chow to accept regular visitors including mail carriers, delivery personnel, and service workers while maintaining the dog's natural wariness of genuine threats. Many Chow Chows develop territorial behaviors that require management to prevent excessive protectiveness. Proper containment through secure fencing and responsible supervision ensure the dog's protective instincts remain appropriately focused rather than extending inappropriately to public spaces or normal neighborhood activities.

Daily life with a Chow Chow includes regular grooming sessions, moderate exercise, ongoing training practice, and quality time spent together on the dog's terms. These dogs appreciate routine and become stressed by chaotic, unpredictable environments. They perform best with owners who maintain consistent schedules and clear expectations. While not demanding in terms of attention-seeking, they require committed owners who provide proper care, patient training, and appropriate socialization. The breed rewards respectful, understanding ownership with steadfast loyalty, dignified companionship, and a unique relationship that reflects their thousands of years of history as independent guardians and companions in ancient China.

Training a Chow Chow demands patience, consistency, and realistic expectations based on understanding the breed's fundamental nature. Unlike breeds developed specifically to work cooperatively with humans, Chow Chows evolved to think independently and make autonomous decisions without constant human input. This fundamental difference means they lack the strong desire to please that makes training straightforward in many modern breeds. Owners must approach training as collaborative effort rather than issuing commands and expecting automatic compliance. The breed responds to trainers who demonstrate competence and earn respect through fair, consistent leadership rather than attempting to force obedience through intimidation.

Early socialization represents the single most critical investment in raising a well-adjusted Chow Chow. Puppies require extensive, positive exposure to diverse people, places, sounds, and situations during their crucial developmental period from approximately 8 to 16 weeks of age. Puppy kindergarten classes provide controlled environments for learning basic skills while experiencing other dogs and unfamiliar people. However, owners must maintain realistic expectations regarding socialization outcomes. Even extensively socialized Chow Chows retain their characteristic aloofness toward strangers and may remain dog-aggressive. The goal involves creating a dog who confidently tolerates the world rather than transforming them into an outgoing, people-oriented breed.

Basic obedience training should commence immediately upon bringing the puppy home, establishing clear household rules and teaching essential commands. Concentrate on fundamental behaviors including reliable recall, loose-leash walking, sitting, lying down, and staying in position. Maintain brief training sessions to sustain the dog's interest, as Chow Chows quickly tire of repetitive exercises. Utilize high-value rewards including premium treats, verbal praise, and opportunities to engage in preferred activities to motivate compliance. Physical corrections or harsh verbal reprimands erode trust and may provoke defensive aggression, making the dog increasingly difficult to train. Instead, employ positive reinforcement and gentle redirection to shape desired behaviors.

The breed's stubbornness and selective obedience frustrate many owners expecting automatic compliance. A Chow Chow may execute a command perfectly during one session and refuse the identical request moments later, particularly if they perceive no valid reason for compliance. This behavior reflects their independent nature rather than deliberate defiance or spite. Understanding that selective obedience characterizes the breed helps maintain realistic expectations. Consistency in requiring compliance for all commands, rather than sometimes permitting the dog to ignore requests, gradually improves reliability. However, Chow Chows will never demonstrate the instant, eager obedience typical of biddable working breeds.

Exercise requirements for Chow Chows remain moderate, with adult dogs needing approximately 30-45 minutes of daily activity divided into multiple sessions. A morning constitutional followed by an evening stroll typically satisfies most individuals' physical activity needs. The breed lacks endurance for marathon runs or hours of continuous play, preferring shorter activity periods interspersed with rest. During warm weather, exercise should be scheduled during cooler morning and evening hours, as their thick double coat makes them highly susceptible to heat stress and overheating. Many Chow Chows enjoy leisurely walks providing opportunities to investigate interesting scents and observe their environment.

Mental stimulation helps prevent boredom and associated behavior problems without requiring excessive physical exertion. Puzzle toys dispensing treats, scent discrimination games, hide-and-seek activities with favorite objects, and training sessions teaching new behaviors provide cognitive engagement. However, recognize that Chow Chows possess lower energy and play drive compared to many breeds; they remain content with relatively simple enrichment activities rather than requiring complex, high-energy entertainment. Forcing extended play sessions or excessively energetic activities contradicts their dignified nature and may create stress. Respecting their preference for calm, purposeful activities rather than expecting enthusiasm for boisterous games maintains their emotional well-being.

The Chow Chow typically lives 8-12 years when bred responsibly and provided appropriate care throughout life. However, the breed faces several hereditary health challenges that prospective owners should thoroughly understand before committing to ownership. Acquiring dogs from reputable breeders who conduct comprehensive health testing on breeding stock significantly reduces the risk of hereditary conditions. The Chow Chow Club, Inc. recommends specific health clearances for all breeding dogs, including evaluations for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and various eye diseases.

Hip dysplasia represents one of the most prevalent orthopedic concerns in Chow Chows, causing pain, lameness, and progressive arthritis that diminishes quality of life. This developmental condition results from genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors including growth rate, nutrition quality, and exercise patterns during the critical growth period. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals provides hip evaluations allowing breeders to identify dogs with sound hip conformation. While hip dysplasia cannot be completely eliminated, breeding exclusively from dogs with good or excellent hip ratings substantially reduces incidence. Maintaining ideal body weight and avoiding excessive exercise during puppyhood helps protect developing joints.

Elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint, causing lameness, pain, and degenerative joint disease as affected dogs age. Symptoms may include front leg lameness, stiffness following rest periods, or reluctance to exercise. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals provides elbow certifications based on radiographic evaluation by board-certified veterinary radiologists. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips from its normal position, occurs in some Chow Chows with severity ranging from mild occasional luxation to severe cases requiring surgical correction. Genetic factors play significant roles, making orthopedic evaluations important components of responsible breeding programs.

Eye diseases affecting Chow Chows include entropion and ectropion, conditions related to eyelid conformation. Entropion occurs when the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to contact and irritate the cornea, leading to pain, excessive tearing, and potential corneal ulceration. Surgical correction typically resolves the condition permanently. Ectropion involves outward rolling of the eyelid, exposing sensitive conjunctival tissues to irritation and infection. Some individuals exhibit both conditions affecting different areas of the same eyelid. Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual vision deterioration culminating in blindness. DNA testing identifies carriers of the gene responsible for this condition, enabling breeders to make informed mating decisions preventing production of affected puppies.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) poses life-threatening risk for Chow Chows due to their moderately deep chest conformation. This emergency occurs when the stomach distends with gas and potentially twists, obstructing blood circulation and causing rapid deterioration. Symptoms include restlessness, unproductive vomiting attempts, distended abdomen, and signs of shock. Immediate emergency veterinary intervention is critical for survival. Risk reduction strategies include feeding multiple small meals daily rather than one large meal, preventing vigorous exercise immediately before and after eating, and using slow-feeder bowls for dogs who eat rapidly. Some owners elect prophylactic gastropexy surgery securing the stomach to the body wall, preventing dangerous twisting.

Hypothyroidism commonly affects Chow Chows, occurring when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone affecting metabolism throughout the body. Symptoms include unexplained weight gain, lethargy, hair loss or poor coat quality, chronic skin problems, and behavioral changes including increased anxiety or aggression. Blood testing diagnoses the condition, which responds well to daily thyroid hormone supplementation. Regular thyroid monitoring, particularly in dogs displaying symptoms, allows early diagnosis and treatment. Some Chow Chows develop autoimmune thyroiditis, a progressive condition where the immune system destroys thyroid tissue.

Preventive care establishes the foundation for maintaining Chow Chow health throughout their lives. Regular veterinary examinations, ideally conducted semi-annually for adult dogs, facilitate early detection of developing health problems before they become serious. Core vaccinations protect against dangerous infectious diseases, though protocols should be customized based on individual lifestyle and regional disease risks. Comprehensive parasite prevention including heartworm preventive medication and flea and tick control protects against both internal and external parasites. Regular fecal examinations screen for intestinal parasites requiring treatment.

Dental disease develops frequently in Chow Chows and can lead to serious systemic complications affecting major organs. Regular home tooth brushing combined with professional dental cleanings as recommended by the veterinarian maintains optimal oral health. Appropriate nutrition for the breed's size and life stage supports overall health and longevity. Maintaining ideal body condition throughout life reduces stress on joints and organs while potentially extending lifespan. Obesity exacerbates orthopedic problems and creates additional health risks, making weight management a critical component of preventive health care.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Chow Chow's health and longevity.

The Chow Chow's magnificent double coat demands substantial grooming commitment that prospective owners must carefully consider before acquiring the breed. The rough coat variety, featuring profuse outer coat with thick, woolly undercoat, requires more intensive maintenance than the smooth variety, though both need regular attention for optimal coat and skin health. Brushing three to five times weekly during normal periods and daily during seasonal sheds keeps the coat healthy and prevents painful matting. Prospective owners unable or unwilling to provide this level of grooming care should honestly reconsider whether this breed suits their lifestyle and capabilities.

Effective brushing technique involves systematic work through the entire coat, using appropriate tools including pin brushes, slicker brushes, and metal combs. Begin by lightly misting the coat with water or diluted leave-in conditioner to minimize hair breakage during brushing. Work in layers, parting the coat and brushing small sections from the skin outward to the hair tips. Pay particular attention to mat-prone areas including behind the ears, under the front legs, around the neck ruff, on the rear legs, and along the tail. Use a metal comb after brushing each section to ensure complete removal of tangles and mats. The dense undercoat mats quickly when wet, making thorough drying after exposure to rain or swimming essential.

Seasonal coat changes occur twice annually, typically in spring and fall, when Chow Chows experience dramatic shedding of their undercoat. During these blowout periods, they shed enormous quantities of fur over several weeks. Daily brushing using undercoat rakes or deshedding tools removes loose hair before it migrates throughout the home. Many owners find that professional grooming during major sheds significantly reduces indoor hair accumulation. Between seasonal blows, Chow Chows continue shedding moderately year-round, making them completely unsuitable for people seeking low-maintenance or hypoallergenic breeds.

Bathing frequency depends on individual lifestyle and coat condition, typically ranging from every six to eight weeks for most dogs. The breed's coat naturally repels some dirt, but facial folds and furnishings accumulate debris requiring regular cleaning. Select high-quality dog shampoo formulated for double coats, ensuring thorough rinsing to remove all soap residue that could cause skin irritation. Complete drying after bathing is absolutely essential; leaving the dense undercoat damp creates ideal conditions for developing skin problems, hot spots, and bacterial infections. Many owners utilize high-velocity dryers while brushing to ensure the coat dries thoroughly to the skin.

Special attention must be given to the breed's distinctive facial structure. Deep-set eyes often tear, creating staining below the eyes requiring daily gentle cleaning with damp cloth. Facial folds and wrinkles, more pronounced in some individuals, should be cleaned and thoroughly dried regularly to prevent moisture accumulation causing infection and odor. Ears require weekly inspection for signs of infection including redness, discharge, odor, or excessive wax. Clean ears using veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner and cotton balls or pads, avoiding cotton swabs that could damage delicate ear structures.

Dental care deserves high priority, as periodontal disease can lead to serious systemic health problems affecting organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Daily tooth brushing using dog-specific toothpaste prevents tartar accumulation and maintains healthy gums. Many Chow Chows resist tooth brushing, requiring patient conditioning beginning in puppyhood to accept the process. Nail trimming every three to four weeks prevents overgrowth affecting gait and causing discomfort. Chow Chows frequently resist nail trimming, making gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement important for developing cooperation during grooming procedures.

If you're looking to adopt a Chow Chow, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Chow Chows waiting for their forever homes.