Everything You Need to Know About Chow Chows
If you are looking for a new addition to the family, here is everything you need to know about Chow Chows!
Basics
Chow Chows grow to be 17-20 inches tall and weigh 40-70 pounds. Additionally, they have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. They have a thick coat that sheds a lot seasonally and requires regular grooming! With that said, they tolerate cold weather well but should not be left outside as they do not tolerate hot weather. Additionally, they respond best to verbal correction when it comes to training.
Temperament
Chow Chows are a great quiet and attentive companion. However, this breed is highly territorial and protective. This trait makes them wary of strangers, but they tend to bond well with their immediate family. Chow Chows must be considerably socialized as puppies to be relaxed adults. Additionally, while the breed will accept children, they do not tolerate rough play and abuse. So, the Chow Chow is best suited for homes with older children that know how to treat dogs well.
Additionally, they should be socialized with others and pets as puppies to get along with others as adults. Also, Chow Chows tend to do the best with dogs of the opposite sex and may fight with dogs of the same sex. Additionally, the breed is known for being aloof and independent. This trait means that Chows tolerate being alone very well. They can also handle apartment living well.
Chow Chows also tend to nip, chew, and play-bite. Because of this, they are aggressive chewers that need a good chew toy and training. While the breed responds well to verbal commands, they are more challenging to train. You will need to be persistent with training. A Chow Chow is a vocal breed if you are looking for a watchdog. However, if you have nearby neighbors or noise restrictions, you may wish to find a quieter dog.
Physical Needs
While Chow Chows are a more relaxed breed with lower energy levels, they still require daily walks and exercise. To be satisfied, they need roughly two 15-minute daily walks or one long walk. Additionally, they can adapt to a variety of homes and apartments. However, they should live indoors, not in a backyard or a kennel, because they do not tolerate heat well. If you do have a yard, you should have a fence. This fence will protect your Chow Chow from traffic and strangers.
Additionally, Chows respond to housetraining, but we recommend crate training. Crate training will keep your pal from chewing on things.
Chow Chows require two meals a day of high-quality dog food. They need about 2 to 2 3/4 cups total a day. The amount your pal needs depends on size, age, and activity level. Good-quality dog food will nourish your Chow Chow and require less volume to sustain your companion appropriately.
Health and Grooming Needs
Like all breeds, Chows are prone to specific health conditions. For example, you should be aware of Canine Hip Dysplasia and Entropion. These conditions aren’t common in the breed but may occur.
Additionally, it would be best to brush your Chow roughly three times a week to keep shedding under control and their coat in excellent condition. They experience excessive seasonal shedding and require more grooming attention at those times. They do not have a doggie odor if brushed often. It would help if you never dried brush your Chow because that can lead to hair breakage.
When grooming your pal, use a medium-coarse stainless steel Greyhound comb and a diluted coat conditioner spray bottle. Additionally, you should bathe your Chow Chow monthly, brush their teeth twice a week, and trim their nails once or twice a month.
Consider all of the characteristics and needs of a Chow Chow to determine if they are the right fit for you and your family! Though they are purebred dogs, you may find them in shelters or rescue groups.