The Chow Chow is aloof by nature; they’re considered one of the most independent dog breeds. Chows are generally suspicious of strangers and tend not to be huge fans of dogs outside of the family either.

As protective and sometimes territorial dogs, well-socialized Chows tend to be affectionate with their families, but often still retain a wariness of strangers. That being said, they can be socialized in puppyhood to curb some of these tendencies and help prevent them from becoming aggressive behavior.

The Chow Chow is a highly adaptable dog breed. They will be okay with being alone for a bit, and won’t be in your face 24/7 needing attention. Although they enjoy having fenced space to run, they can adapt well to apartment living provided they get enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.

The Chow Chow prefers colder environments because of their thick coats. They are one of the dog breeds that love winter and you may even have trouble getting them to come back inside when there is snow they can burrow into instead. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. As a snub-nosed breed, they are even more sensitive to heat.

Potenital health concerns to be aware in Chow Chows can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid issues, eye problems, cardiac issues, and patellar luxation. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Chow Chow puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The Chow Chow Club, Inc. recommends a cardiac exam, an elbow evaluation, a hip evaluation, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a thyroid test.

Although the Chow Chow is capable of picking up on things quickly, they are naturally aloof, independent, and stubborn. During training, they may simply not respond if they don’t want to or don’t see the point.

Training a Chow requires a strong bond and a lot of patience, consistency, and confidence. As such, they are not recommended for novice owners. Assistance with obedience training is highly recommended.

Chow Chows are one of the fluffiest dog breeds and they can have two coat types – rough and smooth. The rough coat type will have feathering along the legs and tail and an obvious ruff around the neck while the smooth coat type won’t. Coat length will vary and should be trimmed, but not extensively. Both types are double-coated, which means the Chow will shed year-round and heavier as the seasons change.

Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, grooming every couple of months, and the occasional bath are sufficient to keep the Chow coat healthy and looking great. In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Chow Chow’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Cutting your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth every day and getting cleanings done at the vet when needed can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

It’s a good idea to get your Chow Chow used to having their paws, mouth, and ears handled early on. If you keep it a positive experience and reward them, you can build a bond with your dog and maybe even make grooming sessions something they will look forward to. At the very least, you will make grooming tasks much easier as your dog grows.

Chow Chows tend to be low-energy dogs. Daily walks and some activities are usually enough for them. They can also be one of the laziest dog breeds if you let them, and it’s important to make sure they are getting enough daily exercise.

You also have to be careful that they don’t overheat. Between their thick coat and snub nose, they are prone to overheating. Keeping an eye on the weather, working in short bursts, and taking breaks are ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs that you can use to make sure your Chow gets the activity they need without overheating.

A fully-grown Chow usually stands 17-20 inches tall and weighs 45-70 pounds.

Chow Chows generally live for 9-15 years on average.

The Chow Chow was a favorite of Martha Stewart. She owned several and often featured them on her TV show.