Chow Chow
A dignified lion-dog with a blue-black tongue and a cat-like soul.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 43–51 cm |
| Weight | 20–32 kg |
| Life expectancy | 8–12 years |
| Energy | Low-moderate — 45 min/day |
| Shedding | Heavy, seasonal |
| Coat | Dense rough or smooth double coat · red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream |
| Group | Non-sporting · FCI №205 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Guard, hunter, cart-puller — the Chow did serious work in ancient China, and it never learned to fawn. It bonds deeply with one or two people, tolerates the rest, and expects the same courtesy it gives: no rough games, no strangers reaching over its head, no orders shouted twice. Earn its trust and you have a quietly devoted shadow for life.
Habits & quirks
The scowl
Deep-set eyes and a furrowed brow give the Chow a permanent air of mild disapproval — usually undeserved.
Clean freak
It grooms itself like a cat, house-trains almost instantly and hates getting its paws wet.
The stilt walk
Straight back legs produce that unmistakable stiff, dignified gait — a Chow never scampers.
Perimeter patrol
It quietly keeps watch from a chosen vantage point, monitoring the household like a duty officer.
Care
| Grooming | Brush the rough coat two to three times a week — daily during seasonal blows — or mats take over the ruff. |
| Socialisation | Meet many calm people and dogs early; an unsocialised Chow becomes suspicious rather than shy. |
| Heat | That coat was built for northern winters — walk at cool hours and never leave a Chow in warm cars or full sun. |
| Health | Watch eyes for entropion and keep it lean to spare hips and knees; skin folds need occasional checks. |
Common questions
Are Chow Chows aggressive?
Not inherently, but they're aloof, territorial and intolerant of rough handling. Early socialisation and calm, respectful training are essential.
Why do Chow Chows have blue tongues?
It's a breed hallmark — Chows (and Shar-Peis) are born pink-tongued and develop the blue-black pigment within weeks. The exact reason isn't fully understood.
Do Chow Chows shed a lot?
Yes — the dense double coat sheds year-round and blows out heavily twice a year. Frequent brushing keeps the house liveable and the coat healthy.