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Chow Chow

Origin

🇨🇳

China

Size

Medium Breed

Ideal Space

Independent House

Ideal Weather

10º-25ºC

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹4,650

Basic Lifestyle

₹6,600

Premium Lifestyle

Top 5 Traits

Playful

Loyal

Protective

Intelligent

Disciplined

Chow Chow
written by image

by Sowjanya Siddanoor 

Quick Information

Chow Chow dogs are considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds hailing from China. Historians say the Chow Chow’s origin dates back to the Han Dynasty between 206 BC to 230 C.E. They were bred primarily for the purpose of  guarding, herding, hunting and as working dogs. 


Chow Chows are known for their strong will and independent behavior. They can be very protective about their families and make the best guard dogs. They are aloof and can be wary about strangers, but early socialization and proper training make them well-behaved and affectionate companions.

 

Characteristics

Barking

Quiet

Loud

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Compatibility with other dogs

Aggressive

Friendly

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

Featured

Chow Chow PUPPIES FOR YOU

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Madhya Pradesh

Male3 Months old

Chow Chow boy
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Uttar Pradesh

Male5 Months old

Golden #retrieverpuppy
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Nutrition

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 2,250 - ₹ 3,000

Calories per day

Puppies1200 kcal

Adults900 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Carbohydrates

Fats

Minerals

Protein

Vitamins

Fibre

List of foods

Dry Dog Food

Chicken

Fresh Meat

Fresh Fish

Vegetables

Home made meals

  • Chow Chows are moderately active breeds and do not require extensive exercise on a daily basis. Hence they are prone to obesity and additional health issues associated with it like glaucoma, arthritis, and diabetes. 
  • These dogs need a well-balanced diet that meets all their nutrient requirements as recommended by the AAFCO.
  • Adult Chow Chow dogs can eat two meals a day whereas the puppies can be fed 3-4 times a day as they are at a fast growth phase.
  • The food must contain adequate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to meet all the nutrition needs.
  • You can consult your vet to design a proper diet plan for your Chow Chow at different stages of their growth like puppy, adult and senior dog.


Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.

 

Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Selecting Good Quality Food

  • The food that you feed your Chow Chow should contain essential proteins that help in muscle development and maintenance. Choose meat-based food like red meat, beef, chicken, and fish.
  • You can also feed them high-quality dry food that provides necessary nutrients.
  • Boiled vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas provide necessary minerals that help in overall growth.
  • Feed them fibre-based food that helps in digestive health. Along with that, fruits like apples and blueberries also provide antioxidants without any added sugar. 
  • Their food should also contain omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids that support maintaining healthy fats in their body. 
 

Never feed these foods to Chow Chow

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Alcohol

Cherries

Cinnamon

Coffee / Tea

Avocados

Fruit seeds

Dairy

Grapes

Lemon

Onions

Salt

Sugar

Mushrooms

Some food items can cause allergic reactions and damage your dog health, such as -


  • Avoid fried food ingredients that can cause damage to their digestive systems. This also causes obesity and overall health issues associated with it.
  • Do not feed them food that contains artificial preservatives, colours and flavours which can cause serious damage to their health.
  • Food items like garlic, onions, raisins, grapes, and chocolates should be completely avoided as they can cause serious health issues and can be fatal to your dog.
 
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Health

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800

Common Health Issues

Kennel Cough

Hip Dysplasia

Leptospirosis

Heartworm

Parasites

Bloat

Canine distemper

Parvovirus

Well being

Exercise

Agility Training

Bonding

Games

Socialization

Energy Level

Medium

Exercise routine

30 - 60 minutes

Recognising Stress

Changes in appetite

Excessive Barking

Pacing

Excessive Panting

Reluctance to move

Increased laziness

Medical Care

There are some common health issues that are found in Chow Chows recognized by the Chow Chow Club.Inc like - 


  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These are the disorders found in the hip and elbow joints in dogs, including Chow Chow breed. This is caused by the under-development of the joints and caused limping, elbow bulges, and walking with an abnormal gait. This can be cured using medication, supplements and surgery based on the severity. 


  • Hypothyroidism: This is caused mainly because of the under-developed thyroid glands which fail to secrete enough thyroid hormone. This causes lethargy, weight gain, and brittle coats in the Chow Chow dogs. This condition does not have a cure but can be maintained by the proper medication.


  • Diabetes: This condition is where the blood sugar levels are not controlled and cause lethargy, weight loss, urination, and dehydration in dogs. This can be treated using lifelong insulin injections and a balanced diet.


  • Patellar Luxation: This is also another joint-related issue where the knee joint slips out of its normal position. The symptoms include bunny-hopping gait and limping. This condition can be cured depending on the severity. 


  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): This is a life-threatening condition of bloat in dogs, including Chow Chow. This needs immediate medical intervention and can be cured using preventive surgery. 
 

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

6-8 weeks

DHPPi vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza)

10-12 weeks

DHPPi vaccine (booster)

14-16 weeks

Rabies

1 year

DHPPi vaccine (booster) and rabies vaccine (booster)

Recommendations to care for senior Chow Chow dogs

  • As the Chow Chows age their medical needs change and become complex. Senior dogs are prone to joint issues like arthritis. So, regular vet visits are a must to detect age-related issues.
  • Weight management is crucial for senior dog as their daily activities are reduced due to their age. Make sure you provide a balanced diet that constitutes all the necessary nutrient requirements.
  • Regular dental check-ups are needed to ensure dental health as they become old.
  • Create a comfortable environment of living with easy access to their favorite spot to reduce stress.


Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.

 
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Grooming

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800

Shedding Level

Moderate Shedding

Hygienic Checklist

Ear Cleaning

Eye Care

Bathing

Benefits of Grooming

Cleanliness

Prevents infections

Low Shedding

Prevents Bad Breath

Odourless

  • Chow Chows have a double coat and are heavy shedders. So maintaining their fur by brushing them regularly is a must to avoid matting. Regular brushing, at least three to four times a week is a must. 
  • Bathing should be done monthly to keep their skin and coat healthy.
  • Ear cleaning should be done to prevent dirt collection and avoid ear infections.
  • Nail trimming should be part of routine to avoid overgrown nails that can cause discomfort in walking.
  • Dental health should be given equal importance, cleaning their teeth with vet-recommended toothpaste helps dental issues.
 
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Adopt or Shop: The choice is yours!

Cost of buying

₹ 40,000 - ₹ 1,00,000

If you want a Chow Chow for your home, you have two basic options: buying or adopting.


Buying 


  • The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
  • Ask the Chow Chow breeder  to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no in-breeding taking place. 
  • The cost of chow chow dog puppies depends on many variables like ancestry, the possibility of show quality, and breeder reputation. 


Adopt


  • Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
  • Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.


Here are some of the breeds that are similar to Chow Chow


Akita | Chinese Shar-Pei | Tibetan Mastiff | Alaskan Malamute | Samoyed | Keeshond | Norwegian Elkhound | Shiba Inu




 

Prerequisites to pet a Chow Chow

Access to Groomer

Lifestyle Compatibility

Access to Veterinary

Appropriate Climate

Financial Capability

Chow Chow breeders in India

Bharath Raghu

Bharath Raghu

Cookie Kennel

Bengaluru, Karnataka

Listing Soon

Gurwinder Singh

Gurwinder Singh

C.b kennel

Sangrur, Punjab

Listing Soon

Pets Hub

Pets Hub

Pets hub

Bangalore, Karnataka

Listing Soon

Now that you know what it takes to raise a undefined, are you ready to take the next step to pet one?

Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues,  temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if Chow Chows are a good fit for your lifestyle.


Find reputable sources: Before buying a Chow Chow puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.


Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.


Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.


Prepare your home: It is your duty to make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.

 
written by image

Written by

Sowjanya Siddanoor

Author

Hey there! I’m a pet lover & wannabe pet parent (just waiting for mom to give in!). By day, I’m an SEO whiz and content writer, turning words into magic and rankings into gold.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chow Chows make suitable first pets for first-time dog owners?

Due to their independence and grooming requirements, chow chows might be a little difficult for inexperienced dog owners. Owners with prior dog expertise are typically better suited for them.

What are some of the Chow Chows' typical health problems?

Hip dysplasia, bloating, eye troubles, and skin diseases are among the Chow Chows' common health problems. To keep track of their health, routine veterinary screenings are necessary.

How do I handle a Chow Chow's stubbornness during training?

Chow-chows are occasionally stubborn. They can be trained to overcome their independent character with persistence, reinforcement, and consistency in training techniques.

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