Chow Chow Guide: Size, Temperament, Care and Adoption

What is the history of the Chow Chow dog?

Described as a Spitz-type dog of medium build, the Chow Chow has a leonine look, a scowling face and a blue-black tongue. The AKC lists China as the breed's origin and places it in the Non-Sporting Group. The United Kennel Club traces the breed back to the Han dynasty of China, where it was used by aristocrats as a hunting dog. Today the breed is primarily a family companion and guard dog.

How big is a Chow Chow?

Both the AKC and VCA Animal Hospitals give a height of 17 to 20 inches for the Chow Chow. For weight, the AKC publishes 45 to 70 pounds, while VCA Animal Hospitals gives 50 to 75 pounds.

Are Chow Chows aggressive?

The AKC describes the breed's temperament as dignified, bright and serious-minded. According to the United Kennel Club, a Chow tends by nature to keep its distance from strangers without being timid or aggressive. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that the breed tends to be protective and territorial, and many Chows are wary of strangers. A Chow may view cats and tiny dogs as prey, so introductions to other animals need care. The breed is often described as devoted to family and may not be playful enough for children, who should be supervised around it.

How trainable is a Chow Chow?

Chows tend to be independent and stubborn and rebel against forceful methods. They tend to do best with a firm owner who combines reward-based training with good control and leadership.

Do Chow Chows shed?

The Chow Chow has a double coat that comes in a rough type and a smooth type. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends brushing at least twice a week, and more often during the seasonal shed. The breed does not do well in heat and should not be left outdoors in warm weather.

What is the Chow Chow lifespan and what health concerns exist?

The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 8 to 12 years for the Chow Chow. VCA Animal Hospitals lists hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, entropion and hypothyroidism among the most common genetic concerns. VCA Animal Hospitals also notes that, like short-nosed breeds, the Chow Chow does not tolerate anesthesia well, so veterinarians should plan around that.

AKC breed facts

These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Chow Chow as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.

AKC group: Non-Sporting Group
AKC recognition year: 1903
Height (AKC published): 17-20 inches
Weight (AKC published): 45-70 pounds
General life expectancy: 8-12 years
AKC size category: Medium

AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)

Energy: 3 of 5
Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
Trainability: 3 of 5
Grooming frequency: 3 of 5
Shedding: 3 of 5
Vocalization: 1 of 5
Drooling: 3 of 5
Adaptability: 3 of 5
Playfulness: 3 of 5
Watchful or protective tendency: 5 of 5
Affection toward family: 4 of 5
Openness toward strangers: 2 of 5
AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
AKC dog compatibility rating: 2 of 5

Health screenings AKC lists for the breed

Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.

Patella Evaluation
Hip Evaluation
Elbow Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Thyroid Evaluation

Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).

Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.