All about your Chow Chow
Chow Chows are proud and independent, and make very loyal companions. From grooming advice to common health conditions, our guide covers the key things you should know about these fox coloured dogs, with their distinct blue tongue.
Breed information & advice
Chow Chows belong to the utility dog group, and have a distinct lion-like appearance thanks to a full and bushy coat that stands away from their body. While they have excellent manners, they’re not very sociable and often form an attachment to just one person, making them less suited to family life. Here’s more you should know:
- Chow Chows are a bit standoffish and like nothing more than their own companyChow Chows are a bit standoffish and like nothing more than their own company
- Their long auburn coat needs to be brushed daily, and they will need shade from the heat in summer monthsTheir long auburn coat needs to be brushed daily, and they will need shade from the heat in summer months
- They typically weigh from 18kg to 32kg, when fully grownThey typically weigh from 18kg to 32kg, when fully grown
- A healthy Chow Chow can live up to 10 yearsA healthy Chow Chow can live up to 10 years
Typical size of a Chow Chow: Medium: 46cm-56cm
Recommended exercise & nutrition
Although this is not a high-energy breed, your dog will need regular exercise. They will enjoy brisk daily walks, whether it’s a stroll around the block or a walk to the local park. Due to their naturally independent ways, a Chow Chow puppy will also benefit from being socialised from an early age, so they are used to being around other animals and people.
When it comes to meal times, your dog’s diet should be a good quality diet. As Chow Chows have sensitive stomachs, you’ll need to keep an eye on your pet in case they fall ill. Feeding them two meals a day will ensure their stomach isn’t overloaded. As with all dogs, how much you feed them will depend on their age and size.
Up to one hour of exercise per day
Your Chow Chow will be happy with two or three half-hour walks a day, and for the rest of the time they will be happy to be indoors.
Common health problems & illnesses
Chow Chows need all of the usual vaccinations, flea and tick control, and dental checks to go on to lead a healthy life, but it’s worth being aware of some of the more specific ailments which can affect this breed, so you can look out for any symptoms.
This breed suffers more than any other from heat stroke and can have dyspnoea – difficulty breathing – especially on a hot day. The Chow Chow’s coat is dense and heavy and you will need to ensure you keep them cool in summer. Be especially careful they don’t overheat in the car, and ensure they are never left in the car alone. You can use fans to cool them at home and walk them only during cooler parts of the day. Ice cubes in their water and dampening their coat through to their skin can also help to keep them cool.
This breed may be susceptible to joint problems in their hips, elbows and knees. In particular, they could develop arthritis or hip dysplasia, a condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint and is commonly diagnosed between 6 and 12 months of age. Clinical signs for both conditions vary and include lameness or stiffness in one or both hind legs.
This genetic condition, in which the dog’s eyelid rolls inwards, can affect one or both of the Chow Chow’s eyes. Entropion can cause anything from mild irritation to ulcers which can damage the surface of the eye. A tell-tale sign to look out for is if the eyes appear to be uncomfortable – difficult to open, with an increase in discharge, and reddened and itchy eyes. Your dog may start rubbing their eyes, which can make the situation worse. If you suspect entropion, visit your vet who can advise on the appropriate treatment.
Skin diseases or conditions such as dermatitis or eczema, mange or bacterial skin infections are common in Chow Chows, due to their thick coat and heavy folds of skin. You can help your dog by cleaning their skin folds daily to keep them free of debris and bacteria, which will help to prevent infection. Antiseptic skin cleansers are available from the chemist or your vet. If you notice anything unusual, your vet will advise you on what to do if the skin becomes sore, itchy or smells.
Because of the tight ligaments in their hind legs, Chow Chows can be prone to ruptured cruciate ligaments within their knee joints. Look out for lameness in one or both of your dog’s back legs. If you suspect there is a problem, take them to see your vet where they will be examined and possibly x-rayed.
Dog name popularity
If you’re struggling to think of a name for your Chow Chow, take a look at the most popular ones at Tesco Pet Insurance for inspiration.
Nala
Bear
Teddy
Hugo
Yogi
Average treatment costs
Wondering whether pet insurance for your Chow Chow is worth it? We’ve put together the top five conditions claimed for by Tesco Pet Insurance customers in 2021. To give you an idea of how much vet bills can vary, we’ve shown both the average cost and the top 10% most expensive costs for each condition.
Top five conditions and average costs
|
Condition |
Average |
10% most expensive |
|---|---|---|
|
Lameness |
£1,081 |
£1,988 |
|
Cruciate rupture |
£3,583 |
£3,999 |
|
Entropion |
£1,808 |
£3,342 |
|
Urinary Condition |
£462 |
£497 |
|
Joint problem |
£133 |
£207 |
Tesco Pet Insurance claims data from paid treatments including excesses from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.
Considering Chow Chow insurance?
We know your dog is an important member of the family, so give them the protection they deserve with Tesco Pet Insurance.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.
Grooming advice
The Chow Chow has a thick, puffy coat that gives them a fluffy appearance. Beneath this outer fur lies a soft, woolly undercoat, while the hair is thicker around the head and neck and forms a mane.
You should brush your Chow Chow’s coat every day to keep it in good condition and prevent moulting. As heavy seasonal shedders, your dog’s coat will need extra care at certain times of the year. You’ll also need to use different types of brushes for their legs and body, and make sure you brush them when their coat is wet, otherwise their hair will break.
Bathing your Chow Chow once a month is all that’s necessary. You should brush your dog’s teeth daily to remove plaque and bacteria. You’ll probably notice that your dog is highly sensitive about people touching their feet, so when trimming their nails (every six weeks), be very gentle.
Fun & interesting facts
- The Chow Chow is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds – originating in China 4,000 years ago.
- Here they went by several names including black-tongue dog, wolf dog and bear dog.
- Many people compare the Chow Chow’s temperament to that of a cat – reserved, independent and stubborn.
- Your dog will love to sit on your feet and keep your toes warm.
- One of their most striking features is their dark, blue-black tongue.
Important information
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to pet breeds, but does not constitute expert veterinary advice. If your dog or cat falls ill or has an injury, contact your vet immediately. Tesco Pet Insurance has a partnership with vetfone™ which means that as a customer, you can benefit from their advice as part of your policy.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.
All facts and figures were correct at date of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.
Vetfone™ is a 24/7 unlimited, free telephone or video call service that provides expert advice from vets or vet nurses qualified with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons). If your pet has a medical emergency, or you need advice on health, grooming, feeding or behaviour vetfone™ is there to help.
As a Tesco Pet Insurance customer, you can access friendly, expert advice from qualified Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a standard benefit with your policy, and the service is provided at no additional cost. A quick telephone call or video call could answer any questions you have about your pet, give you peace of mind and could even save you a trip to the vet.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.
Discover more breeds
Browse our other cat and dog guides to learn about some of the UK’s most popular breeds.