Chow Chow

Chow Chows typically live to around 9–12 years. Genetics set the range, but careful management of the breed's known issues — especially the eyes, joints, skin and heat sensitivity — together with keeping your dog lean and up to date with vet care, all influence where yours lands. A well-bred, well-cared-for Chow is a long-term family companion.

The most notable is entropion, an eyelid condition the breed is strongly predisposed to that needs surgical correction. Chows are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, skin problems linked to the dense coat, hypothyroidism, and heat sensitivity (the thick coat plus short muzzle). Buying from a health-testing breeder and managing weight, grooming and heat reduces much of the risk.

Chows can be devoted, loyal family dogs, but they're aloof, dignified and famously independent — more cat-like than cuddly, and often reserved with strangers and other dogs. They suit calm, experienced owners who'll socialise them early and respect their nature. With young children they need supervision and realistic expectations: a Chow tolerates rather than craves rough-and-tumble.

Yes — Chows have a thick double coat and shed heavily, with two big seasonal moults a year on top of year-round shedding. They need brushing several times a week (daily during a moult), working right down to the skin to prevent matting and skin problems. Never shave the double coat — it protects against both heat and cold.

Not well, and this matters. The thick double coat combined with a relatively short muzzle means Chows overheat easily and are at real risk of heatstroke. Never exercise them in the heat of the day, always provide shade and fresh water, use cooling mats in summer, and learn the early signs of heatstroke. Their coat is insulation, so shaving it doesn't help and can harm.

Aggression isn't an inherent trait, but Chows are aloof, territorial and protective, and can be wary of strangers and intolerant of other dogs without good early socialisation. They're an independent, dignified breed rather than a naturally outgoing one. Early, positive socialisation and experienced, calm handling are key to a confident, well-mannered adult — which is why they suit experienced owners.

Chows have fairly low-to-moderate exercise needs — around an hour a day of steady walking suits most, plus some enrichment. They're not a high-energy breed and tire in the heat, so gentle, cool-time exercise is best. Keeping them active enough to stay lean is important for their joints and overall health, but they're happy to be dignified couch companions the rest of the time.

The blue-black tongue is one of the breed's defining features, present from a few weeks of age, and is a normal, healthy trait of the Chow Chow (shared with only a couch of other breeds). It's simply pigmentation. Worth knowing the difference, though: a tongue that turns blue suddenly in any dog can signal a lack of oxygen and is an emergency — the Chow's is a permanent, natural colour from birth.

Chow Chows are generally considered senior from around seven to eight years old. It's a good age to move to twice-yearly vet checks, keep a close eye on the eyes, joints and weight, and adapt exercise and bedding to support ageing joints. Catching the breed's common issues early keeps an older Chow comfortable for longer.

Keep them lean, groom the coat and skin regularly, protect them from heat, and stay on top of the eyes, teeth and thyroid through regular vet checks. Choosing a puppy from health-tested parents — especially for eyes and hips — gives the best start. Consistent, calm care of this breed's specific needs is what supports a long, comfortable life.

Best with older, calm children. As a general guide, Chow Chows tend to be better suited to homes with older children or no young children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Chow Chow needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

High shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.

Best for experienced owners. Chow Chows are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Best with a garden. A Chow Chow is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.