Chow Chow: Character, Health, Feeding, Price, and Care

The chow-chow is a bright and refined dog breed known for its lion-like features. These include a long mane around the neck and a scowling expression – perfect for why-did-you-wake-me-up situations. Chows are strong, independent dogs that make great companions for an active owners. With proper socialization, they can also be friendly toward strangers.

Chows have a reserved personality, are relatively quiet compared to other dog breeds, and don't need as much exercise or attention as other breeds.

This article will discuss the chow's health, feeding, price, and care requirements.

What Is a Chow Chow?

The Chow Chow is a confident, strong-willed dog with a bold personality and an independent streak. This large, furry breed originated in China over 2,000 years ago and is now known worldwide for its signature fluffy coat and distinctive blue-black tongue.

They were kept in China as early as ancient times for their great guard and protection skills. Even the Chinese emperors were big fans of these four-legged friends and had them immortalized in sculptures and paintings.

Chinese used to eat them as well.

But more recently, Chow Chows have become popularly known as cherished companions and family pets in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world.

What Is Chow Chow Size?

The Chow Chow is an adorable dog that stands at 17 to 20 inches and weighs 40 to 70 pounds. They are a very sturdy breed that is perfect for a family pet.

Chow Chow: Average Lifespan

Many Chow Chows are known to live to be 12 years old or older, which is a testament to their robust health and vitality. In fact, many people consider them to be one of the longest-living dog breeds around.

How to Take Care of Your Chow Chow's Health?

How to take care of your Chow Chow's health? By being aware of the most common health conditions that this breed can get, you can work to prevent them from occurring. Chow Chows are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health problems that can occur in Chows include:

• Hip dysplasia: A condition in which the hip joint doesn't fit properly into the socket, which can cause pain and arthritis.
• Eye problems: Such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and entropion.
• Skin problems: Including allergic dermatitis and Sebaceous adenitis.
• Liver shunt: A congenital defect in the liver that prevents blood from flowing through it properly.

If you want to buy a puppy, find a breeder who will show you health clearances for the pup's parents. Health clearances are test results and verification that the dog does not have a particular condition.

Here are some other tips to keep your Chow Chow in good health:

The dogs need to be exercised with long walks, which can take place in both rural and urban areas. They like to sniff around a lot, which often delays the walk, so owners need to be patient.

Although animals should be allowed to roam and explore outdoors, their natural hunting instincts must still be respected. If you're taking them into an unfamiliar area, take extra care.

Dogs respond best to being educated by the person they trust most--their owner. Even though the Chow-Chow can be trained quite easily, he tends not to listen when someone else is trying to get his attention. Therefore, the owner needs to be consistent and firm when training.

What to Feed Your Chow Chow?

When it comes to Chow Chow nutrition, a healthy diet is key to keeping them robust and healthy. Unfortunately, many Chows suffer from allergies or other diseases. Additionally, Hypothyroidism is more common in this breed than in others. Therefore, feeding Chows a diet tailored to their needs is incredibly important.

Many dogs need to consume a diet low in calories, which can be challenging for pet owners. Pay attention to their calorie intake to ensure a long and healthy life for your dog.

How Much Does a Chow Chow Cost?

Chow Chow puppies can be quite pricey, with the average cost of a reputable breeder ranging from $800 to $1,200. If you're looking for a pup with championship bloodlines, be prepared to pay even more - prices for these dogs can range from $3,000 and up.

Final Thoughts on Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a demanding breed, and they are only suitable for some. They require special attention and care, so you should ensure that you can provide them with the time and energy they need before considering getting one. They have a strong hunting instinct, so exercise should be closely monitored, and they may be prone to health issues.