| AKC Group: | Non-Sporting |
| A.K.A.: | N/A |
| Functions: | Guard dog, Hunting, Companion |
| Year of Origin: | Ancient |
| Country of Origin: | China |
| Life Span (yr): | 12 - 15 |
| Colors: | Brown, Blue, Cream, Black, Cinnamon |
| Height (Inch): | 17 - 20 |
| Weight (lb): | 45 - 70 |
| Size: | Medium |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: |  |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: |  |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
Unmistakable in appearance, the Chow Chow looks much like a domesticated lion – complete with exquisite mane. He also has a blue or black tongue that is one of his distinguishing features. He is very muscular and consequently incredibly powerful. His eyes are usually dark, as is his nose. His ears are located on top of his head and are typically triangular in shape. The Chow Chow can have two varieties of coats: smooth or rough. Regardless, his fur is rather thick and able to withstand cold temperatures. He has an overly formal, almost stiff gait that is also unique to his breed.
Temperament:
As stated before, the Chow Chow looks like a lion; but, what is really interesting is the fact that he acts like a cat, as well. He loves his family but is otherwise very independent and without a desire to please them. He can be wary of strangers and keeps a watchful eye on them at all times. Although he is typically good with children and other pets of the home, he should be supervised at all times. The early he is socialized, the better he will be among other people and animals. The Chow Chow must have a dominant owner who will assert his authority from the beginning.
Health:
Several kinds of health conditions are seen in the Chow Chow; however, they are common to all breeds. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, a painful disease that can eventually leave him unable to stand or walk due to severe pain in his joints. A genetic screening can determine whether hip dysplasia is in his heredity. He also can experience eye diseases such as entropion – where his eyelid rolls and causes infection of his eye. Luckily with surgery, this condition can be corrected for the Chow Chow. Regular visits to the veterinarian will keep him free of many terrible diseases and allow him to be checked for any abnormalities.
Maintenance:
One of the hardest things about maintaining a Chow Chow is convincing him that he needs to be groomed. He should be brushed regularly to have his coat and mane looking spectacular. If he needs to be bathed, using a dry shampoo is usually the best method. The Chow Chow is inherently lazy. So he must be convinced that he should go for a walk. If he does not get outside to stretch his legs, he can quickly develop behavioral issues – like chewing, barking, and digging. He should not be left alone outside during the summer or in warm climates because he is sensitive to high temperatures.