Chow Chow

It’s important to get into a good grooming routine with your pup.  

• Bathing: Plan on bathing your dog every two to four weeks. Thoroughly rinse out the shampoo, as any remaining residue can cause dryness, flakiness, and irritation to the skin.  
• Brushing: Some breeds need an occasional brushing with just one tool, but your Chow Chow will need brushing sessions with a grooming toolkit twice a week. Remember that shaving your Chow Chow is not an option (they need their double coat to protect them from the heat and cold equally). For brushing, you’ll need the following tools:  
  • Course comb (to help remove the fluffy undercoat) 
  • Hair detangler (to get out any matting)  
  • Pin brush (to groom the longer, coarser guard hairs) 
  • Slicker brush (to remove mats and tangles) 
• Dental care: Start brushing your dog’s teeth a couple times a week to get them used to it, then work up to doing it daily. Once a year, get a pro cleaning at your vet. 
• Ear care: Pat your Chow Chow’s outer ears after bath time with a dry cotton ball, as excess moisture can lead to ear infections. Always check both ears for signs of irritation, debris, or a bad smell, which could signal an infection.  
• Nail care: Using pet nail trimmers, keep your dog’s nails clipped. Once a month is usually enough, but you’ll know it’s time when you hear clacking on hard surfaces.  

Known for their smarts, the Chow Chow is ready and willing to learn if you make training a priority. They’ll probably ace basic cues, like sit and come, as young as 8 weeks old.  

If you adopt your dog when they’re older, chat with your vet about when to train and how to socialize your Chow Chow. Finding a certified dog trainer can help with this breed, too. 

A Chow Chow’s temperament makes them naturally reserved around strangers, so they might be aloof around new people. Exposing them to different people, other pets, and new places when they’re young can help them grow into confident adults. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Chow Chow, but every dog needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. You should also choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).  

Treats can be an important part of training, but don’t overdo it. Dog treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. 

The Chow Chow’s size and deep chest makes them susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a medical emergency where the stomach expands and twists, cutting off blood flow.  Pet parents can take steps during mealtimes to reduce the risk of bloat by:  

• Using a slow feeder bowl 
• Avoiding elevated food and water bowls 
• Limiting exercise for an hour before and after your Chow Chow eats 

Chow Chows are active, alert dogs who are going to fully enjoy their daily walks and regular playtime. But if you suggest a 10K, they might have other ideas. 

There’s no need for any high-impact exercises with this calm breed. They’re not known for their speed, anyway, but they will enjoy playing with their favorite toys and leisurely strolls (a couple of 20-minute walks every day is enough to keep a Chow Chow happy).  

Remember that their body isn’t built for extreme heat or humidity, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Indoors, be prepared to keep the AC on high if necessary.  

Chow Chows prefer cooler climates, but that doesn’t mean you have to move to the Arctic Circle to make this dog a member of the family.   

They don’t need a ton of space to be happy, either—as long as you stick to their very basic exercise routine of daily walks. They don’t bark a lot, so an apartment isn’t out of the question if you have a park or somewhere else nearby where your Chow Chow can take a leisurely stroll.  

Chow Chow dogs can do well with families with older kids who understand that these pups need their space and don’t like to be climbed on or hugged tight. Chow Chows may also need an experienced pet parent who can confidently and kindly train and socialize them.