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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+12
Dogs
# The Chow Chow: temperament, price, health, and breeders
China
A proud and calm dog with a spectacular coat, reserved but deeply loyal.
Size MediumLife expectancy 9–12 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €1,000 – €1,500
[Find a breeder 54](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=chow-chow)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Fair
Daily exercise needs Low
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Limited
Tolerance of being alone Very good
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Calm: He generally lives peacefully at home and tolerates quiet environments well.
- Loyal: Even if he remains discreet, his attachment to his owner is real and lasting.
- Good guard dog: His natural vigilance and reserve toward strangers make him a credible guard without being excessively noisy.
- Independent character: He is neither demonstrative nor particularly docile, which makes his training more complicated for some owners.
- Coat maintenance: His dense fur requires regular brushing, especially during shedding periods.
- Sensitivity to heat: His abundant coat and limited tolerance to high temperatures require real precautions in summer.
- Sometimes difficult sociability: He can be distant with strangers and not very conciliatory with other dogs.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Experienced and calm owners: The Chow Chow does best with someone who is calm, consistent, and already comfortable with strong-willed dogs.
- Quiet households: He appreciates stable routines and low-key environments.
- People looking for a discreet dog: He suits those who like dogs that are reserved, clean, and not very noisy day to day.
Not recommended for
- Beginners: Its training and socialization require tact, firmness, and experience.
- Families wanting a very playful dog: This breed is not very demonstrative and rarely seeks intense playful interactions.
- Households in very hot climates: The Chow Chow tolerates heat poorly and must be protected rigorously in summer.
- People looking for a very sociable dog: Its natural reserve does not match the image of an outgoing dog with everyone.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
51 cmChow Chow
- Height at the withers
- 46–56 cm
- Weight
- 24–30 kg
- Coat
- Long or short, very abundant, dense
- FCI group
- 5
- Origin
- China
- Grooming
- High-maintenance coat
## Photos and videos
See the Chow Chow in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed originating from China and more broadly from Central Asia. It has been used over the centuries for varied functions, notably guarding, light pulling, hunting and sometimes for its fur. Introduced in Europe in the 19th century, it quickly intrigued with its lion-like appearance, its blue-black tongue and its very particular temperament. In France, the breed mainly developed in the 20th century and has retained an image of a noble, independent and distinctive dog.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Chow Chow is a compact, powerful and well-built dog, with a short and solid silhouette. Its head is broad, its ears small and erect, its eyes oval and its tail is carried curled over the back. Its coat is always solid and can be black, red, fawn, blue, cream or white. Its coat comes in two varieties, long or short, but remains in all cases very abundant and dense. Its blue-black tongue is one of its most remarkable distinctive signs.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Chow Chow is a calm, proud, very independent dog and often not very demonstrative. It becomes truly attached to its owner, but rarely expresses its affection in an expansive way. Reserved with strangers, sometimes distant with other dogs, it has a strong temperament and a real sense of territory. It is not aggressive by nature, but needs to be respected and properly socialized.
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Chow Chow is rather quiet, clean and not very active in the house. It appreciates routine, tolerates solitude relatively well and does not constantly seek play or excitement. Its physical needs remain moderate, but regular outings are essential to prevent weight gain and maintain its fitness. It prefers a calm environment and does not cope well with overly insistent attention.
Training
## Training and socialization
The education of the Chow Chow must start early and remain consistent, calm and firm. This breed is not particularly docile and does not obey automatically. Its owner must inspire trust, set clear rules and avoid any brutality, otherwise the dog may become defensive. Early socialization is essential to improve its tolerance towards strangers, other dogs and everyday handling.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the breeds whose purchase price depends heavily on the seriousness of the breeding, the quality of the bloodlines and health monitoring. Its upkeep also requires a regular budget, notably for food, grooming and veterinary follow-up.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chow-chow/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Chow Chow is generally a robust dog, but its selection and morphology expose it to several points of vigilance. Its abundant coat bothers it in high heat and it can be prone to overweight if it lacks exercise or if its ration is not controlled. Regular monitoring of the locomotor system, the eyes and the thyroid is recommended.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chow-chow/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Chow Chow needs a good-quality diet, easy to digest and adapted to its age, weight and rather moderate activity level. As it may have digestive sensitivity and a tendency to gain weight, regularity and portion control are essential.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chow-chow/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Chow Chow is famous for its blue-black tongue, a rare characteristic in dogs. One of the best-known of the breed was Jofi, Sigmund Freud's dog, who attended certain consultations and helped popularize the idea of a soothing relationship between the animal and the human. Its lion-like appearance and stiff gait make it a breed that is immediately recognizable.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Chow Chow
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Chow Chow affectionate?
Yes, but in a very reserved way. It is loyal and attached to its owner, without being demonstrative or very demanding of contact.
### Is the Chow Chow suitable as a first dog?
Not really. Its independent nature, sensitivity to authority and demanding training make it a breed better suited to already experienced owners.
### Can the Chow Chow live in an apartment?
Yes, provided it has daily outings and a calm environment. It is discreet, does not bark much and is fairly clean indoors, but it must not become sedentary.
### Does the Chow Chow get along with other animals?
Living together can be delicate, especially without early socialization. Many individuals remain reserved or not very accommodating with other dogs.
## Find a Chow Chow breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Chow Chow breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Chow Chow breeders in Occitanie12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/occitanie) [Chow Chow breeders in Pays de la Loire8](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/pays-de-la-loire) [Chow Chow breeders in Hauts-de-France7](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/hauts-de-france) [Chow Chow breeders in Brittany6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/brittany) [Chow Chow breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Chow Chow breeders in Normandy4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/normandy) [Chow Chow breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/auvergne-rhone-alpes)
### Chow Chow breeders by country
[54 breeders of Chow Chow in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow) [28 breeders of Chow Chow in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/italy) [11 breeders of Chow Chow in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/germany) [8 breeders of Chow Chow in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/denmark) [8 breeders of Chow Chow in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/united-kingdom) [6 breeders of Chow Chow in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/spain) [3 breeders of Chow Chow in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/finland) [2 breeders of Chow Chow in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/netherlands) [2 breeders of Chow Chow in Romania](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/romania) [1 breeder of Chow Chow in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow/austria)
[All breeders of Chow Chow in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow)
## Ready to welcome a Chow Chow?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chow-chow)
## Compare Chow Chow with other breeds
- [Shar-Pei vs. Chow Chow](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/shar-pei-vs-chow-chow)
## Discover other breeds
[Eurasier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/eurasier)
[Samoyed
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/samoyed)
[Shar-Pei
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shar-pei)
[Finnish Lapphund
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/finnish-lapphund)
[Icelandic Sheepdog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/icelandic-sheepdog)
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