Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Chow Chow is generally between 9 and 12 years. A well-adjusted diet, a stable weight, serious veterinary follow-up and good heat management help it to age in good conditions.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Chow Chow is considered a rather sturdy dog, especially when it comes from a serious selection. Its robustness does not exempt it from particular attention to the joints, the eyes and weight gain, which are among the most frequent weaknesses of the breed.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
In the Chow Chow, prevention is essential because several conditions can develop discreetly at the beginning. Weight monitoring, eye checks, orthopedic evaluation, and observing tolerance to exercise and heat are among the useful habits throughout its life.
Hip dysplasia: This joint condition can cause pain, limping and early wear, hence the importance of weight control and responsible breeding.
Elbow dysplasia: It can appear from a young age and limit locomotor comfort, especially if growth or activity have been poorly managed.
Eye conditions: Entropion, ectropion or glaucoma are among the problems to watch for in this breed, especially in cases of tearing or repeated irritation.
Hypothyroidism: This hormonal condition can promote fatigue, weight gain and coat changes, and is detected through a veterinary check-up.
Heatstroke and obesity: The Chow Chow tolerates heat poorly and tends to be overweight, which requires good management of exertion, meals and temperatures.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Chow Chow tolerates cold well thanks to its very thick coat, but tolerates high heat poorly. In summer, walks must be shifted to the coolest hours, intense exertion limited, and access to shade as well as water always guaranteed.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Chow Chow has a real predisposition to being overweight if it lacks activity or if portions are too generous. Precise portion control, split meals and regular daily outings are important to protect its joints and its overall comfort.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor weight and body shape
- Limit intense exertion in hot weather
- Consult promptly in case of limping, tearing, or eye discomfort
- Maintain rigorous brushing to aerate the coat and monitor the skin
Vaccination
Chow Chow vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Chow Chow need? Like all dogs, Chow Chows should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Chow Chow vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Chow Chow booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Chow Chow need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Chow Chow
It is relevant to monitor the hips, elbows, eyes and thyroid function, especially in at-risk lines or in case of clinical signs. A serious breeder should be able to talk about the monitoring of these health points.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
