Chow Chow Overview
Origin: China
One of the most ancient breeds, originating in northern China over 2,000 years ago. Used as temple guards, sled dogs, and herders. Distinctive for its blue-black tongue and lion-like mane.
Chow Chows are distinctive Chinese dogs with bear-like appearance and blue-black tongues. Known for their aloof, independent temperament, they are loyal to their families but reserved with strangers. In Australia, they are less common but valued as unique companions, though their independent nature and heat sensitivity limit their suitability.
These dogs require experienced owners who understand their unique temperament and can provide consistent training from puppyhood. They bond closely with chosen family members but can be aloof and dignified with outsiders. Chow Chows thrive in cooler climates and require regular grooming to manage their thick double coats.
Chow Chow Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Chow Chow temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Aloof, independent, dignified, and loyal to family. Chow Chows are cat-like in their aloofness and form strong bonds with chosen people. They can be stubborn and dominant with other dogs. Kids: not ideal due to low tolerance for rough handling. Pets: generally territorial with other dogs; early socialisation helps. Barking: relatively quiet. Reserved with strangers.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Chow Chow scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Chow Chow Right for You?
❌
Apartment
CHECK Suitable; relatively low-energy indoors
❌
House with yard
WARN Acceptable but not essential; moderate exercise needs
❌
First-time owner
CROSS Not recommended; require experienced handlers
❌
Renters
CROSS Likely poor landlord approval due to size and care needs
❌
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
CROSS Unsuitable; poor heat tolerance; some councils may restrict ownership
❌
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
CHECK Ideal; thick coats suited to cooler regions
❌
Elderly/retired owners
CHECK Good for calm, active elderly owners
❌
Working owners (8hrs alone)
CHECK Can tolerate alone time; independent nature suits working owners
❌
Rural/acreage
WARN Acceptable; not high-energy enough to require acreage
❌
Active lifestyle
CROSS Low-energy; not suited to active owners seeking outdoor companions
Separation Anxiety: Low — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Chow Chow Size & Appearance
Size
Large
Weight M
25-32 kg
Weight F
20-27 kg
Height
45-56 cm
Coat
Dense, thick double coat (two varieties: smooth and rough)
Colours
Black, red, fawn, cream, blue, cinnamon
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Chow Chow Health & Lifespan
12 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Inherited joint condition affecting rear legs
Est. treatment: $2,500-$5,000
Joint malformation causing arthritis
Est. treatment: $2,000-$4,500
Eyelid rolling inward causing eye irritation
Est. treatment: $800-$2,000
Autoimmune thyroiditis requiring lifelong medication
Est. treatment: $500-$1,200/year
Life-threatening stomach condition requiring emergency surgery
Est. treatment: $3,000-$8,000
Knee joint instability
Est. treatment: $1,500-$3,500
Recommended Health Tests:
Hip and elbow scores, thyroid evaluation, ophthalmologist evaluation
Pet Insurance for Chow Chow
Avg Annual Insurance: $750
Monthly Estimate: $45-$90/month; Petplan, Nib Pet Insurance, Medibank Pet
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Chow Chow
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Chow Chow Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$3,000 - $9,000 |
| Food |
$2,000 |
| Vet |
$600 |
| Grooming |
$350 |
| Insurance |
$750 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$2,792 |
| Monthly |
$166 |
| LIFETIME (12 yrs) |
$33,504 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$33,504
Estimated lifetime cost (12 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Chow Chow Grooming Guide
Frequency
3-4 times per week
Brushing
Heavy brushing required; daily during shedding season
Professional Cost
$80-$150
Coat
Dense, thick double coat (two varieties: smooth and rough)
Shedding
★★★★★/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Chow Chow Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
45 minutes
Type
Moderate walking, low impact activities
Energy
★★☆☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Low
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Chow Chow
Trainability: ★★☆☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★☆☆☆☆/5
Independent and stubborn; requires experienced handlers. Early socialisation is essential. Not recommended for novice owners. Responds better to consistent, firm but fair leadership.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Chow Chow Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $2,000
2-2.5 cups daily. High-quality diet recommended. Prone to obesity; monitor weight closely. Feed twice daily in smaller portions to reduce bloat risk.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Chow Chow Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Chow Chow in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Chow Chow Rescue Australia
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Chow Chow — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chow Chows suitable for hot climates like QLD?
No - they have poor heat tolerance due to thick coats. Best suited to VIC/TAS/ACT or elevated NSW areas. Some councils may restrict ownership.
Do they get along with children?
Not ideal - they are not naturally patient with young children and can be intolerant of rough play.
How much grooming do they need?
Extensive - 3-4 times weekly; daily during shedding season. Professional grooming costs $80-$150 per visit.
Are they easy to train?
No - they are independent and stubborn. Require experienced, consistent handlers.
Do they shed heavily?
Yes - they shed heavily year-round, more so during shedding season. Regular brushing is essential.
What is their lifespan?
9-15 years with proper care.
Are they suitable for apartments?
Yes - they are relatively low-energy and can adapt to apartment living if exercised appropriately.
Do they need much exercise?
Moderate - 45 minutes daily is sufficient. They are not high-energy dogs.
Are Chow Chows good guard dogs?
Moderately - they are protective of family but reserved rather than aggressive. Their dignity and aloofness serve as deterrents.
What is the cost of pet insurance in Australia?
$45-$90/month with providers like Petplan and Nib Pet Insurance.
