Chow Chow Breed Guide
Looking for a dog that’s part teddy bear, part lion, and all personality? The Chow Chow might just be your perfect match! These fluffballs not only look like they’ve just stepped out of a fairy tale but also bring a unique blend of charm and aloofness. Let's explore the fascinating world of Chow Chows and discover what makes them such a unique breed!
Chow Chow Basics
Average Lifespan: 9-15 years
Average Weight: 20-32 kg
Average Height: 46-56 cm
Colouring: Red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream, fawn
Trainability: Moderate, can be stubborn and independent
Exercise Needs: Moderate, requires daily walks
Shedding: Moderate, and heavy during seasonal changes
Origins of the Chow Chow
Chow Chows are one of the most ancient dog breeds, with origins tracing back to northern China over 2,000 years ago. They were initially used as guard dogs, hunting dogs, and even companions to Chinese nobility. Their regal appearance and loyal nature made them highly valued throughout history.
What Do Chow Chows Look Like?
Chow Chows have a distinctive look, with their lion-like mane, blue-black tongue, and curled tail. They boast a thick double coat that can be either rough or smooth, adding to their majestic appearance. Their body structure is sturdy and square, topped with a broad skull and an expression that says, “I’m the boss around here.”
Chow Chow Personality
Chow Chows are known for their loyal, aloof, and independent temperament. They can be reserved with strangers but are deeply devoted to their families. Training a Chow Chow requires patience and consistency, as they can be quite stubborn. Getting them socialised early is key to making sure they turn out to be well-behaved buddies.
Are Chow Chows Friendly?
Chow Chows are generally aloof with strangers but can be very affectionate with their family members. While they're better suited to households with older children, they can adapt to living with other pets if properly introduced and supervised.
Can Chow Chows Be Left Alone?
Chow Chows are quite independent and generally don't mind being left alone. However, they do require daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and prevent destructive behaviours. Like any dog, they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, so it's essential to create a routine and provide them with plenty of attention and exercise.
Chow Chow Feeding Requirements
Feeding your Chow Chow a high-quality diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Balanced Diet: Like all pooches, Chow Chows need a balanced diet consisting of proteins, fats, fibre, minerals, vitamins, and moisture.
- Nutrient Standards: Opt for a FEDIAF-approved recipe (an EU standard) to ensure these nutrients are included in the correct percentages for your pooch to thrive.
- Ingredient Labels: The best way to know if a food ticks your boxes is to turn and learn – read the ingredients list. Look for clearly named ingredients that you should recognise, meat or fish as the first ingredient (not grains or fillers), and no added sugars, salts, or artificial additives.
- Meal Frequency: Feed your Chow Chow twice a day to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
- Special Considerations: Due to their predisposition to joint and skin issues, consider foods with added joint support and skin-healthy ingredients like omega fatty acids.
Scrumbles, the Pawfect Food for Chow Chows
When it comes to feeding your Chow Chow, you want the best, and Scrumbles has you covered. Our range of dog food is carefully crafted with top-notch ingredients to support optimal health.
- High-quality ingredients: Up to 70% meat or fish for healthy protein levels.
- Gut health: Added prebiotics or probiotics to aid digestion and ensure healthy poops.
- Hypoallergenic: Free from common allergens such as gluten, soy, and dairy.
- Variety: Available in different flavours and forms (dry, wet, and treats).
- Nutritional balance: Complete recipes with all essential nutrients for overall health.
- Special additions: Slippery elm for digestive health in our wet food and support for joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin in our salmon dry dog food
So, why not give Scrumbles a try today and see the difference it makes for your Chow Chow? We can't wait to hear how much your fluffy companion loves it!
Is a Chow Chow Right for You?
Owning a Chow Chow requires dedicated grooming, understanding of their aloof nature, and a commitment to early socialisation and training. That's why they're best suited for experienced dog owners who can meet their unique needs.
Ready for the challenge? Then, bring home a Chow Chow and experience all the love, fluffiness, and quirkiness that comes with it. Just make sure you have enough room on your sofa for a lion-sized cuddle buddy!
