How to Identify a Chow Chow

A non-sporting breed from ancient China, the Chow Chow is possibly one of the world's oldest dog breeds. [1] Chow Chows, or Chows for short, have several distinctive physical traits and a unique temperament that make them stand out. [2] By being aware of these key traits, you can get a better idea of whether a dog is a Chow Chow.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Body Structure

  1. Chow Chows are not small dogs. They are 17–20 inches (43–51 cm) tall and can weigh between 45–70 pounds (20–32 kg). [3]
  2. Chows have high-set tails. Their tails are carried closely to their backs. [4]
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  3. Sometimes hard to find, the ears of a Chow Chow are small and triangular. [5] They stand erect, slightly tilted, and are firm at the base and slightly rounded at the tip. [6]
  4. Chows have dark brown eyes. Their eyes, placed wide apart, are deep set and resemble the shape of almonds. [7]
  5. [8] Perhaps one of the Chow's most identifiable traits is a blue or purple tongue. If you see the dog's short, broad muzzle [9] as it opens its mouth, see if it has a blue tongue.

    Did you know? Some people theorize that the Chow Chow is a mix of the Samoyed and Tibetan Mastiff, but due to the breed's unusual blue tongue (which is unique to just Chow Chows and Shar-Pei), experts believe instead that Chows are one of the original dog breeds as they've been around since beyond ancient times. [10]

  6. Chow Chows have strongly musculed bodies. They are described as short, broad, and compact. [11] They have a stilted, stiff-legged gait. [12]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Noticing the Coat

  1. Chow Chows have five coat colors: red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream, all of which are equally accepted by the AKC. [13] Red and cream coats can range from light to dark.
  2. There are two types of coats seen in Chows: rough and smooth. Rough Chow Chows are frequently seen in dog shows, and they have long fur that makes a ruff around their heads. They also have feathered tails. [14] Smooth Chows have less of a ruff and feathering. [15]
  3. Chow Chows have double-coats. Their outer coats are dense, straight, and coarse, while their undercoats are soft, thick, and wooly. [16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Identifying Temperament

  1. Chow Chows have interesting personalities in that they somewhat act like cats. They are aloof and typically only make close bonds with their owner rather than others. [17]
  2. Chows do things on their own. They can make good watchdogs or guard dogs because their independent personalities lead to them making their own decisions. [18]
  3. Around others, Chows can show signs of aggression. They don't easily allow others into their home and may bite or growl. [19] They shouldn't be around cats or small animals due to their hunting instincts and may be aggressive around other dogs. [20]
    EXPERT TIP

    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC

    Canine Behavior Consultant
    Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com.
    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
    Canine Behavior Consultant

    Chow Chows' natural instincts make them great guard dogs. However, it's essential to socialize them gently to prevent unnecessary aggressive behavior towards other people and dogs. Socialization is crucial for all pets, but especially for Chow Chows, due to their protective nature.

  4. Chows have a calm and quiet disposition. They are not very destructive and usually don't act entirely aggressive unless provoked. [21]
  5. Chows may have some negative traits, but if it's just them and their owner, they can become very loyal. Despite being independent and stubborn, they have the potential to show loyalty to one person close to them. [22]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I make my chow chow less aggressive?
    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
    Canine Behavior Consultant
    Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com.
    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
    Canine Behavior Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Ensuring thorough socialization with both people and other dogs is essential to mitigating the risk of aggressive behaviors in Chow Chow dogs. This practice contributes significantly to their overall well-being and helps foster positive interactions within various environments. Start early, expose them to positive experiences with people and other dogs, and enroll them in obedience classes for structured exposure. Be consistent, use positive reinforcement, and seek professional help if needed. Patience is key, as each dog's socialization journey is unique.
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  • Question
    Why do Chow Chows have blue tongues?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    Chow Chows' tongues develop to be a bluish black or purple color, which is a result of pigmentation in cells. It's uncertain when and how this pigmentation first came to be, however.
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  • Question
    How can I convince my parents to get me a Chow Chow?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    Inform your parents about the Chow Chow breed temperament. Be honest with them and tell them that Chow Chows can be aggressive, but acknowledge that this and their aloofness toward strangers enables them to be excellent guard or watchdogs. You can also tell them that Chow Chows are fairly calm and vastly loyal. Additionally, inform them about a Chow Chow's appearance and health, if this is a factor for your family in considering adoption. Check out How to Convince Your Parents to Let You Have a Pet for more tips.
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      Tips

      • If you're trying to figure out the breed of your dog, consider using a DNA test, as this will confirm their breed.
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      Warnings

      • Be aware that Chow Chows may be banned in certain areas because of their potential aggression and territorial behaviors. [23] Make sure to check the dog breed bans in your area.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about caring for dogs, check out our in-depth interview with Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chow-chow/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chow-chow/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chow-chow/
      4. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      8. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      9. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-facts-about-chow-chow/
      2. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-facts-about-chow-chow/
      4. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChowChow.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/chow-chow-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/chow-chow-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/chow-chow-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/chow-chow-temperament/
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/chow-chow-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/chow-chow-temperament/
      14. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/chowchows.html

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