Chow Chow: Size, Temperament, Colours & Cost Guide

The Chow Chow is a dignified, lion-like dog known for its thick double coat, curled tail, deep-set eyes and distinctive bluish-black tongue. Originally from northern China, this medium-to-large breed is loyal to its family but often reserved around strangers.

A full-grown Chow Chow is usually a sturdy, compact dog weighing around 20–32kg. They need regular coat care, calm training, thoughtful socialisation and careful management during hot Australian weather.

This guide covers Chow Chow size, coat types, colours, temperament, grooming, health, price and everyday care for Australian owners.

Breed Overview

Topic	Quick Answer
Origin	Northern China
Breed size	Medium to large
Adult weight	Often around 20–32kg
Adult height	Usually 46cm or taller at the shoulder
Lifespan	Often around 8–12 years
Coat types	Rough coat and smooth coat
Coat colours	Black, red, blue, fawn, cream and white
Shedding	Heavy, especially during seasonal coat changes
Exercise needs	Moderate
Temperament	Loyal, independent, reserved and dignified
Best suited to	Calm, experienced homes with time for grooming and training

Chow Chow Size: How Big Do They Get?

A Chow Chow is a medium-to-large dog with a broad chest, compact body and sturdy legs.

Most full-grown Chow Chows weigh around 20–32kg. Males are often heavier and more muscular, while females may sit towards the lighter end of the range.

Dogs Australia lists a minimum height of 46cm at the shoulder for Chow Chows, although individual adult height and build can vary.

How Big Is a Full-Grown Chow Chow Next to a Human?

A full-grown Chow Chow is usually around knee height when standing beside many adults. Their broad chest, thick coat and dense mane can make them look much larger than their actual height.

They are not giant dogs, but they are solid, powerful and heavier than many people expect when meeting one in person.

Are There Different Chow Chow Sizes?

Chow Chows do not have separate toy, miniature or giant size varieties.

Differences in size usually come from sex, genetics, body condition and breeding lines. Be cautious of advertisements claiming “teacup Chow Chows” or unusually tiny purebred Chows, as this is not a recognised size category.

Chow Chow Types: Rough Coat vs Smooth Coat

There are two recognised Chow Chow coat varieties: rough-coated and smooth-coated.

Rough-Coated Chow Chow

The rough-coated Chow Chow has the classic lion-like appearance most people picture. Their outer coat stands away from the body and forms a thick ruff around the neck and shoulders.

This coat type needs frequent brushing to prevent knots, trapped loose hair and uncomfortable mats.

Smooth-Coated Chow Chow

A smooth Chow Chow has a shorter, flatter coat but still has the same dense double-coat structure.

Smooth-coated Chows may look easier to manage, but they still shed heavily and need regular brushing. Their grooming routine is usually simpler than a rough-coated Chow, but it is not low-maintenance.

Chow Chow Colours: White, Black, Blue, Red, Cream and Fawn

Chow Chows can come in several whole-coloured coats.

Recognised colours include:

• Black

• Red

• Blue

• Fawn

• Cream

• White

A Chow Chow’s coat may look lighter underneath the tail or around the back of the thighs. However, purebred Chow Chows should not be patchy or parti-coloured.

White Chow Chows are real and recognised, although they are less common than red, cream or black dogs. Blue Chow Chows have a blue-grey appearance, while cinnamon or fawn Chows can range from pale beige through to warmer brown tones.

Colour does not determine temperament, health or suitability. Focus on responsible breeding, health history and the individual dog’s personality rather than coat colour alone.

Chow Chow Temperament and Personality

Chow Chows are often loyal, quiet and independent.

They can form deep bonds with their family, but they are usually not as openly social or eager to please as many retriever, spaniel or companion breeds. A Chow Chow may prefer sitting near you rather than constantly seeking attention.

They are often described as cat-like because they can be self-contained, selective and calm indoors.

A well-raised Chow Chow may be affectionate and protective with its family, while remaining reserved around unfamiliar people. This is why early, positive socialisation is important.

Are Chow Chows Aggressive?

Chow Chows are not automatically aggressive. However, they can become fearful, territorial or defensive without proper socialisation, training and handling.

They are not a breed that suits harsh corrections or force-based training. Calm routines, clear boundaries and reward-based training usually work best.

Introduce your Chow Chow gradually to visitors, children, grooming, car travel, other dogs and everyday handling from puppyhood.

Are Chow Chows Good Family Dogs?

Chow Chows can suit calm families with respectful older children.

They may not enjoy loud, rough or unpredictable play. Young children should always be supervised around any dog, especially a large, independent breed that may not tolerate being climbed on, hugged tightly or disturbed while resting.

A Chow Chow is often a better fit for adults, couples, quieter households or families who understand dog body language and value calm routines

Are Chow Chows Easy to Train?

Chow Chows are intelligent, but they are not usually eager to repeat commands simply to please people.

They can learn well when training is calm, consistent and rewarding. Keep sessions short and practical, especially during puppyhood.

Focus early training on:

• Name recognition

• Recall

• Loose-lead walking

• Calm greetings

• Handling around paws, ears and coat

• Settling on a bed or mat

• Being comfortable with visitors

• Walking past dogs without reacting

Use food rewards, praise and patient repetition. Avoid punishing a Chow Chow for growling or showing discomfort. Instead, give them space, identify the trigger and seek help from a qualified trainer where needed.

For daily walks and training, choose properly fitted dog collars, harnesses and leads .

Chow Chow Grooming and Shedding

Chow Chows are high-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming.

Their dense double coat sheds throughout the year and often becomes much heavier during seasonal coat changes. Rough-coated Chows generally need brushing several times a week, while smooth-coated Chows may need brushing two to three times weekly.

During heavier shedding periods, daily brushing can help manage loose undercoat and reduce mats.

Pay attention to:

• Behind the ears

• Around the neck ruff

• Under the front legs

• Around the tail

• The back of the legs

• The chest and belly

Regular brushing also gives you a chance to check for skin irritation, moisture trapped under the coat, lumps, parasites or sore areas.

Browse dog grooming tools for brushes, clippers and grooming accessories. For a full routine, read our step-by-step dog grooming guide .

Chow Chow Exercise Needs

Chow Chows have moderate exercise needs.

Most adults do well with one or two shorter walks each day, along with calm play, sniffing opportunities and basic training. They do not usually need intense running, long hikes in heat or nonstop high-energy activity.

A balanced Chow Chow routine may include:

• Morning or evening walks

• Sniffing and exploring new routes

• Short training sessions

• Food puzzles or scent games

• Gentle supervised play

• Quiet rest time indoors

Choose durable dog toys for gentle play, food enrichment and mental stimulation.

Can Chow Chows Live in Hot Australian Weather?

Chow Chows can live in Australia, but hot weather needs careful management because of their thick double coat.

Walk your Chow Chow early in the morning or later in the evening. Avoid hot pavement, long car trips during heatwaves and exercise during the hottest part of the day.

On warm days, provide:

• Fresh water in more than one location

• Shade and good airflow

• Access to a cool indoor space where possible

• Shorter, slower walks

• Close supervision for signs of overheating

A cooling mat or raised dog bed can make rest time more comfortable, but it does not replace water, shade, ventilation or supervision.

Do not shave a Chow Chow’s coat as a quick summer fix unless a veterinarian recommends it for a specific medical reason. Regular brushing and professional grooming are safer ways to manage loose undercoat.

Chow Chow Health and Lifespan

Chow Chows often live around 8–12 years.

Like many purebred dogs, they can be more likely to develop certain health concerns. Not every Chow Chow will experience these problems, but prospective owners should understand the risks and ask breeders about health screening.

Potential concerns include:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Entropion, where the eyelid turns inward

• Eye irritation or other eye conditions

• Skin issues under a dense coat

• Weight gain

• Heat stress in warm weather

Ask a breeder what screening has been completed for the parents. Hip, elbow and eye information can be particularly useful when choosing a puppy.

Regular veterinary care, dental checks, parasite prevention, a balanced diet, healthy weight and controlled exercise all support long-term wellbeing.

Chow Chow Price and Cost in Australia

A Chow Chow puppy from a responsible, registered breeder in Australia can cost several thousand dollars.

As a practical planning range, many buyers should allow around $3,000–$9,000 for a well-bred Chow Chow puppy. Price can vary based on pedigree, breeder reputation, health testing, colour, location and what is included before collection.

The puppy price is only one part of ownership. You should also plan for:

• Large dog bedding

• Grooming equipment and possible professional grooming

• Food and treats

• Vaccinations, parasite prevention and vet visits

• Training

• Insurance

• Leads, harnesses and bowls

• Emergency veterinary costs

For everyday feeding, browse dog bowls and feeders .

Choosing a Chow Chow Puppy in Australia

Take your time before placing a deposit.

A responsible breeder should be open about the puppy’s parents, health history, daily care and socialisation.

Ask to see:

• The puppy’s mother and, where possible, the father

• The place where the puppies were raised

• Health screening information for both parents

• Veterinary health-check records

• Vaccination, worming and microchip details

• Pedigree or registration papers

• A written agreement covering support and return arrangements

Avoid sellers who pressure you to pay quickly, refuse visits, offer to meet only in public places or cannot provide clear health information.

For early toilet-training routines, puppy training pads can help during the first stage at home.

Are Chow Chows Good With Other Dogs and Cats?

Chow Chows can live with other pets, but early introduction and supervision matter.

Some Chows are selective around unfamiliar dogs, especially dogs of the same sex or dogs that play roughly. Others may coexist peacefully with pets they have grown up with.

Introduce animals gradually, keep early interactions calm and do not force contact. Give each pet its own resting space, food area and time away from the other.

A Chow Chow’s personality, socialisation history and individual experiences matter more than broad breed assumptions.

Helpful Products for Chow Chows

A few practical essentials can make daily care easier for a Chow Chow.

A large, supportive sleeping area can help a heavy dog rest comfortably. Browse jumbo dog beds or orthopaedic dog beds for a more supportive option.

For warm weather, use cooling mats indoors or in shaded areas. For grooming, keep a regular brushing kit ready so loose undercoat does not build up.

Is a Chow Chow Right for You?

A Chow Chow may be a good fit if you:

• Prefer a calm, independent dog

• Have time for regular grooming

• Can provide consistent training and socialisation

• Want a loyal but not overly clingy companion

• Can manage their needs during hot weather

• Understand that large dogs require ongoing expenses and planning

A Chow Chow may not suit you if you:

• Want a highly social, always-playful dog

• Prefer a low-shedding breed

• Have little time for grooming

• Need a dog that can cope with long hours alone

• Want an easy first dog with simple training needs

• Live in a very hot environment without cool indoor areas

A Chow Chow can be a quiet, loyal and deeply rewarding companion for the right owner. Their personality is not loud or flashy, but many form strong bonds with the people they trust.

FAQs

How big does a Chow Chow get?

A full-grown Chow Chow often weighs around 20–32kg and usually stands at least 46cm at the shoulder. They are medium-to-large dogs with a compact but solid build. Their thick double coat and lion-like mane can make them look even bigger than their actual height.

Do Chow Chows shed a lot?

Yes. Chow Chows shed throughout the year and often shed heavily during seasonal coat changes. Rough-coated Chows usually need brushing several times each week, while smooth-coated Chows need regular brushing too. Daily brushing may be helpful when loose undercoat is coming out heavily.

Are Chow Chows easy to train?

Chow Chows are intelligent but independent. They can learn well with calm, short and consistent training sessions, but they are not usually eager to repeat commands for attention alone. Positive reinforcement, early socialisation and patient handling are important for this breed.

Are Chow Chows aggressive?

Chow Chows are not automatically aggressive, but they can be reserved, territorial or defensive without suitable socialisation and training. They generally do best with calm handling, clear boundaries and gradual introductions to people, dogs and new environments.

Can Chow Chows live in hot weather?

Chow Chows can live in Australia, but hot weather requires extra care due to their thick coat. Walk them early or late, provide shade and fresh water, avoid hot pavement and offer access to a cooler indoor space. Watch closely for heavy panting, drooling, weakness or distress.

What colours can Chow Chows be?

Recognised Chow Chow colours include black, red, blue, fawn, cream and white. Their coat should be whole-coloured rather than patchy or parti-coloured. White, black and blue Chow Chows may be less common, but colour alone does not indicate temperament, health or breeder quality.

What is a Panda Chow?

A Panda Chow is not a separate breed or official Chow Chow colour. It usually refers to a Chow Chow that has been groomed or dyed to resemble a panda. Prioritise your dog’s comfort, skin health and welfare over cosmetic styling.

How much does a Chow Chow cost in Australia?

A Chow Chow puppy from a responsible breeder can cost several thousand dollars. A practical budget is often around $3,000–$9,000, depending on health testing, pedigree, breeder reputation and location. Remember to budget separately for grooming, food, insurance, vet care and equipmen