Are Chow Chows Good Family Dogs? Your Questions Answered

Learn whether Chow Chows are good family dogs by exploring their temperament, training needs, personality, and suitability for different households.

The chow chow. An ancient Chinese dog breed that continues to grow in popularity around the world. These dogs are known for being aloof, yet loyal, companions that resemble lions due to the manes around their necks.

That said, if you plan on welcoming a chow chow into your family, it helps to know if they're the right choice. So, are chow chows good family dogs? In this guide, we help you answer this question and learn more about chow chows.

Chow Chow Breed Information

If you're not familiar with the chow chow breed, make sure you stick around here for a moment. This ancient dog breed hails from China, and they're known for their lion-like name and blue-black tongue.

These unique traits result in chow chows being popular and sought-after dogs around the world, so not just in China and other Asian countries.

While this may be the case, chow chows are a little on the quiet and aloof side. Therefore, you'll find that they're best for people who are comfortable with an independent dog. We dive into these traits in more detail below.

Chow Chow Size

Chow chows are rather large dogs. Expect males to be around 19-22 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 50 to 75 pounds. Females are slightly smaller. Female chow chows tend to weigh around 44 to 65 pounds, and they only reach around 18-20 inches at the shoulder.

Chow Chow Temperament

When it comes to temperament, chow chows have an aloof one. They're quiet, not very high in the energy department, and generally like to be left alone. However, chow chows are also loyal and protective over the people they bond with, and they can be standoffish towards strangers.

Chow Chow Care

If you plan on adopting a chow chow, make sure you understand their care needs first.

Expect them to live for around 10-15 years with proper care, and keep an eye on their grooming needs; you should brush them daily and have their coats trimmed every six to eight weeks. We also recommend keeping an eye on their nails, and make sure you help them exercise for around 30 minutes to an hour daily.

Are Chow Chows Good Family Dogs?

Chow chows are good family dogs, yes. However, this only applies to the right family. Essentially, chow chows are only great family dogs for the right family, which is one that doesn't have small children. This is due to the fact that chow chows tend to be aloof and independent, or almost cat-like in their behavior.

Too much stimulation can result in problems, and when you pair this with their larger size, it can be problematic for families with small children. Now, families that love dogs that are independent shouldn't have any issues with chow chows.

Still, it's worth evaluating these factors before you adopt a chow chow or purchase one.

When Aren't Chow Chows Good Family Dogs?

Chow chows aren't good family dogs in a few situations. These situations vary, but you'll find that they're not ideal for families with small children. We list some other non-ideal situations to bring a chow chow into below.

• Families that want a dog who will always play or be around the family

• Families with older children that may play rough with the dog

• People who aren't experienced with dogs, especially the training aspect

• Individuals and families who don't have time to train chow chows

These are the factors that determine who should and shouldn't welcome a chow chow into their family.

How Much Does a Chow Chow Cost?

If you plan on welcoming a chow chow into your family, it helps to know how much they will cost. From a breeder, chow chow puppies will cost around $1,500 to $3,000. From a shelter, if you go the adoption route, you can expect to spend around $500 to $750.

While these are the upfront costs, they don't stop there. Make sure you have another $1,000 to $2,000 each year to cover the cost of care, veterinarian bills, and other needs. In fact, you may need more if you want to get fancy haircuts that really show off their lion manes.

Are Chow Chows Good Family Dogs? The Verdict

So, are chow chows good family dogs? Unfortunately, it really comes down to your family. If you have small children, well, you may want to go with a more family-friendly breed. On the other hand, if you prefer a more aloof canine companion and don't have to worry about kids, then you shouldn't have any issues with a chow chow. 

For these reasons, make sure you spend some time understanding the chow chow breed before you consider adopting one.

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