At first glance, there are few dog breeds as adorable as the Chow Chow. There is something so incredibly endearing about their thick fluff and their chubby, little faces. Do not let appearances deceive you as these dogs are notorious for their aggressive nature. However, this does not mean that they are not in demand. And in that niche dog lovers’ market, they can go for a pretty penny.
Typically, Chow Chows cost anywhere between $800 to $1,200. Chow Chows can cost a lot more in places where there are heavier restrictions on their ownership as they are usually harder to come by. Furthermore, you will have to budget for about $100 per month in maintenance for basics like grooming, vet services, and food.
In the sections below, we shall take a closer look at the real cost of owning a Chow Chow so that you know how best to prepare for your new pooch. But first, let’s see why they are so popular and expensive despite their sketchy reputation.
With a $800 to $1,200 price range, Chow Chows fall within the mid-range price group of dog breeds.
Chow Chows are also just a little over the average in terms of maintenance costs which often get higher with sickly Chows. While they may not be the most expensive of all dog breeds, these pooches are still quite pricey. Here are some of the main reasons why.
Aesthetics have always played a huge role when it comes to determining demand and subsequent prices of dog breeds. With their thick, fluffy coats, cute faces, and compact build, Chow Chows definitely have a lot going for them.
Surprisingly, it is the Chow Chow’s controversial personality that makes the breed so popular and not just the aesthetics. To be frank, Chow Chows are not great family dogs nor are they ideal for first-time owners.
Chow Chows are not as social and eager to please their owners as other dog breeds. They are not the easiest to train either. We will get into more of these traits in the article.
However, for those in the community who love Chow Chows and view them as misunderstood, no price is too high.
Another very important reason why Chow Chows are so expensive is the fact that they are quite a rare dog breed. This is largely due to strict restrictions and regulations governing breeding, sale, and ownership of these dogs all over the world. This fact makes them more expensive as options on where to get the doggies are not very high.
This also makes it difficult to get them for cheaper through alternatives like adopting from a rescue shelter or buying from individuals on online platforms.
Chow Chows live for about 9 to 15 years.
This is quite impressive and is largely because the doggies live an active and relatively healthy life. However, this does not mean that there are no health issues for you to be concerned with, here are just a few of the main ones and what they could mean for your fluffy Chow pooch.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in a Chow Chow. Most of the tumors appear in later years and are unfortunately often discovered when they have progressed and even spread. The most common are gastric tumors, skin cancer, and lymphomas.
Something quite interesting about cataracts in Chow Chows is that it is not only found in older doggies. They sometimes suffer from what is known as juvenile cataracts. They can have devastating consequences like blindness which will negatively impact the dog’s quality of life.
Chow Chows are also known to develop diabetes even without underlying causes like obesity. This may have a lot to do with their traditionally high-carb diet. While it is often manageable when discovered early enough, it could result in complications in all systems from the brain to the kidneys.
Canine Pemphigus is an autoimmune skin disease that results in skin irritation manifesting with blisters and boils. These usually rupture and may become infected resulting in several wounds all over the body. It is actually one of the main reasons why Chow Chows sometimes smell so bad.
Peaceful coexistence with a Chow Chow is heavily reliant on the environment you create for them. They are less likely to act out if they feel happy, safe, and comfortable. Here are a few very important general care tips to help you give your pooch the best home possible.
Chow Chows have very unique dietary requirements. As a result of their historic upbringing on a largely low-protein diet, they are prone to many food allergies involving most meats. These include options like beef, lamb, and even chicken which should be avoided if possible.
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Vitamins like A, D, E, and a bunch from the Vitamin B complex are crucial for a Chow Chow’s health. However, they are not always available or in adequate amounts in most diets. Multivitamin supplements boost their levels ensuring general improvement in the health status as well as addressing specific health needs.
A lot of the health issues highlighted above are only so devastating as they are often picked up on when they have progressed and become complicated. Regular veterinary visits allow for these health issues to be identified and dealt with as soon as possible. This not only increases the Chow Chow’s lifespan but also the quality of life.
There is no sugar-coating that the Chow Chow can be a dangerous dog.
Of course this does not mean that they do not have any redeeming qualities or that all Chow Chows out there are just teeming for a fight.
However, it is safe to conclude that this is not a dog you want to get as a first time dog owner, if you have other smaller dogs, or if you have young children in the house.
If you feel up to the task, here are a few key temperament features you have to look forward to.
Despite their reputations, Chow Chows are actually pretty laid back most of the time. In fact, Chow Chows only display aggressive behavior when they feel threatened or are frustrated for some reason or other.
Chow chows are quite independent and very much enjoy their own company. If you are away a lot for work or errands, Chow Chow is an independent dog breed that can very easily be left alone. Just make sure they have enough food, water, and their favorite toys.
However, you should also be prepared to be ignored by your Chow Chow at times when you may need them most. Chow Chows are not keen to please their owners as compared to many other dog breeds.
These doggies are also known for their fierce loyalty and deep affection for their owners. They love their human companions and will not hesitate to protect you if they feel you are threatened. It is no wonder that they still have a fan base.
Chow Chows are very smart. However, they are not easy to train. This is because they are often very aloof and disinterested. Professional training courses for the dogs start at about $100 with an extra $50 to $100 for toys and other training equipment.
If you choose to do it yourself, start early and stock up on rewards to keep their attention. You could also try out the Brain Training for Dogs program for simple yet effective guidelines on how to actually train your doggy.
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The Chow chow may have a lot of faults but aesthetics are not a part of this list. These doggies are the very definition of “fluff ball” with their thick, fluffy coats. You would think that with so much fur to work with, these dogs are very high maintenance.
This is actually not the case as they do not shed very much. It would cost you not more than $90 to get your Chow Chow professionally taken care of. You could also decide to do it yourself. Here are a few key grooming tips so you know how to best play your part.
Chow Chow coats need regular brushing to deshed and get rid of any tangles. This helps not only with the aesthetics of it all but also when it comes to maintaining a healthy coat.
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Chow Chows are also inherently very conscious of their cleanliness which leaves you with very little to do. However, you still need to ensure they get a proper bath at least once every 2 months.
It is probably easier to deal with a Chow Chow’s bad temper than it is to deal with their horrible breath. They are prone to tartar buildup, dental cavities, and gum diseases in cases of serious neglect of oral hygiene.
The great thing is that their care is actually quite easy. Just get natural, dental water additives and dog chew toys and you should be good to go. And of course, making it a habit to brush their teeths regularly with dog toothpaste from a reputable brand is a must.
Why Do Chow Chows Have Blue Tongues? One of the most interesting things about Chow Chows is the fact that they have dark tongues ranging from blue and lavender to black in color. This is just a part of their genetic makeup. What is even more interesting is the fact that they are not actually born that way. Instead, they have pink tongues at birth that slowly darken over 6 months.
Are Chow Chows Banned In The US? Chow Chows are not banned everywhere in the United States. This is with the exception of a few counties and cities in Missouri. They are, however, heavily regulated in most parts of the country in terms of ownership, breeding, and having them out in public.
Can A Chow Chow Beat A Pitbull? The Pitbull is the most dangerous dog in the world. While this is a measure in terms of potential danger to human beings, they are just as formidable when set up against other dog breeds. Against a chow chow, the pitbull’s more vicious approach to attacks is definitely an advantage.
Pete Decker is the Lead Editor at The Goody Pet. He is a passionate wildlife educator and loves to share his experiences on pets. During his free time, you can find him cozying around his 2 adorable Labradors (Tobi & Kobi).
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