Buying or Adopting a Chow Chow

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Chow Chow the right breed for you?

Chow Chow Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Chow Chow?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
• No young children in the household
• No other dogs in the household
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Chow stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• Brushing – moderate to a lot, depending on the length of coat
• Trimming/clipping – every few months (depending on the length of coat)
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Chow Chows are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with heavy shedding
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Chow Chow to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Chow, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Chow Chow?

Chow Chows are moderately common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Chows rank 74th. Unfortunately, too many people acquire a Chow based on their adorableness as puppies, without realizing what that puppy will grow into.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Chow Chows are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Chows may be turned over to Rescue because they shed too much or have health problems. Owners often give up their Chow when it becomes apparent that the breed's distinctive temperament (aloof, dominant, independent) is too much for them to handle. There might be aggression issues toward other animals. You would need to provide these dogs with the training and socialization that they are lacking.

Other Chow Chows are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Chow Chows (or more typically, Chow crosses or mixes) can be found here, although Chow Rescue groups do try to move Chow Chows out of shelters and into their rescue network.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Chow Chow from a show breeder, who breeds their dogs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Chow Chow from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Chow Chow puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have a normal thyroid

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Chow Chow ends up blind and crippled.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Chow Chows are found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Chow Chow Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Chow Chow puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Chow Chow puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?

Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.