The Complete Chow chow Guide

You didn’t land on the Chow chow by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The lion dog of China, dignified and cat-like, and loyal to one, indifferent to many, they’re a natural fit for experienced owners who want a self-sufficient, dignified, and deeply loyal ancient companion who want a self-possessed, ancient, and deeply loyal companion who reserves warmth for their chosen person. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Chow chow?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Chow chow? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	2 out of 5	Intelligent but independently minded. They apply their intelligence according to their own priorities
Obedience	2 out of 5	Selective compliance. Their independence means they follow direction only when they see value in it
Focus	2 out of 5	Briefly focused before their own agenda takes over
Stubbornness	5 out of 5	One of the more famously independent breeds. They operate entirely on their own terms

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Deeply devoted to their chosen person or family. Their loyalty is genuine and total
Good with children	2 out of 5	Better with older children who understand their boundaries. They don't tolerate rough handling
Good with strangers	1 out of 5	Suspicious and often cold toward strangers. Socialization matters but doesn't transform the breed
Good with other dogs	2 out of 5	Can be dog-aggressive. Multi-dog households require careful management

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	3 out of 5	Calm and quiet indoors. Can manage in an apartment with daily exercise
Cold weather	5 out of 5	Their thick coat handles extreme cold well
Hot weather	1 out of 5	Their dense double coat makes them very poorly suited to hot weather
Routine flexibility	2 out of 5	Needs stable, cool, structured environment
First time owner	2 out of 5	Better for experienced independent-breed owners

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	2 out of 5	Low to moderate energy. Deliberate and unhurried in movement
Endurance	2 out of 5	Not built for athletic effort
Exercise needs	2 out of 5	Needs 20 to 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Intelligent and highly observant. They assess everything
Grooming needs	5 out of 5	Their thick double coat sheds significantly and requires significant grooming

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	2 out of 5	Playful on their own terms. Not an exuberant breed
Affection	4 out of 5	Deeply affectionate with their chosen person
Loyalty	5 out of 5	Total, unwavering loyalty to their person
Independence	5 out of 5	Extremely independent. Self-sufficient in every way
Alertness	5 out of 5	Always alert and assessing

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	3 out of 5	Can be vocal when something warrants it
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Low digging tendency
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Low chewing tendency
Prey drive	3 out of 5	Moderate prey drive
Guarding instincts	4 out of 5	Naturally protective and territorial. Their presence deters

What are common health issues of a Chow chow?

Like all breeds, Chow chows are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Chow chows? 

Your Chow chow can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip and elbow evaluation
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• OFA thyroid evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist

Do Chow chows need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Chow chow owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Chow chow owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Chow specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Chow chows are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Chows age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Chow chow owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$55-$60
2 years old	$65-$70
3 years old	$65-$70
4 years old	$60-$65
5 years old	$70-$75
6 years old	$80-$85
7 years old	$85-$90

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Chow?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Chow chow and your budget.

History of the Chow chow

The Chow Chow is one of the world's oldest and most primitive breeds, with DNA analysis confirming it among the most ancient dog breeds. They originated in China, where they were used as hunting and working dogs and later as temple guards. Their unusual blue-black tongue and cat-like independence are ancient traits. Chow Chows appear in artifacts from the Han Dynasty around 150 BC, and they were kept by Chinese emperors in large numbers. Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty reportedly kept thousands of Chow Chows in a royal kennel. The breed was brought to England in the late 18th century by merchants trading with China. The AKC recognized the Chow Chow in 1903. Queen Victoria kept Chow Chows, and the breed became fashionable in Victorian England. Despite centuries of exposure to human companionship, the Chow has retained its fundamental independence and reserved nature.

Caring for a Chow chow

Training

Training a Chow chow takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are independent, aloof, and not naturally inclined toward eager compliance, which means owners need to establish clear authority early and be consistent, as this breed rarely responds to pleading. Firm, consistent training with calm, clear expectations and a patient, experienced handler tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Chow chows have a thick double coat that requires high grooming. Daily brushing is required to prevent matting and tangling, and the occasional deshedding treatment keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 8 to 10 weeks, combined with regular home brushing, helps manage the dense coat.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Chow looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Chow chows have low to moderate energy levels and need 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Short walks, independent outdoor exploration, and gentle interactive games are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Chow chows are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become stubborn, aloof, and prone to destructive or dominant behaviors at home. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Chow chow will actually love.

Nutrition

Chow chows are medium to large dogs with low to moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,000 to 1,300 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $45 to $70 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Chow chow here.

Chow chow costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Chow chow?

Before your Chow chow even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$500-$2,000	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$700	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$500	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Chow chow each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Chow chow owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$600-$1,000	Based on the recommended portion for your Chow chow
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$300-$600	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Dense double coat requires significant professional grooming and consistent at-home brushing.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Chow chow names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Chow chow we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Chow chow puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Chow chow puppies are ancient, dignified, and completely self-possessed in a way that commands immediate respect. That a total loyalty to their chosen person that is one of the most profound bonds in the dog world is part of what makes them a dignified, self-sufficient ancient companion for owners who prefer mutual respect over eager compliance, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Chow chow brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Chow chow’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Chow chows are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

2. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

3. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

4. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

5. New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Chow chow? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Chow chow right for you?

Chow chows reward the right owner with a loyalty so total it defines the relationship with their person and an ancient, dignified presence that makes every room feel more substantial. They just need regular grooming, experienced independent-breed handling, heat avoidance, early socialization, and entropion monitoring in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Chow chow. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.