Chow Chow
Also known as: Chow, Songshi Quan (puffy-lion dog)
An ancient, lion-maned Chinese spitz with a distinctive blue-black tongue and a famously dignified, cat-like independence. Chow Chows are deeply loyal and devoted to their own people, offering a unique, quiet companionship - serious and self-possessed in character, yet affectionate with those they trust.
Origin and purpose
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds, originating in China where it served variously as a guardian, hunter, cart-puller and, regrettably in some periods, a source of food and fur. Its lion-like ruff, stilted gait and blue-black tongue are breed hallmarks.
Temperament
Breed authorities describe the Chow as dignified, independent, reserved and loyal to its family but aloof with strangers — often likened to a cat in its self-possession. Early socialisation is important, and harsh handling backfires. As always, the individual dog and its raising shape behaviour far more than the breed label (Morrill et al., Science 2022), but prospective owners should expect an undemonstrative, strong-willed companion.
Health and longevity
The Chow carries several heritable conditions. Buy from breeders who eye- and joint-screen.
Common health conditions
Living with a Chow Chow in Sydney
This section is specific to Sydney (NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development). The rest of this guide applies to the breed anywhere.
NSW council
Dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated and registered with your local council within 6 months of age. No breed-size restrictions on council registration, but strata/rental restrictions apply.
RSPCA NSW: Not eligible
This breed is not eligible for RSPCA NSW.
Licensing
Council registration required by 6 months; lifetime registration A$43–$58 (desexed), A$192–$218 (entire); microchipping mandatory. Source: NSW Companion Animals Act 1998.
Climate & exercise in Sydney
Sydney is Temperate oceanic climate; warm summers (Dec–Feb, avg 26°C), mild winters; coastal humidity; no year-round tropical heat.. Exercise early morning or after 6pm in summer; avoid midday (Nov–Mar). Pavement heat test: if too hot for your hand 7 seconds, too hot for paws.. Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog) at elevated heatstroke risk in Sydney summers; limit outdoor time above 28°C. Watch for grass seeds (especially in outer suburbs) — can penetrate paw pads and ear canals.
Parasite prevention
Plan for Year-round heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) risk in greater Sydney; paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) in bushland fringe suburbs and surrounds — monthly prevention essential. Brown dog tick present year-round..
Cost of ownership in Sydney
Local Chow Chow cost figures for Sydney are being verified. Budget for purchase or adoption, initial setup, food, grooming, routine veterinary care, parasite prevention and pet insurance. Figures are quoted in A$.
Health & longevity
Responsible breeders health-test their breeding dogs. Ask to see current certificates before committing.
Nutrition note: Moderate exercise needs; keep lean to protect joints and avoid added heat strain from excess weight.
Known breed conditions
DNA & screening panel
Cost of ownership
FLAG: indicative Singapore estimate only — grooming, eye/joint care and AC/cooling raise cost.
Registries
Sources & references
- AKC — Chow Chow breed standard & traits[Breed standard / registry]
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Chow Chow[Breed standard / registry]
- Merck Veterinary Manual — hereditary and breed-associated disease[Veterinary reference]
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) — breed health screening / CHIC testing[Peer-reviewed / VetCompass / OFA]
- NParks/AVS — Pets in HDB flats (approved small breeds; ≤55 cm shoulder height)[Breed standard / registry] · checked June 2026
- Morrill et al., "Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics…", Science 376 (2022) — breed ≈ 9% of behaviour[Peer-reviewed / VetCompass / OFA] · 2022
Source tiers: 1 = breed standard / registry authority; 2 = peer-reviewed / VetCompass / OFA; 3 = veterinary reference; 4 = encyclopaedic. PawHub cites only tiers 1–4 and never blogs or e-commerce pages. Behavioural traits carry low confidence — breed explains ~9% of individual behaviour variation (Morrill et al., Science 2022).
Image credits
- Image 1: Prayitno · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- Image 2: Luigi Borromeo · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- Image 3: Tomasina (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
