Chow Chow

Name: Chow Chow
Creator: Savvy
Published: 2023-09-14T13:47:59+09:30

Home > Pet Insurance > Dog Breeds > Chow Chow

Find out all about Chow Chows and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 15th, 2023

Price range

$4,000–$8,000

Height

46cm - 56cm

Weight

22kg - 35kg

Personality

Aloof, loyal, independent

Coat length

Long, thick double

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Life expectancy

8 - 12 years

Overview

The Chow Chow, one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, originates from China. In Chinese their name translates to ‘puffy lion dog.' Their history dates back as far as the Han Dynasty, 206 B.C., and the Chinese Emperors were fond of owning and breeding Chow Chows, which is why it has a royal and regal reputation. It is a distinctive breed known for its magnificent lion-like mane, thick dense coat and aloof demeanour. They have an unusual blue/black tongue. Their dense double coat is shed twice a year and requires very regular grooming and attention, so they are a high-maintenance breed of dog to own, and are not suitable for people with dog allergies. They are also one of the most expensive breeds to buy in Australia, with puppies regularly selling for up to $8,000 or more.

Chow Chows are known for their independence and loyalty to their families. They are intelligent but can be reserved with strangers, so they are not known as the friendliest dogs outside of their family members. They do make good inside guard dogs. They require early socialisation and consistent training if they are to get on with other dogs and strangers. Chow Chows are best suited for experienced owners who can provide them with a structured environment and the high level of coat maintenance they require.

Common diseases and conditions of Chow Chows

Hip Dysplasia: Chow Chows may be susceptible to hip dysplasia, potentially leading to joint discomfort.
Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition that affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.
Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can cause lameness and discomfort.
Entropion: They can develop entropion, an eye condition where the eyelids roll inward.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): A serious condition where the stomach twists, potentially causing a life-threatening emergency.

Breed-specific issues:

Their aloof nature may make them reserved around strangers, and they may require careful introduction to new people and situations. Chow Chows are very prone to overheating due to their short faces and long coats, so they should not be left outside in the sun and require a cool environment inside and plenty of cold water in hot weather. Use of a cooling mat indoors is recommended to stop a Chow Chow from suffering heat stress.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Chow Chow?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Chow Chow, including the following:

Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.  
Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do. 
Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Chow Chows

Are Chow Chows good family dogs with children?

Chow Chows possess some characteristics that can make them suitable family dogs, such as loyalty and protectiveness, but they require specific handling and are not suitable for households with younger children. Chow Chows tend to be reserved around strangers, which can be perceived as aloofness or protectiveness. Early socialisation and consistent, positive reinforcement training are vital to ensure their protective nature doesn't translate into aggression, which is why they are not suitable for households with children.

Are Chow Chows aggressive?

Yes, they can be. Chow Chows have a reputation for being protective and independent-minded, which can lead to perceived aggression. However, aggression in Chow Chows is often a response to fear or discomfort, rather than an inherently aggressive trait. Proper socialisation from an early age, exposing them to various people, animals, and different environments, can help mitigate this potential issue. With the right approach and consistent training methods, Chow Chows can be well-behaved and friendly dogs.

Do Chow Chows get along with other pets?

No, they are not known to happily co-habit a household with other dogs, and cats can be viewed as prey. Chow Chows are known for their independent and aloof nature. How well a Chow Chow gets along with other animals will often depend on its early socialisation and individual temperament. While some Chow Chows may coexist peacefully with other pets, others may display dominant or territorial behaviour. It's essential to introduce them to other animals gradually and under close supervision.

Do Chow Chows need a lot of exercise?

Chow Chows are not exceptionally high-energy dogs, but they do require some regular exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They can be prone to laziness and obesity. Daily walks, playtime in a secure yard, and interactive activities can help fulfill their exercise needs. While they may not need strenuous exercise like some other breeds, they do enjoy mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or obedience training.

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Pet Insurance for Chow Chows