What Are the Traits and Care Tips for Chow Chows?

Chow Chow: rough and smooth coats both need attention

The Chow Chow has a compact, short-backed outline, carried tail and distinctive head. A rough coat makes the mane especially conspicuous, but the smooth version still has a dense double coat. Choosing the shorter outline does not remove the grooming commitment.

A compact frame under the coat

Both UK and FCI descriptions give males 48–56 cm and females 46–51 cm at the shoulder. The back is short and level, the chest broad and deep. The rough coat has a coarse, standing outer layer over soft woolly undercoat; the smooth coat is short, upright and plush rather than flat.

The FCI specifically says coat should not impede movement or cause distress in hot weather. Assess the body and freedom of movement beneath the hair, rather than treating maximum coat volume as the aim.

Brush the undercoat, not just the surface

The AKC guide calls for thorough brushing at least twice weekly and a monthly bath for both rough and smooth Chows. Pay particular attention to puppy coat and the hair around the head, where mats can develop. Work through the undercoat as well as the outer hair; ask a groomer to demonstrate if you cannot reach it comfortably.

Its routine includes eye and ear care during grooming, regular nail trimming and thorough drying with cool air after bathing. The earlier UK guide uses a daily grooming category, so there is a clear case for allowing frequent time for coat checks between fuller sessions.

Walks and warm weather

The UK exercise category is up to one hour daily. The AKC describes daily walks and moderate toy play, with little rough or high-impact exercise, and advises avoiding the hot parts of the day because of heat and humidity. Shorter, moderate outings across the day are more consistent with that advice than one vigorous midday session.

Two different coat comparisons

The Eurasier has looser-lying guard hair and a neck coat that should not form a mane. The Keeshond has a square outline and a substantial ruff, with its own weekly brush-through and pet grooming schedule. Read those routines alongside the Chow’s rough-or-smooth distinction before deciding which coat you can maintain.