Chow Chow price tends to be proportional to their fluffiness so you can expect to reach deep into your pockets. On the very high end, the Chow Chow price can be greater than $6000 for top quality dogs. However, you can expect to pay closer to $700 – $900 if you desire less than a show grade quality/lineage Chow Chow.
Chow Chows are a great option if you are looking for a devoted and regal companion.
If you’re planning to acquire a Chow Chow dog, beyond the Chow Chow Price there are a few important things you need to consider first.
Being aware of your future dog’s characteristics will enable you to provide a better quality of life for them (and subsequently yourself).
In this article, we’ll look at the Chow Chow’s temperament and breed characteristics. We’ll also cover all the little things you may need to know before you bring a Chow Chow home.
Finally, we’ll offer our tips on how to get the best price when buying a Chow Chow!
Chow Chow Temperament and Personality
Don't be like many uninformed owners who spend a lot of money for a Chow Chow only to realize they're not a good match for this breed.
The Chow Chow temperament can help you decide if you will be happy with your return on investment in a Chow Chow. It will also give you a glimpse into where your annual Chow Chow costs are likely to reside.
Chow Chows are tranquil, loyal and close to their owners, but their appearance does not necessarily show their true colors.
They are quite smart, but stubborn, independent thinkers, so it’s imperative to train them from a very young age.
These pups tend to keep their distance from strangers and sometimes can be aggressive with other dogs. It’s essential to socialize your Chow Chow with humans and other dogs to prevent these aggressive tendencies from developing. Chow Chows are not particularly good with kids, as they tend to lack patience. Nonetheless, with proper training and early familiarization, they will make a devoted guard dog for your family.
While the Chow Chow does not require a lot of exercises, it is vital to maintaining a regular walking schedule so your pup can burn off energy.
Meet The Chow Chow Dog
The Chow Chow originated in China and is one of the most ancient breeds, dating back to around 200 BC.
They owe their name to British sailors who wrote Chow Chow on boxes of articles they imported from China. Those boxes eventually included these beautiful creatures.
Chow Chows were initially bred as a working dog, but their rare fluffy appearance helped them charm their way to lives as either show or companionship dogs.
One of the most recognizable characteristics of the Chow Chow dogs is their lion-like mane and bear-like face. They have a blue-black tongue and are the only dog breed that has 44 teeth, rather than 42.
The most common color for a Chow Chow is golden or reddish. However, you may be amazed to know that there are 2 other colors of Chow Chow dogs to look for!
Their coats also come in white, dark brown or black, and golden.
You may have also heard of a dog called the Panda Chow Chow, with a black and white coat. While these dogs do exist, you should know that they are the product of a careful dye job.
If you see someone advertising “Panda Chow Chow puppies for sale,” remain skeptical. They may be using these cute (and artificial) markings as a pretext for overcharging for what is actually just a white Chow Chow.
Chow Chow Size
This medium-sized breed stands around 19 to 22 inches tall for males, while females reach between 18 to 21 inches.
Their weight can range from 45-60 pounds in females, and 55-61 pounds in males.
Because of their medium size, Chow Chows are readily adaptable to indoor living and apartment life.
Chow Chow Cost Of Ownership
The Chow Chow price is really just the beginning of their cost. You’ll need to be sure to factor in both the ongoing and occasional expenses that come along with owning a dog.
Food Costs
The Chow Chow’s small stature and low-energy mean they don’t consume large amounts of food (or, at least the shouldn’t). Their low food requirements mean you won’t need to spend excessively on food.
They do well on commercial dog food brands, but the AKC suggests they may do best on a low-grain diet.
Health Care Expenses
The Chow Chow’s long, thick coat needs to be cared for to avoid skin diseases like Pemphigus Foliaceus.
The breed is also prone to some common health conditions, such as elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Treatment for conditions like these can result in ongoing medical expenses. As you can see, it’s especially important to ensure you’re purchasing a Chow Chow with a clear certificate of health.
Grooming Costs
Even if your family isn’t Royal, your Chow Chow will expect to be treated as if he is. Chow Chows require regular, and frequent brushing and bathing to ensure that their thick coats stay in good condition.
If their grooming routine is neglected, they can quickly develop painful fur mats, which make brushing even more challenging.
For this reason, you should factor grooming costs into the price of your Chow Chow.
How much do Chow Chows cost?
Rare dogs usually come with hefty price tags. If you’ve been wondering “How much is a Chow Chow?” prepare to be surprised.
Chow Chow price range stretches from $500 to $8000 with the Chow Chow average price resting around $3200 per dog (Top Quality). And just shy of $900 for low quality or non-show Chow Chow dogs.
Chow Chow are considered to be among the most expensive breeds in the world.
Of course, Chow Chow puppies price are higher than adult dogs, even if they're of the same pedigree. Puppies are typically more desirable, and thus can command higher prices.
In some countries in Asia, you can easily find Chow Chow puppies for sale, as they are quite common there. However, most of the Chow Chow breeders are located throughout Europe and North America.
The price of a Chow Chow is elevated not only because it is rare and has an adorable, fluffy appearance, but also due to the breed’s fame. These dogs have been pets to royalty and celebrities throughout history, and are thus highly sought-after.
Chow Chow Demand
These fluffy pups are very popular, and therefore it can be challenging to locate a purebred puppy, which in turn increases Chow Chow prices.
Many breeders have waiting lists for their Chow Chow puppies and will ask you to set an appointment up-front to ensure their dogs are going to a well-suited family.
Chow Chow Pedigree
As you probably know, pedigree is indicative of a healthy Chow Chow. If the pup’s parents have strong pedigrees, the pup becomes more valuable.
It’s important to do thorough research and find a reputable breeder. Always make sure your Chow Chow breeder can provide certificates of health for their puppies. Remember that sometimes a more substantial investment up front can result in fewer health-related expenses down the line.
Chow Chow Rescue
If you are not willing (or prepared) to drop thousands of dollars on a purebred puppy, you might wish to consider Chow Chow adoption.
Chow Chow puppies for adoption tend to be much less expensive than purchasing a pup with a pedigree. Many breed specific rescues work to place Chow Chows in forever homes.
While you can still expect to pay a few hundred dollars to rescue one of these beautiful dogs, you’ll be doing a good deed at the same time!
For more information about rescuing Chow Chows, visit the Chow Welfare site!
A Final Note on Chow Chows and Cost of Acquiring and Owning One
A Chow Chow is a fantastic option if you are looking for a companion dog that attracts jealous stares anywhere you go. These haughty pups don’t require a lot of exercises and make excellent watchdogs.
On the other hand, a Chow Chow may not be your best option if you have young kids or aren’t prepared to deal with their thick, luscious coats.
When all is said and done, though Chow Chow price tags may be high, having a devoted companion by your side is priceless.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.
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