The Truth About Chow Chows
Ah, the Chow Chow. Misunderstood. Misquoted. Misjudged. Often described as a cross between a lion, a cat, and a Victorian judge who’s just tasted a lemon.
We’ve heard it all before:
• “Aren’t they aggressive?”
• “Don’t they hate people?”
• “I heard they eat children.”
• “My friend’s cousin’s neighbour had one and it mauled their Hoover.”
Let us stop you right there.
Yes, Chows Can Be… a Lot
They’re proud. They’re independent. They will definitely ignore you if they think what you’re asking is beneath them (which is most things). But aggressive? Not when they’re properly bred, socialised, and raised with love and leadership.
We’ve been in dogs a long time, and here’s the truth:
A well-bred, well-raised Chow Chow is a dignified, loyal, and affectionate family dog. Yes, affectionate. No, not in a Labrador tongue-up-your-nose way - but in a “I’ll sit near you and quietly guard you like a velvet bear” kind of way. Unless it’s Story; then he will absolutely do the tongue up your nose lab thing! .
They’re not cold. They’re just aloof floofs. It’s not personal. It’s just Chow.
The Bad Reputation - Where Did It Come From?
Let’s be honest - some Chows have earned the reputation.
Poor breeding. Lack of early socialisation. Being treated like yard ornaments instead of living beings. These things would mess up any dog. And unfortunately, there’s been no shortage of backyard breeders churning out fluffy landsharks with zero thought for temperament and temperament IS genetic!
But that’s not the Chow Chow we know and love.
The Newfangled Difference - Character AND Cuteness
Our Chows are:
The result?
Confident, well-mannered, cuddle-tolerant aloof floofs that live happily alongside kids, other pets, and even - brace yourself - visitors.
What Owning a Chow is Actually Like
Living with a Chow is like having a very fluffy roommate who thinks they’re royalty. They’ll follow you from room to room (but pretend they’re not), refuse to recall, and occasionally express love by leaning on you like a hippo.
They’re funny, loyal, and unmistakably themselves. They won’t fetch your slippers, but they’ll absolutely alert you to the neighbour’s cat walking past the driveway.
In Summary:
• Myth: Chows are vicious.
Truth: Poorly bred dogs of any breed can be difficult. A well-bred Chow is loyal, calm, and good-natured.
• Myth: Chows don’t love their families.
Truth: They just show love differently. Think stoic samurai, not golden retriever cheerleader.
• Myth: Chows can’t live with kids or other pets.
Truth: Ours do. And they do it well - because it’s all in how you raise them.
⸻
So, Still Scared of the Aloof Floof?
You shouldn’t be. With the right start in life, Chows are brilliant companions for the right families - especially those who value dignity, loyalty, and a bit of daily comedy.
Ah, the Chow Chow. Misunderstood. Misquoted. Misjudged. Often described as a cross between a lion, a cat, and a Victorian judge who’s just tasted a lemon.
We’ve heard it all before:
• “Aren’t they aggressive?”
• “Don’t they hate people?”
• “I heard they eat children.”
• “My friend’s cousin’s neighbour had one and it mauled their Hoover.”
Let us stop you right there.
Yes, Chows Can Be… a Lot
They’re proud. They’re independent. They will definitely ignore you if they think what you’re asking is beneath them (which is most things). But aggressive? Not when they’re properly bred, socialised, and raised with love and leadership.
We’ve been in dogs a long time, and here’s the truth:
A well-bred, well-raised Chow Chow is a dignified, loyal, and affectionate family dog. Yes, affectionate. No, not in a Labrador tongue-up-your-nose way - but in a “I’ll sit near you and quietly guard you like a velvet bear” kind of way. Unless it’s Story; then he will absolutely do the tongue up your nose lab thing! .
They’re not cold. They’re just aloof floofs. It’s not personal. It’s just Chow.
The Bad Reputation - Where Did It Come From?
Let’s be honest - some Chows have earned the reputation.
Poor breeding. Lack of early socialisation. Being treated like yard ornaments instead of living beings. These things would mess up any dog. And unfortunately, there’s been no shortage of backyard breeders churning out fluffy landsharks with zero thought for temperament and temperament IS genetic!
But that’s not the Chow Chow we know and love.
The Newfangled Difference - Character AND Cuteness
Our Chows are:
- Bred for temperament as much as looks
- Raised in our home, not a shed at the end of a garden
- Handled daily from birth and exposed to people, noises, and weird objects (like vacuum cleaners and children)
- Treated with respect, consistency, and yes - a healthy sense of humour
The result?
Confident, well-mannered, cuddle-tolerant aloof floofs that live happily alongside kids, other pets, and even - brace yourself - visitors.
What Owning a Chow is Actually Like
Living with a Chow is like having a very fluffy roommate who thinks they’re royalty. They’ll follow you from room to room (but pretend they’re not), refuse to recall, and occasionally express love by leaning on you like a hippo.
They’re funny, loyal, and unmistakably themselves. They won’t fetch your slippers, but they’ll absolutely alert you to the neighbour’s cat walking past the driveway.
In Summary:
• Myth: Chows are vicious.
Truth: Poorly bred dogs of any breed can be difficult. A well-bred Chow is loyal, calm, and good-natured.
• Myth: Chows don’t love their families.
Truth: They just show love differently. Think stoic samurai, not golden retriever cheerleader.
• Myth: Chows can’t live with kids or other pets.
Truth: Ours do. And they do it well - because it’s all in how you raise them.
⸻
So, Still Scared of the Aloof Floof?
You shouldn’t be. With the right start in life, Chows are brilliant companions for the right families - especially those who value dignity, loyalty, and a bit of daily comedy.
