Chow Chow dog insurance
Discover the benefits of insuring your Chow Chow with Agria
Our guide to living with a Chow Chow
Understanding the health and wellbeing needs of your dog is an important part of responsible ownership. With their majestic lion-like mane, deep-set eyes and independent personality, Chow Chows are one of the most distinctive breeds around. However, like all dogs, they can develop health conditions throughout their life that may require ongoing treatment, repeat vet visits or specialist care. Taking out pet insurance early can help protect against unexpected veterinary costs and ensure your Chow Chow receives the care they need.
Chow Chow quick facts
- Size: Chow Chows are a medium-sized dog, measuring about 43-56cm at the shoulder (17-22”), with males being slightly larger and heavier than females
- Average lifespan: 9-15 years
- Weight: 20-32 kg
- Colours: Red, cream, cinnamon, black and blue
- Temperament: Independent, dignified, can be aloof, loyal
- Common health issues: Eye issues (entropion, cataracts, glaucoma); hip and elbow dysplasia; cruciate ligament problems; skin problems (such as infections due to their thick fur)
- Country of origin: China
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You can trust us with your Chow Chow
Agria's Lifetime Premium £20,000 dog policy has been the highest-scoring Best Buy for 3 years. We are also a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime and Lifetime Plus dog insurance products. **
*Based on Agria Pet Insurance's number 1 Trustpilot ranking in the category Pet Insurance, correct as of Feb 2026.
** Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2025. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims.
Where do Chow Chows come from?
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed originating from northern China. Here they were used as guard dogs, hunters and even sled pullers.
Their exact history stretches back thousands of years, with depictions found in ancient Chinese art. Known for their strength, loyalty and distinctive appearance, they were prized companions of royalty and nobility. The breed gained popularity in the west during the 1800s, where they’re admired for their regal presence and individuality.
Chow Chow temperament
Chow Chows have a strong, unmistakable character. Their personality is sometimes compared to that of a cat: observant, calm and selective about attention. While every dog is an individual, most Chows share these common traits:
Independent
Chow Chows are strong-willed to the point that they can be stubborn. This can potentially be challenging if you’re new to owning a dog.
Loyal and protective
On the plus side, they bond deeply with their family. They also have natural guarding instincts.
Reserved and dignified
Dobermanns can be cautious around strangers at first (both humans and other dogs), so early socialisation is essential to avoid problems later on.
Quietly affectionate
Despite looking like big teddy bears, Chow Chows aren’t often cuddly – which might be frustrating if you want to give them a squidge.
Appearance and size
The Chow Chow is one of the most distinctive-looking dog breeds, instantly recognisable for its lion-like mane, sturdy build and proud, regal expression. Their dense double coat comes in two varieties – rough and smooth – with colours including red, cream, black, blue (silvery) and cinnamon. The rough-coated Chow is the more familiar type, with a thick, fluffy ruff framing its neck, giving them their signature ‘lion dog’ appearance. Smooth-coated Chows, while less common, have a sleeker, plush texture.
Chows have deep-set oval eyes, a scowling brow that gives them a dignified, serious look. They also have a blue-black tongue (sometimes purple) – a unique trait shared only with a handful of other breeds. Their body is compact and muscular with a square outline, straight hind legs and a tail that curls neatly over the back.
Grooming a Chow Chow
As you might expect, Chow Chows need a lot of grooming – especially the rough-coated variety. You need to take care to prevent tangling, overheating (especially in the summer) and skin irritation. To keep their coat healthy:
Brush them often
Brush at least 2-3 times a week, and daily during shedding seasons
Choose your tools wisely
Use a pin brush, slicker brush and an undercoat rake
Check for matting
Especially behind their ears, in the mane and around their legs
Make bathing a routine
Bathe them every 4 - 6 weeks.
Keep nails trimmed
It’s usually best to get a groomer to do this if you’re not confident
Don't forget the skin folds
Clean their skin folds regularly
Chow Chow training
Training a Chow Chow requires calm confidence and patience. While they’re intelligent, they’re very much independent thinkers, so they don’t always respond instantly to commands.
For Chows, positive reinforcement and short, engaging sessions are essential. Harsh methods simply don’t work with this breed – they respond far better to respect, consistency and rewards.
Because they can be wary of strangers, proper socialisation from puppyhood helps prevent reactivity or fearfulness.
Because Chow Chows like to decide things for themselves, owners need to set gentle but firm boundaries. Focus training on key behaviours such as recall, polite lead-walking, calm greetings and handling exercises for grooming. Training should be started early, with gradual exposure to new environments, people and situations.
Although they aren’t as eager to please as some breeds, Chow Chows are perfectly capable of becoming well-mannered companions with the right approach.
Chow Chow health issues
Chow Chows can be prone to several health conditions due to their physical structure and genetics. Common issues include the following:
Being aware of these potential risks can help you make informed decisions about their care, including whether lifetime dog insurance is the right choice for you.
Eye problems
Eye conditions are common, including ectropion (outward-turning eyelids), entropion (inward-turning eyelids), glaucoma and cataracts. Some conditions may require surgery, ongoing monitoring or specialist ophthalmology (eye care) treatment.
Joint issues
Chow Chows can also suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as patellar luxation – which is where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. These conditions can affect their mobility and comfort and may require long-term pain management, physiotherapy or surgical intervention.
Skin problems
Their thick double coat and skin folds can make them susceptible to hot spots, skin infections and allergies. To keep symptoms under control, skin conditions often require ongoing management, regular trips to the vet and medication.
Breathing difficulties
The breed’s brachycephalic (shortened muzzle) features can also contribute to breathing difficulties, especially in warm weather. Some dogs may require veterinary assessment and ongoing management.
Heat intolerance
Heat intolerance is a major concern for Chow Chows, with their dense coat and facial structure making it difficult for them to cool down.
Quick health check for your Chow Chow
Did you know that you can now use a quick 10-point checklist to assess the health connected to the physical attributes and body shape of a dog?
The Innate Health Assessment (IHA) tool for dogs makes it easy to quickly and reliably carry out a visual check of any dog to assess their innate health characteristics and their suitability to breed.
The IHA does not discriminate between breeds - it applies to all dogs regardless of breed or type, and is designed to demonstrate the aspects of a dog that are crucial for good health and happiness.
Common conditions for the Chow Chow
Here are the top 5 most commonly claimed health conditions for the Chow Chow breed, to help you better understand their needs before bringing one home.
Top 5 common conditions based on Agria Pet Insurance claims for Chow Chows in 2025.
Many of the most common health conditions seen in Chow Chows can require ongoing management, including medication, regular veterinary check-ups and specialist treatment. This is why lifetime dog insurance can be an important consideration for Chow Chow owners.
- 1
Hypersensitivity (allergic skin disorder)
- 2
Entropion
- 3
Cruciate ligament rupture
- 4
Epilepsy
- 5
Thoracic limb (forelimb) finding
Many of these conditions can require ongoing management rather than one-off treatment. Having lifetime dog insurance in place early can help ensure these types of conditions remain covered throughout their life.
Health tips for your Chow Chow
Chow Chow exercise
Chow Chows need moderate daily exercise – usually between 30-60 minutes split into shorter walks. They’re not high-energy dogs, but consistent movement can help prevent weight gain and joint issues. Avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather and always provide rest stops in the shade.
Chow Chow feeding
A healthy diet and steady exercise routine help protect their joints, skin and overall wellbeing. Choose a high-quality, balanced diet for large or medium breeds, keeping filler to a minimum. It’s also important to monitor their intake to prevent obesity. Feed them twice daily, measuring their portions and avoiding free feeding.
As mentioned, it’s common for Chows to have issues with their joints. So it’s not a bad idea to ask your vet about joint supplements, such as omega-3.
Things to consider before getting a Chow Chow
Chows are wonderful companions, although best suited to owners who understand and appreciate their unique temperament. Before committing to getting a Chow Chow, there are a few things worth knowing:
- 1
Grooming
They need regular, thorough grooming
- 2
Reserved
They can be aloof and aren’t naturally cuddly
- 3
Training
Training requires patience and consistency
- 4
Weather wary
They don’t cope very well when it gets hot
- 5
Can be introverted
They’re not ideal for people wanting a highly sociable, outgoing dog
What we love most about Chow Chows
They’re a lion dog!
The Chow Chow’s lion-like appearance is nothing short of majestic. Rawwrrrr!
Calm and dignified
They’re very chill customers, with a quiet confidence and thoughtful, observant nature.
Unexpected moments of affection
While they may be few and far between, the rare moments of affection are a genuine treat.
Chow Chow insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Chow Chow's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Chow Chow FAQs
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