Chow Chow
Large dog (25–45 kg), typically living 9–12 years. This is a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, so take extra care in warm weather.
Typical adult weight
Males: 25–32 kg
Females: 20–27 kg
Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.
At a glance
Typical lifespan
Median lifespan for a Chow Chow is around 10.1 years, based on an estimate built from this breed's size, type and published lifespan range. Try our dog lifespan calculator for a figure adjusted to your own dog.
Life with a Chow Chow
The Chow Chow does well with a modest, regular walking routine. As a large dog (25–45 kg as an adult), it takes a bit of persistence to train but gets there with consistency, which matters most in the first year while good habits are being formed. It also is fairly quiet, with occasional barking.
Coat care is a big part of day-to-day life with this breed: its coat is high-maintenance and usually needs regular professional grooming to avoid matting, and it is a heavy shedder all year round, especially during seasonal coat blows. Around the home, the Chow Chow generally gets on fine with children who understand how to behave around dogs and can be selective about which other animals it gets on with, though every individual dog is different and early, positive socialisation makes a real difference.
Weather is worth planning for too – this breed copes very poorly with warm weather and needs extra care in summer. Being flat-faced (brachycephalic), it is also at higher risk of overheating and breathing difficulty, so take extra care on warm days and after exercise. Whatever your plans for exercise, feeding or budgeting, the tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Chow Chow so you can get a quick, personalised estimate.
Puppy growth chart
Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 26 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females) and a standard large-breed growth curve. Real puppies vary by ±15% or more.
| Age | % of adult weight | Expected weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 33% | 8.6 kg |
| 16 weeks | 45% | 11.7 kg |
| 26 weeks | 60% | 15.6 kg |
| 39 weeks | 80% | 20.8 kg |
| 52 weeks | 90% | 23.4 kg |
| 78 weeks | 100% | 26 kg |
Feeding guide by weight
Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Chow Chow of average activity, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3600 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.
| Body weight | Daily calories | Roughly dry food |
|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | 1059 kcal | 294 g |
| 26 kg | 1290 kcal | 358 g |
| 32 kg | 1507 kcal | 419 g |
For a figure tailored to your dog's age, activity and neuter status, use the dog food calculator.
Daily exercise needs
As a toy and flat-faced breed-type dog, the Chow Chow typically needs about 20–40 minutes of exercise a day, split across one or two walks plus some off-lead time or play where possible.
Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness need much less – see how much exercise does my dog need for a plan by age and health.
Estimated UK costs
Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment, grooming and extras) for a Chow Chow typically run to around £227–£307 a month, or roughly £34,050–£46,050 over an average 12.5-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.
Insurers price on breed. Flat-faced breeds (breathing and eye surgery) and large or giant breeds (joint surgery) usually cost more to insure and to treat.
These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle. See our cost-of-ownership guide for a full breakdown you can adjust yourself.
Health conditions to be aware of
Like all breeds, the Chow Chow has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion
- Heat intolerance
Because the Chow Chow is flat-faced (brachycephalic), extra care in warm weather really matters – see is it too hot to walk my dog before heading out on warmer days.
A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.
Calculators for your Chow Chow
Guides to read next
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026