I have a 9 year old chow and she is the sweetest dog I ever had. She is very independent and wily when she wants to be. She will look over her shoulder and smile at you as she runs in the other direction. She will often refuse to go out if it is raining (which I have read is very common.) She is very patient and non-demanding, loves music-will sit right in front us when we play, and is often found getting belly rubs when we take her to parties.

Pros: Very mellow and sweet. Waits for me to get up in the morning and never whines. She is a great hiking companion with a lot of stamina in all weather-though she prefers not to go out in rain.

Cons: Is spooked by small children. Has never bitten any but instead "puffs" in their faces to try to get them away - if THEY get too close.

I just could not imagine my life without a Chow, this is the only kind of dog that I know of, who no matter what loves their family, They are VERY loyal. chow puppies are not destuctive, and are easily house trained, My Chows love to play in their swimming pools, but do not like the rain at all, They love to go for rides in the truck and love to ride on the 4-wheeler, they are by myside no matter what I am doing,

Pros: A chow loves their family unconditionally,they do wonderful living in the house but they do need exercise they tend to get a little lazy if you do keep them inside.

Cons: they require lots of grooming, and are very suspicious of strangers

I adopted a Chow mix 2 years ago. She is the most well-behaved, loyal dog I have ever had. She goes to daycare each day and has a few close canine friends, but prefers people to dogs. She too does not appreciate children and shies away from them. I think it's because they always run towards her and are loud. She does not like boisterous dogs or people, but never ever bites. She only barks when absolutely necessary- if an "intruder" comes into the house or a stranger approaches in a manner she finds threatening. She is a wonderful companion and I rarely go places where I cannot take her. She has completely sold me on the Chow breed!

Pros: Extremely loyal, calm, very clean

Cons: Stubborn

After my hound died, I didn't want another dog, but 4 puppies were rescued & brought to the campus P.O. Three were bouncy beagles, the 4th was part Chow Chow, sitting quietly. I brought her home and we bonded immediately. I began training early and she lapped it up. She now leads me to any athletic field I name, guards our house when I'm gone & is ecstatic to see me when I return, whether in 15 minutes or 8 hours. She still dislikes small children as one ran up and poked at her face when she was under 6 months old. She loves all others and is a campus favorite, at age 5. When I want to sleep in, she doesn't make a sound until she hears me. I took her on a LONG trip this summer & she was perfect. I hope we have another ten years together.

Pros: Happiest & smartest dog I have ever had

Cons: Steals buns & burgers if they are left out.

I have read some of the reviews above and they all say that their chows are scared of children. I live in an apartment and there are a few children in the area. He seems to be really friendly with them, he loves to hug everyone. He isn't much for playing tug of war but he loves to chase his toys and tail. He hasn't realized yet that it belongs to him. He hates going to the vet in fact he doesn't like anyone who wheres scrubs, bad experience. He loves to wrestle and is very persistent. I have accidentally hit him pretty hard when we are wrestling because he likes to jump around and run really fast and its almost like he doesn't feel a thing. All in all hes been really god to me and easy to train and take care of. Definitely would recommend a chow to any first time dog owners.

Pros: Very Friendly and loving gets along with just about everyone hes ever met

Cons: likes to bark, and gets excited easily, some reason he chews his toe nails. sometimes aggressive over human food and dog bones but not his food bowl or water