The Golden Retriever-Chow Chow mix is a unique dog with many endearing traits and an interesting personality. DogAppy provides some more facts about this delightful mix breed.
Be Prepared
When bringing a mix breed dog home, always be ready with some information beforehand. Research both the parent breeds, and know about their individual characteristics, good and problematic. This is because your pet can have any combinations of these traits, so it is always better to be prepared.
What is your concept of a dog? Should it be big, fluffy, and someone that you can wrestle with, or should it be small, easy to pick up, and convenient to take with you when you go out? If it is the former, then you are in for a treat! As you know, designer dogs have become quite the rage lately, what with many mix breeds being produced, that are healthier, genetically stronger, and very very cute! Apart from this, they come in a wide variety of appearances, making it that much difficult for owners to select the dog they want to take home.
Getting back to the point, if you love a big and substantial dog, then there is one mix that you can consider – the Golden Retriever-Chow Chow hybrid, or the Golden Chow. This dog is as cute as it comes, full of fluff, and also very intelligent. It is a good pet, a nice individual, and a very loyal friend. However, it does require some special care; but that’s a small price to pay for such unconditional love. The following paragraphs provide some more information about the Golden Chow, and also some facts about the specific requirements of this breed.
Appearance
One fact that you must know at the offset – this is a big dog that is going to take up some space. Given the height and weight statistics of both its parents, there is no doubt that the Golden Chow will be substantially sized. On an average, it will stand between 20 to 25 inches, and weigh in a range of 50 to 75 pounds.
Coming to the other physical traits, it will have dropped ears, a long tail that may be slightly curved, big feet, a medium-length snout, and black nose. As for the eyes, there is a chance that the Chow genes may kick in and make them deep-set. If that is the case, then your dog’s peripheral vision will be limited, as compared to if it inherits the Golden Retriever’s eye structure.
Now the coat. This dog is FLUFFY. Think about it; the Golden has quite an impressive mane, and the Chow is a very thick-coated breed. Combine the two together, and fluff on fluff is going to result in more fluff! The coat color of this dog will not necessarily be golden every time. It can take after a Chow color of black, red, or blue too. The coat will be double, warm, and soft. A single coat is not as common.
Family Matters
Let us now meet the parents of this wonderful hybrid – the Chow Chow and the Golden Retriever.
The Chow Chow
The Golden Retriever
✦ Temperament
Now this is a little tricky to pin point, because it all depends on the inheritance! The personality of every individual Golden Chow depends on which parent has the stronger genes. If your pup takes after the Golden, then it will be more friendly, loving, social, and playful. If it takes after the Chow, then it will be more protective, weary of strangers, and can also be mildly aggressive.
Usually, this mix takes up a combination of its parents. It is extremely loyal, loves its family, does well with kids, but tends to be aloof towards, and suspicious of, strangers. It is known to be a barker, though not an uncontrollable one. It makes for both, a good companion and a good guard dog.
✦ Training
Intelligent dogs tend to be a little difficult to train. The Golden Chow is no different. However, it is not an impossible feat. Keep in mind that obedience training is a must for this breed. As is behavior training, as it will give you an idea of your dog’s nature. Extensive socialization is also very important to have a well-behaved pet. It will avoid your dog from becoming over-protective of the family, to the extent that it cannot get along with anyone new.
Also, this is not a recommended breed for first-time dog owners, because it tends to be a little difficult, and requires proper handling, which can be better learned with experience. Keep in mind that this is not a breed that takes kindly to being left alone for long hours. You will need to give it your time and undivided attention.
✦ Exercise
This dog loves the outdoors, and is moderately active. It will like a brisk walk or a game of fetch. However, one very important detail to remember is that the Chow is intolerant to high temperature. So sunny days will be best spent indoors. Although the Golden Retriever is active, the Chow is a lazy breed that prefers lounging on a soft surface, so there is a chance that your pet may require some prodding to get out and play. Some individual dogs also love water; if yours does too, then a swim will also be an enjoyable activity.
✦ Grooming
A Golden Chow requires regular grooming. This is mainly because the thick fur is prone to matting and tangling, which can be prevented with combing sessions 3 to 4 times a week. It is a seasonal shedder, and is not hypoallergenic by any means. Hence, it is not a suitable pet for people with dog allergies. Apart from this, regular dental care, keeping the eyes and ears dry and clean, and nail trimming must be undertaken as well.
✦ Health
One common health problem found in the Golden Chow is hip dysplasia. It can be an inherited disorder. Ask your breeder for the health certificates of your pup’s parents; confirm if either has a history of this health problem. Talk to your vet about making any lifestyle adjustments for your pup, that can prevent this problem in the future. Another issue is a flea infestation due to the thick coat. Be on the watch, because Golden Retrievers are allergic to fleas, so your pup can be too. Apart from this, cataracts can also be an issue. The average lifespan of this breed is 10 to 14 years.
✦ Living Conditions
This breed requires space! If you have a yard, then nothing like it. However, be sure to get your yard fenced, because this dog may take off after a stranger that enters your premises, if it finds anything suspicious. So to protect both, your dog and other unsuspecting guests, fencing the yard will be a better option.
This was all about the Golden Retriever-Chow Chow mix breed. Although it is a fantastic pet to have, it does require specific care. If you can handle these requirements and are not allergic, then this is one of the best breeds to have as a pet.