Chow Shepherd Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Chow Shepherd?

The Chow Shepherd puppy is a mix of two purebreds that are considered to be very hard-working. The mix of the two creates this wonderful balance that you can't help but fall in love with. They're an excellent herding dogs if that's something that might be utilised in your household and they're a loveable companion for those looking for one.

As a large breed, they're said to have originated in Germany during the 1800s. They were put to work in order to help protect farm animals like sheep and to herd them.

Breeders wanted to create a superior breed that would help minimise the health issues within the parent breeds. The Chow Shepherd mix is recognised by the IDCR(International Designer Canine Registry) and the Dog Registry of America.

Both the Chow Chow and German Shepherds are registered with the American Kennel Club but being a hybrid mix, the Chow German Shepherd isn't.

Who are Chow Shepherd dogs best for?

These German Shepherd Chow mixes are best suited for singles, or couples that have older children. Due to their size, they can be quite overwhelming to house along with small children.

It's important that the Shepherd Chow is in an active household, especially with those that like to get out and enjoy walking. Experienced pet owners are also desired as there can be a considerable amount of training needed to ensure that they are socialised properly.

How much grooming does a Chow Shepherd need?

Both the parent breeds are known to have thick and dense coats, meaning that this German Shepherd Chow mix also inherited it. As high-shedding dogs, they also need regular brushing and grooming. This can be costly and something that not every dog owner is going to have time to do.

It's important to factor in the grooming and shedding of dog hair as it contributes to keeping them healthy.

The coat length for this Shepherd Chow can vary between long and short, as well as soft and rough. That means a more rigorous grooming routine is required to avoid matting and tangles. It may be worth doing your research to know what brushes and hair care products you'll need.

If you have any concerns about the German Shepherd Chow Mix coat, then you can always approach a professional dog groomer, who'll be able to help.

Do Chow Shepherd bark much?

The German Shepherd Chow mix has both a loud barker on one parent's side and one that doesn't particularly bark. You might be lucky and find that the German Shepherd Chow you have, doesn't bark that much or they may bark a lot more than usual.

Regardless, you can deal with barking by introducing the quiet command. This can be helpful for most dog breeds who are prone to barking a lot more.

Do Chow Shepherd bite?

Generally, biting should be ironed out from an early age so that it doesn't continue into adult life. Be careful with your dog and make sure that you're always aware of their behaviour around you as the owner and particularly with children.

These German Shepherd Chow mixes shouldn't really be around young children anyway. Any type of biting should be combated with a yelp loudly and you should then let your hand go limp so that they let go. Don't pull as they'll likely want to clamp down harder.

What is the temperament & personality of a Chow Shepherd?

The German Shepherd Chow Mix has lots of energy. The Chow Shepherds need plenty of activity throughout their day and they also need plenty of puzzle games that will keep them engaged and occupied when you need to be doing other things around the home.

These Chow Shepherds take up a lot of your time but they reward that time with plenty of love and affection.

What is the weight & size of a Chow Shepherd?

The German Shepherd Chow is a medium to large breed by the time they reach adulthood. Their size and weight can vary depending on the amount of food they're given and how much exercise they get.

They can typically weigh anywhere between 20 to 40 kilos and grow anywhere from 45-66 cm in height.

How much training does a Chow Shepherd need?

Chow Shepherds typically need around one or two hours' worth of exercise that's high intensity. With that said, it's worth taking your Chow Shepherds to the local fields or parks where they can run about and burn their energy supplies.

Just like their parents, the German Shepherds and Chow Chows, they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They also learn quickly, meaning they'll pick up commands and tricks quite easily.

Be sure to encourage a lot of praise when training your German Shepherd Chow mix. By reinforcing positive behaviour with treats, they'll learn a lot faster.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Chow Shepherd?

Despite mixing their parent breeds and hoping for fewer health issues, this German Shepherd Chow Mix is prone to several health problems.

These health issues are especially common amongst larger dogs. Joint Dysplasia is one of the main issues with Chow Shepherds. This is where the join isn't fitting snugly in the socket. As a result, it can cause a lot of pain, lameness, and arthritis in the dog.

This type of health issue can be hereditary so it can come from the German Shepherds or Chow Chows. Chow Shepherds can also have issues with bloat, which can affect the German Shepherd Chow on a life-threatening level.

This bloat can be prevented by slowing down their eating and ensuring they allow their food to go down before drinking lots of water or exercising.

What is the lifespan of a Chow Shepherd?

The average lifespan for the Shepherd Chow is 10-15 years. The Shepherd Chow can certainly live a long and healthy life if it receives the right care and attention, particularly when it comes to exercise.

How much should you feed a Chow Shepherd?

Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix requires a special diet of high-energy food. They're large dogs, meaning they've got a lot of energy to burn and as such, they need a lot of sustenance to replace those depleted energy levels.

A German Shepherd Chow mix is also prone to weight gain if it doesn't get enough exercise or it ends up eating too much. Keep your treats to a minimum where you can.

What is the price of a Chow Shepherd in Australia?

Typically, the German Shepherd Chow can be particularly expensive, especially as the Chow Chow parents can cost upwards of $9,000. For German Shepherd Chow mix dogs, you can expect to pay around $3,000-$5,000 depending on the breeders.

Whilst there's no available figure online, you'll probably be paying thousands of AUD for a Shepherd Chow. The fewer breeders there are in your area will likely influence the price too.