Chow Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

20-40 kg

Height

45-66 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the Chow Shepherd

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

The Chow Shepherd is a cross between the German Shepherd and a Chow Chow. Two big dogs in size each have their own personality to add to the mix. This high-energy hybrid dog breed is rising in popularity, considered to be one of the latest designer dogs to get your hands on.

This dog type is super friendly and sociable when trained properly and can also make efficient guard dogs, particularly thanks to its parent, the German Shepherd. You’ll need plenty of time and attention to give to this dog, so if you’re looking for a more laid-back dog, then you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Here’s everything that you need to know about the Chow Shepherd dog breed.

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 dog 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 from 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.

What is a Chow Shepherd breed?

A German Shepherd Chow mix combines the best of both worlds from its parents. It has the face of a German Shepherd with ears that stand tall but flop at the top. The Shepherd Chow also has almond eyes, similar to that of the German Shepherd parent.

The Chow Chow influence comes in from its tail which curves and rounds up. Due to the Chow Chow’s size, you’ll also distinguish the slightly stockier build that this mix has.

The Chow German Shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that can really stand out if you give them the proper grooming.

Who is a Chow Shepherd 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.

Chow Shepherd Grooming & Shedding

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’s a contribution 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 Shepherds bark a lot?

The German Shepherd Chow mix has both a loud barker on one parent 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.

What is the average weight & height of a Chow Shepherd dog?

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.

Are Chow Shepherds easy to train?

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.

How do Chow Shepherds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Chow Shepherd have any common health issues?

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.

It’s hypothesized 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.

It’s recommended to take your do for regular check-ups with a veterinarian, vaccinate them and treat them for parasites.

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 does a Chow Shepherd need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Chow Shepherd FAQs

How do you tell if your dog is a Chow Shepherd?

To work out whether or not your dog is a Chow Shepherd, it’s firstly useful to look at their face. The German Shepherd Chow mixes will have a rounded face like the Chow Chow but a long muzzle and almond eyes like the German Shepherd.

The main colours of a German Shepherd Chow are cream, grey, red, fawn, brown and black.

Are Chow Shepherd dogs hypoallergenic?

The German Shepherd Chow mix isn’t a hypoallergenic dog due to its dense coat and shedding. The dander from the shedding is what causes the allergies and that’s the case with these dog types. You’re best looking at other dogs for hypoallergenic requirements.

Are Chow Shepherd dogs protective?

Chow Shepherds are like their German Shepherd’s parents in that they’re certainly protective towards their owners. They can be somewhat aware of people they’re not familiar with, making them excellent guard dogs.