Do you love Chow Chow dogs? As you’re here, I am certain you do! And what’s not to love about them? These large dogs have fluffy coats and fierce personalities!
Chow Chows are among the most ancient breeds out there. They originate from China, and the Han dynasty was known to keep some of these canines as guard dogs and herding dogs.
Other than being amazing watchdogs, this dog breed is known for being one of the favorite family dogs in the world.
Despite its appearance, the Chow Chow is one of the dogs closest to the wolf genetically, which is another reason why they are adored among dog owners worldwide.
If you’d like to get one of these dogs for yourself, one of the first things you probably want to know is how much does a Chow Chow cost.
There are many things required of a good dog owner. One of these things is being able to afford to take care of your pooch.
So, how much does a Chow Chow cost, and is this dog expensive to take care of? Here’s everything you need to know!
Chow Chow Price Chart
Before I start explaining how much does a Chow Chow cost, I’ll include a price chart so you can know what to expect up front.
| Puppy price | $800 - $4,000 |
|---|---|
| Dog food | $140 - $450 a year |
| Dog treats | $125 - $715 a year |
| Food and water bowls | $10 - $40 |
| Dog collars and leash | $20 - $70 |
| ID tag | $5 - $20 |
| Dog bed | $20 - $85 |
| Dog crate | $30 - $120 |
| Dog toys | $50 - $155 |
| Poop bags | $15 - $110 |
| Pooper scooper | $10 - $30 |
| House training pads | $10 - $30 |
| Dog brush | $5 - $45 |
| Dog shampoo | $5 - $20 |
| Toenail clippers | $5 - $30 |
| Tooth brushing kit | $5 - $15 |
| First-aid kit | $10 - $15 |
Now that you’ve gotten the plain prices out of the way, it’s time to understand how much does a Chow Chow cost and what is the cause of such prices.
How Much Does A Chow Chow Cost?
Before we get further into this, it’s important to make a disclaimer: There isn’t an exact, set-in-stone price for a Chow Chow puppy.
Many things affect the price, and the seller is free to choose a price they see fit. This is why you might see a rather big price range.
On average, you can expect to pay between $800 and $4,000 for a Chow Chow puppy. However, dogs with exceptional bloodlines can be much more expensive – sometimes, they can have a price of $10,000 and higher!
If you were to buy an adult dog that has undergone professional training for a personal protection dog, these costs could skyrocket – you might end up paying more than $40,000 depending on the training involved!
Most people, though, are looking for a family dog that would also keep their home safe. They are not wanting to get a champion show dog or a special dog with expensive training.
As such, you probably don’t have to worry about these high prices.
What Affects The Chow Chow Price?
You have probably noticed that there is a rather large price range when it comes to the Chow Chow price. There is a big difference between $800 and $4,000, and this might confuse many dog lovers.
The reason behind this is that many things can affect the cost of a Chow Chow. Not all dogs are considered of the same quality, just like not all sellers are the same.
I’ll explain.
Breeder
When wondering how much does a Chow Chow cost, you’ve probably noticed that not all locations have the same price. The breeders affect the price greatly. I’ll explain this in depth in a little while, but here’s a short overview:
In general, not all breeders have the same breeding practices and not all have the same breeding programs. This can affect the quality of the dog and cause a difference in prices.
Not just that, but each breeder has the right to choose the price at which they’ll sell their puppies. It is up to the buyer whether they’ll buy the dog at a certain price range or not.
Health Tests
Health screenings and DNA testing is the only way to figure out whether you’re dealing with a healthy dog or not. There are many underlying health conditions that you won’t be aware of before they happen – unless the breeder conducts the health tests on both the parents and puppies.
There are many types of health tests, but most important thing is that the parent dogs have been certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
A dog with OFA certification is free of genetic predispositions for most orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia.
You should also look for dogs that are certified not to carry genes for some eye and heart defects.
These health tests can be rather expensive. Each breeder needs to profit at least a little bit from the sales. Otherwise, they won’t have any money to invest in future litters.
Because of this, they’ll charge the costs of these health tests to the buyer – or rather, they’ll include it in the price of the puppies.
You will be able to find dogs without health screenings and certifications rather easily. However, we would advise you against buying such dogs as you are risking getting home with a sickly pup. This is hardly something you want.
Bloodline
A dog’s bloodline can also highly affect the pup’s price. If a dog has champion ancestors, he will be worth more, and his price will be higher compared to dogs with a more ordinary background.
Some dog breeds tend to have famous bloodlines that can end up costing much more than regular dogs of the same breed. In fact, many people think of bloodlines as a whole other type of dog.
For example, with Pitbulls, you have Gotti Pitbulls or Razor Edge Pitbulls.
Chow Chows, however, don’t have the same type of bloodlines, so they shouldn’t affect their price as much, at least not on their own.
Of course, as you might’ve guessed, a purebred Chow Chow will almost always cost more than a mixed dog.
There are many mixed breeds on the market. For example, you can get a Chow Chow German Shepherd mix, a Chow Chow Rottweiler mix, or even a Chow Chow Tibetan Mastiff mix.
The average price of these mixes can be high, but it will usually be more than if you were to buy a purebred dog.
Dog Quality
Unlike bloodlines, the quality of a Chow Chow will affect its price rather severely. This is because not all dogs are considered to be of the same quality.
This doesn’t mean that there are good dogs or bad dogs – quite the opposite. All dogs are good! However, there are some things that are important if you’d like your dog to be a part of the show ring.
There are two types of Chow Chows:
• Show-quality Chow Chows.
• Pet-quality Chow Chows.
To fully understand how much does a Chow Chow cost, you need to learn the difference between the two.
A show-quality dog shows the best of the breed standard. They look and behave in a way the local kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC) has proposed.
These dogs have an amazing conformation, and they are eligible for the show ring. Many come from champion bloodlines, and the judges will think they represent exactly what the Chow Chow breed is supposed to be.
On the other hand, pet-quality dogs might show some features that are deemed undesirable by the judges and the kennel clubs. Maybe they come in the unaccepted coat color, they are too large, or their muzzle is short.
Some behavioral traits might also ‘reduce’ the dog to a pet-quality. For example, Chow Chows are known as calm, reserved dogs that are rather shy around strangers.
If a Chow Chow is too goofy or too active, he might be considered unfit for the conformation ring, which means he cannot be of show-quality.
Aggression is another trait that is considered to be an eliminating feature in all dog breeds – including the Chow Chow breed.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that a show-quality dog is better than the pet-quality one. It all comes down to finesse and what you expect of your dog.
As you might’ve guessed, show-quality Chow Chows can be much more expensive than pet-quality ones.
Papers
Most breeders will provide you with at least some paperwork when they’re selling their dogs. These papers can be a purchase contract, health certificates, health guarantees, pedigree, registration papers, and so on.
To get many of these papers, a breeder has to pay a fee to the organization in charge. To reduce these expenses, they’ll have to include the costs in the dog’s price.
You can buy a dog without papers – but just like with health tests, I am strongly against this. Without papers, you have no way of knowing some crucial details about your pooch, such as his health status.
So, even though you’ll save money on buying a dog without papers, you might end up paying a much greater price later on, if your doggie ends up having some genetic health condition.
Coat Color
The rarer the dog is, the bigger the price. People love having rare things and rare pets, and are ready to buy a much higher price for a Chow Chow of a rare coat color compared to the one that is pretty standard.
However, there is a catch: Some of the rarest coat colors are not recognized by kennel clubs. This might keep the price somewhat reduced, as these pups cannot come with all the papers.
It’s important to note that there is a reason why some coat colors are considered standard. They are genetically present in the breed, or rather, they naturally come in certain dog breeds.
When it comes to Chinese Chow Chows, standard coat colors are:
• Black.
• Blue
• Cinnamon.
• Cream.
• Red.
If a dog comes in other coat colors, this might be a sign that he isn’t purebred, as the genetics for the color must come from somewhere.
Not just that, but some coat colors can lead to an increased chance of some health problems. The most notable one is merle, which is known for leading to an increased chance of blindness and deafness.
Location
The area you live in can also greatly influence the Chow Chow price. The reason behind this is much simpler than you might imagine.
One of the main things that influence the price is demand. If the dog is in high demand, his price will be higher. This is tightly connected with the area you live in.
For example, if you live in urban areas where most people live in small apartments, small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas will be in demand, as they are able to live in confined spaces without hassle.
In somewhat colder states, Siberian dogs, such as Samoyeds or Huskies, are more sought after.
Chow Chows are rather popular in smaller places, where most people live in houses with large backyards. They are also sought after in locations where people have farm animals.
If you see that Chow Chows have a higher price in your city than in the one across the state, this might be the reason why.
Where To Find Chow Chow Puppies For Sale?
Photo from: @elliethecutechow
Now, it’s time I give you more details about Chow Chow breeders and other locations where you can get your new pet from.
Not all breeders are the same, and the type of breeder you choose will have a great impact on the price.
I’ll elaborate.
Puppy Mills
First, you have puppy mills. Puppy mills, or commercial breeders, breed dogs for profit. In fact, dog breeding is their main source of income, and they look at Chow Chows as nothing more than a way to earn money.
This means that there will always be Chow Chows for sale at puppy mills, as their goal is to produce as many puppies in as short an amount of time as possible, so they could make as large a profit as possible.
To do so, however, they must overbreed their dogs. Also, as they simply want to sell the puppies, they don’t really care about the quality of their dogs.
To be able to make sales, they need to keep their prices low. In fact, the average Chow Chow puppy cost at the puppy mill is $800 – $1,200.
While this sounds like a great deal, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
To have the option to keep the prices low, puppy mills need to give up on some things. This usually means that these dogs won’t get the health tests that are needed to make sure their pups are healthy.
Not just that, but pup mills don’t really have the time nor will to properly socialize and train their puppies. Most of the time, the dogs are kept in unsanitary rooms without proper care.
This means that, while you will be getting a fairly cheap dog, you’ll also have to spend more time and money on dog training, socialization, and vet bills.
Puppy mills often sell their dogs to puppy brokers and pet shops. This is why I would never advise selling puppies from such locations.
Backyard Breeders
Backyard breeders aren’t breeders who breed dogs in their backyard, even though you might think they do from their name.
Instead, these are people who breed dogs but don’t have the necessary experience or knowledge to do such a task successfully.
You can usually find backyard breeders on websites such as Craigslist. This is one of the main ways to locate them.
Most backyard breeders aren’t malicious. They aren’t aware that their breeding practices are wrong or even that they were supposed to pay for health testing.
Many times, they are simply owners that have decided to mate their dogs or even just end with a litter of unwanted puppies.
While backyard breeders don’t mean wrong, many times their dogs will be carriers of some genetic conditions or they’ll be improperly trained.
Also, as backyard breeders don’t provide any papers to go with your dog, you’ll have no way of knowing not just the health status of your dog, but also whether he is purebred or not.
The price of the dogs being sold at the backyard breeders can vary. Some can be sold for as low as $800, but most of the time their prices will be around $1,500.
However, not all Chow Chow backyard breeders will sell dogs at such a low price. Some will intentionally keep their prices higher because this can make them appear more reputable.
The only way to know whether a Chow Chow breeder is responsible or not is to ask for proper documentation and paperwork. A reputable breeder will always be able to provide you with some.
Reputable Breeders
Finally, you have reputable breeders, the only place where I would recommend buying Chow Chows from.
Reputable breeders are experts at their job. They know what they are doing, and they are doing it the right way. These are people with experience who will do all they can to make sure you get the best dog possible.
Reputable breeders can be quite expensive – the average Chow Chow price is $1,500 – $4,000. However, there is a good reason behind such a price, and the value of these dogs is amazingly high.
This is because reputable breeders think of their dogs as family members. They love them with all their hearts and they are doing all they can to ensure their litters are healthy and properly taken care of.
They invest lots of money into health tests and screening to make sure their puppies don’t have any hereditary health problems. As proof, they offer health guarantees and certificates. Many will even agree to give you a new puppy or to return your money if your pooch gets some genetic health condition.
Not just that, but they won’t sell their dogs to just about anyone. They usually conduct thorough screenings to make sure their puppies don’t fall into the wrong hands.
Finally, a reputable breeder will want to know whether their puppy is okay even after they are sold and into their new forever homes. They’ll ask you for updates, while also promising to provide you with a helping hand if you ever need one.
By doing all of this, responsible breeders will make sure their dogs are the best representatives of the breed possible. This is also why many experts think that breeders are, in fact, helping save many dog breeds and better them.
How Much Does A Chow Chow Cost To Adopt?
Finally, you also have the option to adopt an adult Chow Chow from the shelter. You might be able to find some puppies in rescue organizations and animal shelters, but these are fairly rare.
Adopting is likely the most moral thing to do. You’ll be providing an abandoned dog with a new home and giving him a new start.
Adopting a dog is also a fairly affordable option. To adopt a Chow Chow, all you’ll need to do is pay an adoption fee. This usually costs only $50 – $500.
While I am always up for adoption, I still have to mention a downside of this option: You’ll have no way of knowing what type of dog you’re adopting.
You might get a dog with some health problems that you are not aware of, as there’s no way of knowing the dog’s genetic background.
Also, maybe you’ll get a mixed breed dog that looks like a Chow Chow. While there’s nothing wrong with getting crossbreeds, it’s still something you need to think about.
Finally, many dogs that have ended up in shelters have been abused or neglected. This might mean they have some behavioral problems you need to be wary of.
As Chow Chows are known for being wary of strangers as it is, this might mean they require additional socialization and training. Many will have to be adopted into a home where they are the only pets.
While this isn’t a reason not to adopt, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
Why Are Chow Chows So Expensive?
As you can see, Chow Chow dogs aren’t the most affordable ones you can get. There are several reasons why this is the case, but the most important one is rather simple:
They are very large dogs.
This means that, to breed Chow Chows successfully, you’ll need to invest in more dog food, space, as well as vet bills to make sure these dogs are properly taken care of.
They come from cold climates, so there are some additional adjustments to be made when you want to provide these pups with the best care possible.
Also, Chow Chows are not as common as some other dog breeds. This rarity also adds to the average cost.
When you have a fairly rare breed, you can expect to pay more for it than you would for some usual one. This is why a Chow Chow will cost more than a Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd.
How Much Does A Chow Chow Cost To Feed?
All dogs need to eat, and this will add to the yearly dog costs. The bigger and the more energetic the dog is, the more food he’ll need.
Chow Chows are fairly big dogs that can weigh more than 70 lbs. As such, they need lots of high-quality dog food.
Puppies and adult dogs don’t eat the same type of food or the same amount, so expect the prices to vary as time goes by.
On average, a Chow Chow puppy will eat around 190 pounds of dry food on average. As puppy food can be somewhat expensive, this will cost you between $150 and $310 throughout the dog’s first year.
Adults are bigger, and they eat more food – an adult Chow Chow can eat up to 280 pounds of food per year. Depending on the brand and type of food, expect to spend $140 to $450 on dog food each year.
Don’t forget about dog treats! Dog treats aren’t mandatory, as you can always allow your Chow Chow to eat something healthy from your kitchen as a type of reward.
However, if you’d like to buy dog treats, don’t be surprised if they are more expensive than dog food! In fact, many Chow Chow owners have reported spending as much as $715 on treats per year!
Learn more about this dog’s diet in our Chow Chow feeding chart.
Chow Chow Supplies Cost
No matter the breed of dog, you need to get some supplies for your pooch to help him to live properly. Just like anything else, these supplies cost money.
The question of how much does a Chow Chow cost to feed has been answered before. However, to be able to give him food, you’ll need some food and water bowls. These will cost you $10 – $40 on average.
I don’t advise you to buy plastic ones – these can lead to bacteria and mold which can harm your dog’s health. Instead, opt for metal or ceramic ones. These are a much healthier option and will last for a long while, even though they are a bit more expensive.
To walk your Chow Chow, you’ll need a strong leash and a collar. Instead, it would be wise to buy at least two collars, just in case. All of this together shouldn’t cost you more than $70.
Once you get a collar, get an ID tag, as well. This will help you if your pooch gets lost. An ID tag is a cheap investment that can make a huge difference. It will cost you $5 to $20.
Unless you want to share a bed with your dog, you’ll need to get him a proper dog bed. This will cost you between $20 and $85, as a large dog requires a large bed.
You can also opt to crate train your dog, but you’ll need a dog crate for this. Such an object will cost you $30 – $120.
Chow Chows are active dogs that need strong dog toys to help deplete their high energy levels. These toys need to be of high quality, so expect to spend up to $155 on them!
You probably plan on housebreaking your pooch and teaching him to go potty outside. Before you potty train your Chow Chow, some accidents might happen. This means you’ll need some house training pads.
Fortunately, they aren’t expensive, and you can buy a package of 100 for up to $110.
When your dog learns where to go to do his business, you’ll still need plastic poop bags or a pooper scooper to clean up after him. These items can cost you $15 – $115, or rather $10 – $30 respectively.
Fortunately, most of these items are one-time costs, or rather, once you buy them, you won’t have to buy them again unless they get broken or worn out. If you invest in a high-quality item, you might not have to make an additional purchase for a very long time.
How Much Does It Cost To Groom A Chow Chow?
Chow Chows are known for their long, fluffy coats. However, such a coat means that you can expect lots of shedding and lots of grooming.
True, these dogs are high shedders. They shed excessively, and they’ll shed throughout the year. They have a thick undercoat and a long topcoat, and you need a good dog brush that can reach both layers.
Depending on the type of brush you prefer, expect to pay $5 to $45.
In fact, you might want to get more than one brush. Each brush type is good for something, and you might have more benefits from buying two different brushes.
You’ll also have to bathe your Chow Chow every few months. You should always use a dog shampoo, as products made for humans can damage your dog’s sensitive skin.
Don’t worry – dog shampoos aren’t very expensive. You likely won’t have to pay more than $20 for a high-quality product.
You should also clean your dog’s ears and trim his nails from time to time – usually every three weeks. A good set of toenail clippers will cost you $5 to $30.
A Chow Chow dog will also benefit from going to a professional groomer every few months. An expert can help not just by cutting his coat, but also by making sure he looks his best all the time.
The average price of a groomer visit for such a large dog is $75 to $120 per visit. If you want to give your Chow Chow some fun look, such as the famous panda hair dye job, expect to pay even more.
Chow Chow Training Costs
Chow Chows are fairly calm dogs, but they don’t like new people or animals. They were bred to be herding dogs and guard dogs, and they behave in such a way.
As such, they require extensive training sessions and lots of positive reinforcements. While they aren’t as food-driven as some other breeds, you can still greatly benefit from giving them treats when they behave in a way you want them to.
Still, I would advise most Chow Chow owners to take their dogs to a professional dog trainer, especially if you plan on keeping them in the same household as kids.
You can choose between group sessions and individual sessions, although I would suggest you apply your Chow Chow to both. Individual sessions will help him learn that he isn’t an alpha dog and that he must accept leadership, while group classes are great for socialization.
In fact, it might be best to take your dog to 7 – 9 private lessons that will cost you up to $1,200 altogether. This should be enough for independent Chow Chows to learn how to behave.
Also, they need approximately 5 group lessons that are rather cheaper. These will end up costing you $150 to $200 combined.
While this might sound expensive, it’s important to keep i mind that Chow Chows can be rather aggressive dogs if you don’t teach them how to behave. As they are big and strong, they can also end up being dangerous.
It is better to spend some money and rest assured that your pooch is well-behaved than to risk it.
Chow Chow Medical Expenses
You cannot truly understand how much does a Chow Chow cost without looking at the medical expenses. However, this is where things can get kind of tricky.
When you’ve just purchased your Chow Chow puppy, you’ll need to pay some medical bills that are one-time only.
For example, your pooch will need to get at least three standard vaccinations – the first one while he is just eight weeks old. This is also the time to microchip your dog.
All puppies should get heartworm, flea, and tick medication. Also, there are some optional vaccines that will depend on your dog’s lifestyle. All of these need to be added into consideration.
With all this being said, the first-year medical expenses will be around $600.
However, the first year of your Chow Chow’s life is probably when you’d want to have your pooch spayed or neutered.
To neuter a male Chow Chow, you’ll need to pay $50 to $200. This is a standard procedure, and your doggie will be able to go home right after everything is done.
If you want to spay a female Chow Chow, the costs will be a bit higher – around $200 to $450. This is because spaying is a more invasive procedure compared to neutering, and your dog will likely have to stay overnight.
Also, the recovery procedure is a bit more expensive and longer, and you might have to pay for some additional painkillers.
As for subsequent years, these will be more affordable. You’ll need to take your Chow Chow dog to the annual vet check-up, and this will cost you from $125 to $270, depending on his age and what procedures the vet has done.
A rule of thumb is that the older the dog is, the more expensive the vet visit will be, as there will be a need for more costly bloodwork and other various health exams.
Chow Chow Health Problems
Another thing that goes into the health care costs is the price of treatment if your pooch ends up having any health issues.
These expenses are fairly rare in dogs bought from reputable breeders, but they’ll occur commonly in Chow Chows bought from other places.
In general, a Chow Chow is a healthy dog with a lifespan of nine to 15 years. However, this doesn’t mean he isn’t prone to some health conditions. These usually include:
• Hip dysplasia.
• Elbow dysplasia.
• Eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, distichiasis, and entropion.
• Gastric torsion volvulus (bloat).
• Various forms of cancer.
Bloat and cancer are the main reasons why some Chow Chows might die young. Other health problems won’t shorten his life expectancy on their own, but they can ruin his quality of life.
The treatment for these conditions can vary in price depending on whether you’re giving your dog pain medication, or if you’ve decided on expensive surgeries that can cost $10,000, or more!
One of the ways to ensure you always have money for your dog’s treatment is to pay for pet insurance.
The price of pet insurance depends on the policy you decide to get. For example, if you get the accident-only plan, you can expect to pay $190 a year.
However, this policy won’t cover the treatment costs, but only the costs in case your dog gets injured.
To be covered for health conditions, you’d want an accident and illness coverage plan, which can be quite costly. The average price of such a plan is $565 per year.
No matter how expensive this might sound, you should get the plan that covers the illnesses if you’ve bought a Chow Chow from an unreliable source.
Is Chow Chow Worth The Price?
Now you know how much does a Chow Chow cost on average. Of course, some unexpected additional prices can always occur, such as getting a license, dog walking services, or dog boarding, but I’ve tried to stick to the essential costs.
Chow Chows are not affordable dogs. However, once you look at them, it’s easy to see why people are prepared to pay such a hefty sum of money on these pups.
These adorable dogs have a dignified temperament combined with cute looks. Not to mention their blue-black tongue, something only they and the Shar-Pei share!
While they are high-maintenance dogs, I personally think they are worth all the effort. If you’ve properly socialized and trained them from a young age, you’ll get a dog like no other.
So, once you’ve read the numbers – Do you think Chow Chows are worth the price?
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