If you are considering adding a Chow Chow breed to your family, you probably have a few questions. One of the first is likely, “How big do Chow Chows get?” Here, you’ll find the answer to your question along with some other basic information about this gentle giant breed.
According to the Chow Chow Club, the breed originated in China. It was developed as hunting, herding, and guard dog. Chow Chows are powerful dogs with big heads, thick coats of fur, and a signature blue-black tongue.
They’re known for not being social with other dogs, but they are usually very loyal and protective of their families.
Learn more about how big Chow Chows get, along with other interesting facts about this breed, by following the information below.
How Big Do Chow Chows Get?
Chow Chows are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 50 and 75 pounds (23-34kg), although some can grow up to 100 pounds or more! They stand between 17 to 20 inches (43-51cm) in height, with males generally larger than females.
On average, when fully grown, a male Chow weighs between 55-71 pounds (25-32 kilograms), while an adult female Chow weighs between 44-60 pounds (20-27 kilograms).
Despite these averages, there are significant individual differences in size among Chow Chows. Some dogs reach 100 pounds (45 kilograms), while others remain lighter.
What Age Are Chow Chows Fully Grown?
Chow Chows are considered full-grown by the time they reach 16 months. During this period, their physical and mental development will be complete.
Some dogs continue to grow for longer than 16 months, but this is not abnormal unless it seems to slow their progress significantly. At this point, Chow Chows should hit a stable weight of at least 50 pounds (23 kilograms) or more.
At 16 months, your chow is likely at its full adult height.
As with weight, the height of the Chow is impacted by many factors. Depending on their genetics and puppyhood diet, they may grow shorter or taller than average.
To ensure your dog reaches its potential height, you should feed it high-quality food designed for medium or large breeds.
Some Chow Chows are aggressive eaters and will grow faster, but this practice is not advisable because it can lead to bone issues. Keep an eye on the growth charts for your breed and adjust food intake appropriately.
Factors that Affect How Big Chow Chows Get
While Chow Chows are usually medium-sized dogs, some things can affect their weight and size. Some of these include:
Genetics
Because Chow Chows are a breed with significant variations in size, there is no way to ensure that your dog will only grow to be 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
Some Chow Chows can weigh much more than this. If you are worried about the size of your dog, talk with a breeder to find out what weight is commonplace for your breed.
If you purchase a puppy, focus on finding puppies around the middle of the Chow Chow weight range rather than small or large.
Diet
As with any dog, the chow’s weight is determined to a large extent by what it eats. Feed your pet high-quality food designed for medium or large breeds.
This type of diet will provide your Chow with the nutrients it needs to grow into a muscular, healthy adult.
Additionally, you should avoid overfeeding your dog. Obesity is a common health problem in chow chows and can lead to several issues.
Health
Your Chow’s weight is primarily determined by its genetics. However, you can give your dog the best chance at a healthy weight by feeding it quality food and avoiding overfeeding.
If you are concerned about your Chow Chow’s weight, take it to the vet for a check-up. Your veterinarian can recommend what you should be feeding your pet and whether or not it should lose any weight.
How Fast Do Chow Chows Grow?
If you want to know how fast Chow Chows grow, it’s helpful to cover some background on puppy development.
0 – 2 Weeks
Puppies are typically born in litters of between 4 and 6. The female chow will give birth to its puppies after a gestation period of between 60 and 70 days.
Pups are born with closed eyes and ears, but they quickly develop within the first week. It’s normal for their eyes to be blue at birth, but they’ll change colour on average within the first month.
Pups will weigh less than a pound (0.4 kilograms) at birth, but they will quickly grow. By two weeks old, a Chow pup will typically weigh between 1 and 2 pounds (0.4-1 kilograms).
3 – 12 Weeks
Between 3 and 12 weeks, there are some notable growth changes. The first thing you’ll notice is that your pup’s coat will start to come in, and by 12 weeks old, its adult fur should be in.
At three weeks old, your pup may weigh around 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms), but by 12 weeks, they could grow to weigh anywhere from 18-26 pounds (8-12 kilograms).
As their adult teeth come in, they’ll be chewing on everything and will want to play with you often.
That’s why it’s essential to socialise your pup during the first 12 weeks of life so that they will be comfortable in new situations and with other animals.
This is when they’ll start to wean from their mother and be introduced to puppy kibble, which will help them grow throughout the coming months.
4 – 9 Months
By four months old, your pup will have grown to be roughly the same size as an adult chow with a weight of between 23 and 40 pounds (10-18 kilograms).
Their growth rate will continue to increase over the next few months. Between 4 and 9 months old, they will grow from 23 and 40 pounds (10-18 kilograms) to 40 and 63 pounds (18-29 kilograms).
The size difference between male and female Chow Chows is also more pronounced during this period, with the male dogs growing larger than females.
10 – 18 Months
After ten months, the Chow will likely hit its adult height and weight. Females reach their full height at around 16 months old, while males typically reach their height at 18 months.
The transition from puppy to adult is completed during this period, and you should have a healthy dog that weighs between 41 and 63 pounds (18-29 kilograms).
Male Chows might continue to gain weight and grow slightly taller than average. However, this is not abnormal and will be slow growth that will not have a negative impact on the dog.
Average Chow Chow Growth and Weight Chart
The following chart will show you the average growth and weight for Chow every month of life. It’s important to remember that many factors can impact this growth, such as how large their parents were and what they are fed.
| Age (Months) | Male (Pounds/Kilograms) | Female (Pounds/Kilograms) |
| 3 Months | 21-26 pounds (10 to 12 kilograms) | 18-23 pounds (8 to 10.5 kilograms) |
| 4 Months | 28-40 pounds (13 to 18 kilograms) | 23-30 pounds (10.5 to 13.5 kilograms) |
| 5 Months | 39-43 pounds (18 to 20 kilograms) | 27-37 pounds (12 to 17 kilograms) |
| 6 Months | 40-49 pounds (18 to 23 kilograms) | 33-43 pounds (15 to 10 kilograms) |
| 7 Months | 44 -54 pounds (20 to 24.5 kilograms) | 36-47.5 pounds (16.5 to 21.5 kilograms) |
| 8 Months | 47-59 pounds (21 to 26.5 kilograms) | 38-51 pounds (17.5 to 23 kilograms) |
| 9 Months | 49.5-62.5 pounds (22.5 to 28.5 kilograms) | 40-54 pounds (18 to 24.5 kilograms) |
| 10 Months | 51.5-63 pounds (23 to 28.5 kilograms) | 41-56 pounds (18.5 to 25.5 kilograms) |
| 11 Months | 52.5-66 pounds (24 to 30 kilograms) | 42.5-55.5 pounds (19 to 25 kilograms) |
| 12 Months | 53.5-68 pounds (24 to 31 kilograms) | 43-58 pounds (19.5 to 26 kilograms) |
| 13 Months | 54-69 pounds (24.5 to 31 kilograms) | 44-58 pounds (20 to 26 kilograms) |
| 14 Months | 55-70 pounds (25 to 31.5 kilograms) | 44-59 pounds (20 to 27 kilograms) |
| 15 Months | 55-70 pounds (25 to 31.5 kilograms) | 44-59.5 pounds (20 to 27 kilograms) |
| 16 Months | 55-70.5 pounds (25 to 32 kilograms) | 44-59.5 pounds (20 to 27 kilograms) |
What Health Problems Affect Chow Chows?
Chow Chows are predisposed to several health problems, but this varies depending on the dogs’ line.
There are several lines of Chow Chows and some are more predisposed to disease than others. One of the most common health conditions among Chow Chows is hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia occurs when there isn’t a complete connection between the upper and lower part of the femur, which affects how Chow Chows walk and run.
Another common health issue among Chows is Elbow Dysplasia (when the elbow joint doesn’t fully form). This can cause an abnormal shape in the lower portion of the leg, causing arthritis over time.
Cataracts is another health problem among Chows and can contribute to blindness. It’s common for any dog breed to develop this condition, but it typically occurs in older dogs.
A final health issue that Chows can develop is Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat) and Hypoglycemia. These issues typically affect Chows more than most breeds of dogs, but they’re not as prevalent as Hip Dysplasia or Elbow Dysplasia.
The Bottom Line
The Chow is a medium-sized dog that weighs between 50 and 75 pounds (23-34 kilograms) and has a life expectancy of between 9-15 years old.
They are strong dogs that can be trained to obey commands, but they require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy.
Chow Chows are a relatively healthy breed of dog, but they’re more predisposed to developing Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia.
The best way to avoid these conditions is by visiting a reputable breeder who focuses on breeding Chow chows that have been tested for genetic issues.
