Are you looking for a purple-tongued pooch with plenty of personality? Well the chow chow may be the perfect pupper for you!
But while chows are excellent purebred pups, it may also be worth considering a chow chow mixed breed.
These marvelous mutts might provide exactly the kind of canine companionship you’re looking for, as they often posses some of the chow chow’s best traits – such as patience, intelligence, and a whole lot of cuteness – as well as some nifty characteristics of another dog breed!
Let’s dive into what you might expect from these marvelous mixed-breed mutts!
Getting to Know the Chow Chow
Before diving into captivating chow crosses, it’s essential to learn about the chow breed first.
These dignified doggos are best known for being one of the fluffiest dog breeds around, and they also have beautiful purple tongues. But there’s a lot more to them than these traits.
They are also have serious and intelligent personalities, which makes these pups more independent than most. It also means they are often happy to keep themselves busy.
Chows bond closely with their family members but they are somewhat aloof around strangers, so early socialization is essential. They need a moderate level of exercise, but they’re actually one of the best dog breeds for apartments — so long as their activity needs are met.
These dogs are known for being pretty clean, though they do shed quite a bit. Since Chows have strong-willed natures, they require pet parents who can provide consistent, firm, and positive training. But in the right homes, these low key canine companions make patient and elegant furry family members.
20 Great Chow Mixes
Are you considering getting a chow but aren’t totally convinced they’re the perfect fit for your family? Here are some excellent chow crosses to take into consideration.
1. Chusky (Chow Chow x Siberian Husky)
Chuskies are lovable doggos who don’t just have dashing good looks, they have brains too. These intelligent dogs are highly trainable, though you’ll need to accept that they are often quite independent doggos, who like to do what they want, when they want.
But for owners who can handle their personalities, Chuskies are lovable and comedic canines that will leave a paw print on your heart. These energetic sweethearts need active households where they will get plenty of playtime.
2. Golden Chow (Chow Chow x Golden Retriever)
Cross the independent chow with the forever-friendly golden retriever and you get a gentle and intelligent furry four-footer who loves being a part of your pack. These athletic canine companions make good all-around family pets, but they are also some of the best dogs for running or hiking.
The Golden Chow is incredibly loyal and loving of his family members, but like many chow-mixes, he may be a bit wary of strangers. However, it shouldn’t take long to win over one of these sweet pooches – as long as you have a couple of treats, you’re all set!
3. Chow Shepherd (Chow Chow x German Shepherd)
A Chow Shepherd or Sheprachow will take over your home and your heart. These headstrong furry friends may need a little bit of guidance to grow into their best selves, but underneath their stoic armor is a sweet, sensitive furry friend.
Chow Shepherds appreciate fenced-in yards to run around in, and they certainly need plenty of exercise. However, these active pups will reward you with plenty of puppy kisses after coming in from gratifying hiking adventures or rousing games of fetch.
4. Akita Chow (Chow Chow x Akita)
This unique canine cross stems from two-independent thinkers, so you’ll have to put in plenty of training time to guide this mix’s headstrong personality.
Thankfully, the Akita Chows pick up tricks quickly due to their natural intelligence. These might not be the cuddliest canines you come across, but you couldn’t ask for a more loyal yet independent furry family member.
5. Pitchow (Chow Chow x American Pit Bull Terrier)
The Pitchow is quite the cutie! A sweet and personable canine cross, this mixed mutt has plenty of energy, loves to play, and is always ready to go on adventures with his favorite people.
But while these dogs will likely shower you and your family with kisses, they can be somewhat standoffish around strangers. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a loyal adventure buddy, your search might end here.
6. American Chowdog (Chow Chow x American Bulldog)
Look at this lug! The American Chowdog is quite the cutie and tends to be pretty affectionate with his loved ones. While these pups are super sweet, you’ll need to train these mutts on a regular basis to help guide their headstrong personalities.
When he’s not on the couch, the American Chow Bulldog loves playing with toys and earning treats. This mix usually does well with other pets so long as he’s raised along with them.
7. Chow Hound (Chow Chow x Basset Hound)
This friendly fellow is a doggie delight with a cheery and patient disposition. Chow Hounds will look forward to following their nose during daily walks, and they’re always ready to cuddle up next to their favorite human at the end of the day.
Most Chow Hounds are pretty smart, which makes them fairly easy to train. Just know that you’ll have to break out the vacuum for this mix’s constantly shedding coat, but we think they are definitely worth the extra effort.
8. Berner Chow (Chow Chow x Bernese Mountain Dog)
Just look at this furball! The Berner Chow is about as sweet as he looks. This affectionate and gentle furry friend makes an amazing canine companion for families with or without kids.
These pups will do well with a few long walks throughout the day and enjoy hanging out with their loved ones at night. Berner Chows are best suited for colder climates (in fact, they’re one of the best dog breeds for cold weather), so be sure to think twice before adding one of these pups to your pack if you live in a warm region.
9. Boxer Chow (Chow Chow x Boxer)
Boxer chows are excellent family dogs that are always happy to play a game of fetch with whomever is around. These loving canine companions do particularly well with children and are naturally intelligent, making them fairly easy to train.
These pups have more energy than purebred chows, and they need active pet parents. But as long as you pack in plenty of playtime with these pups, you’ll receive plenty of kisses and cuddles in return.
10. Bull Chow Terrier (Chow Chow x Bull Terrier)
The Bull Chow Terrier is one of the most loyal canine companions you’ll come across. This headstrong mutt mix requires plenty of training sessions, but he will give you his unconditional devotion if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Since both pet parents can be wary of strangers, you’ll want to make sure your canine cross gets plenty of socialization with other people and pets. Nevertheless, these smart furry friends can make great pets, and they are sure to keep you on your toes.
11. Chabrador (Chow Chow x Labrador Retriever)
This cute canine is a mix between a Lab and a chow chow. Like most Labrador mixed breeds, these are some of the sweetest dogs around, and they’re essentially loyal and friendly furballs, who love hanging out with his family members.
But like all chow mixes, Chabradors can be somewhat wary of strangers, so early socialization is essential. That aside, these adaptable dogs will do well just about anywhere, so long as they can be with the ones they love.
12. Peke-A-Chow (Chow Chow x Pekingese)
The compact Peke-A-Chow is a dignified canine companion with plenty of personality. These strong-willed pups need patient pet parents who are ready to be entertained by feisty furry friends.
Peke-A-Chows may not think much of strangers, but they will award their pet parents with plenty of puppy kisses and endless loyalty. These intelligent canine companions are sure to win you over.
13. Chow Pei (Chow Chow x Shar Pei)
The Chow Pei is a dignified dog with an independent mind and spirit. They also have a very serious personality, and they aren’t as likely to jump around goofball-style, like some of the other dogs discussed here.
Chow Peis are loyal pups, but they’re also happy to spend plenty of time on their own. These marvelous mutts don’t require very much care, as both parents are pretty low-maintenance dog breeds, and they typically fare well in apartment settings as long as they get enough activity.
14. Border Chow (Chow Chow x Border Collie)
If you’re looking for a smart, active canine companion, the Border Chow might be your missing piece. These high-energy pups will love to accompany you on runs and hikes, and they appreciate plenty of playtime.
Though these dogs are more independent than their border collie parents, they still enjoy being around their humans as much as possible. And that’s a good thing, as they can sometimes have a bit of a mischievous side, which means they need lots of supervision.
15. Rottie Chow (Chow Chow x Rottweiler)
This handsome hound is a Rottie Chow, a cross between a Rottweiler and chow chow. These dashing dogs are incredibly loyal and make great watchdogs, thanks to their intelligence (Rotties are one of the smartest dog breeds) and alert demeanor.
Rottie Chows are typically sensitive dogs, who love spending time with their families. But they’re usually very gentle and patient, so they tend to do well with children, making them great family pets. They can be somewhat aloof around strangers, so you’ll want to pack in plenty of socialization training .
16. Chowdoodle (Chow Chow x Poodle)
The Chowdoodle or Chowpoo is a playful, intelligent pooch that will bond closely with everyone in the family. These active canine companions love running in fenced-in yards or engaging in endless games of fetch.
Thankfully, the poodle parent helps the Chowdoodle shed less than a purebred Chow Chow, making them better picks for owners who place a premium on tidyness. These pups may be a little aloof around strangers, but they have no trouble showing their soft side at home.
17. Great Pyrenees Chow (Chow Chow x Great Pyrenees)
A Great Pyrenees Chow is a serious, hardworking pooch, but he has plenty of love for his family. These intelligent dogs are natural guardians, and they are some of the best farm dogs and watchdogs around.
Great Pyrenees Chows need patient pet parents who are ready to guide their headfirst personalities. But with a little training, these big best buddies make incredibly loyal canine companions.
18. Chow Australian Shepherd (Chow Chow x Australian Shepherd)
This unique canine cross is a Chow Australian Shepherd. If you don’t fall in love with the looks of these cuties, you’ll surely fall in love with their personalities. These pooches bond closely with their loved ones and might just follow you from room to room.
These active canine companions love spending time outdoors and playing with their favorite humans. As intelligent dogs, these mutts are likely to excel in agility training and other dog sports if given the opportunity.
19. Chow Pom (Chow Chow x Pomeranian)
This fluffy fellow is an adorable Chow Pom. Your Chow Pom will keep you entertained with his playful, energetic spirit.
These intelligent dogs are fairly easy to train, though they may be wary of other people and dogs. After a long day of chasing squirrels around the yard, these compact canines will cuddle up next to you on the couch.
20. Samoyed Chow (Chow Chow x Samoyed)
This floofball is the result of two breeds with impressive coats. But more than just a furry four-footer, the Samoyed Chow mix also makes a great guardian and loves to keep busy throughout the day.
These hardworking dogs need plenty of exercise on a regular basis. While they aren’t always the most affectionate, these pups are willing do to just about anything for anyone in the family.
Where Can You Find Chow Mixes?
Finding a specific chow mix can be quite a challenge, but it’s not impossible with the right tools. Here are a couple of resources to kick off your search for your designer doggo.
- Start with a search engine. One of the easiest ways to track down a chow mix is to use a search engine like Petfinder. Sites like these allow you to filter by breed so that you can easily track down a chow mix in your area. You can also search outside your local vicinity if you’re willing to travel for your furball.
- Check out your local shelters or rescue organizations. Adopting a deserving doggo is a great way to bring a canine companion into your family. Call your local shelter and rescue groups to see if they have any chow mixes in their network. But before bringing home your best buddy, make sure you receive your potential pup’s full history from the shelter staff.
- Find a reputable breeder. You can keep an eye out for a chow mix breeder, though specific canine crosses can be challenging to find. Just make sure you evaluate each potential source on an individual basis to ensure that they are a reputable dog breeder – especially when dealing with a tricky, temperamental breed like the Chow!
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Just look at those floofs! These chow mixes are downright adorable. Hopefully, this list makes it easier for you to find your ideal furry family member.
Do you have a chow mix? Which canine cross is your favorite? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
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