Chow Chow Growth & Weight Chart

Chow Chows are ancient dogs showcased in artifacts from the Chinese Han Dynasty, though experts believe that their heritage goes back even further. They were initially companions to Chinese nobles but are versatile dogs that have played many roles, including hunters, haulers, and guarders. Queen Victoria played a large part in popularizing the Chow Chow when she got one in the late 1800s¹.

Today, Chow Chows are known for their muscular build and dignified personality. If you have one of these serene, neat dogs, you may be wondering just how large will my Chow Chow grow to be? Keep reading for more information on how large Chow Chows grow and different Chow Chow health concerns.

Here’s everything you need to know about Chow Chow size and growth rate:

• Chow Chow Growth & Weight Chart
• How big do Chow Chows get?
• At what age is a Chow Chow fully grown?
• How big should a 6-month-old Chow Chow be?
• How much bigger will my Chow Chow get?
• How do I make sure my Chow Chow is healthy?
• Are Chow Chow vet bills expensive
• Key Takeaways

Pro Tip: Pet insurance can save lives. Enroll your Chow Chow in dog health insurance today so that you can rest easy knowing that your puppy will be covered should anything happen to their health.

Chow Chow Growth & Weight Chart

Please keep in mind that the above numbers are estimates of what your Chow Chow pup may weigh at certain stages. If your pup is significantly behind or ahead of the following numbers, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian to make sure your Chow Chow is growing appropriately.

How big do Chow Chows get?

According to the American Kennel Club Official Breed Standards², the full-grown Chow Chow size should stand around 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.

Please keep in mind that male Chow Chows tend to be on the larger side when compared to female Chows. Both male and female Chow Chows should appear broad, squarely built, and powerful at maturity.

At what age is a Chow Chow fully grown?

Chow Chows are medium-sized dogs with compact, muscular bodies. Most Chow Chow pups will be at or very close to their adult size by their first birthday. However, larger Chows may require a few more months to finish filling out their chest completely.

As a general rule, Chow Chows typically require 12 to 18 months to finish growing.

How big should a 6-month-old Chow Chow be?

All puppies will grow at their own unique rate, but most Chow Chows will weigh between 30 and 45 pounds at six months old.

Male Chow Chows tend to be bigger, so if you have a male Chow Chow, you can anticipate that they will likely be on the larger size of our Chow Chow size chart ranges.

Pro Tip: Most vet visits cost less than $100, but some can easily cost thousands of dollars if your Chow Chow needs many tests run or treatments performed. Learn more about vet visit costs here.

How much bigger will my Chow Chow get?

There are several ways to estimate the size of a Chow Chow at maturity:

1. Age. Age plays a prominent role in how much bigger your Chow Chow will get. If your Chow Chow is less than a year old, they are likely still growing significantly. After they reach their first birthday, some Chow puppies will still need a few more months to finish filling out, but you can expect their growth rate to have noticeably slowed.
2. Paw Size. You can also take a look at your Chow puppy’s paws. If their paws look oversized next to their body and legs, they are likely still growing as this is a classic adolescent feature.
3. Gender. Male Chow Chows tend to be a bit larger than their female counterparts. When looking at our Chow Chow growth chart, consider your puppy’s gender as this will likely affect if they are on the smaller or larger size of the estimated size range.
4. Parents. Your puppy’s parents can provide a lot of information about how large your puppy will grow to be. Reach out to your Chow Chow’s breeder for information about how much your pup’s parents weigh and the size of their past litters. This information will give you a more precise idea of your Chow Chow’s expected size.

How do I make sure my Chow Chow is healthy?

Chow Chows are purebred dogs, which unfortunately makes them more susceptible to genetic health problems. While no pet parent wants to think about their beloved Chow Chow becoming ill, it’s important to take preventative measures now. Preventative measures, like routine vet visits, x-rays, and bloodwork, can prevent and minimize future health problems.

Chow Chows are more prone to certain hereditary health issues³, such as:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Hypothyroidism
• Musculoskeletal problems

Some conditions are common in this breed due to the dogs' anatmoical build. For example, Chow Chows are prone to bloat (otherwise known as gastric dilation and volvulus), which happens more frequently in dogs with narrow, deep chests.

Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas, then the stomach twists on itself, blocking the exit and entrance of the stomach. Unfortunately, bloat is a severe health condition that is life-threatening to our beloved pups. Changes to how you feed your dog, their diet, and exercise can help to prevent bloat⁴. Consult with your Chow’s veterinarian for personalized advice on how you can help your pup minimize their risk of bloat and other health problems.

Are Chow Chow vet bills expensive?

Pet parents need to be aware that veterinary care can be expensive, especially for emergencies and chronic conditions. For example, Chow Chows are at an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism, which can make your pup feel lethargic and increase their risk of ear and skin infections, depression, and obesity.

The cost to treat hypothyroidism in dogs can cost around $850 in the first year, then $300 to $700 every year after that. to manage. Pet insurance can help with this cost by reimbursing you for up to 100% of these costs depending on the plan. However, no provider offers pet insurance for pre-existing conditions, which is why insuring your Chow Chow when they are young and healthy is a wise investment in their long-term health and happiness.

Wellness plans can even help you with routine care expenses, such as regular veterinary appointments, vaccines, x-rays, and more. Get peace of mind today when you enroll your beloved Chow Chow in a pet insurance plan that will help you provide them with the best veterinary care for the rest of their life.