45-90 lbs
22-26"
Unknown
Protective and playful best describe the Chow Shepherd, a breed that is a cross between the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd. These medium to large breed dogs are sturdily built and can come in many colors such as sable and black, and brown and black with mixes of cream. These dogs are high maintenance as they are heavy shedders and will require an experienced, firm hand when it comes to training and disciplining their independent nature. Best suited to a large home with a securely enclosed back yard space, owners of the Chow Shepherd say he is a protective, intelligent companion who is happy to go wherever you go.
Captain Max von Stephanitz is credited with the development of the German Shepherd. A large breed and a hard working dog, this canine is said to have originated in Germany during the 1800s. These tall, sleek and agile dogs were put to work protecting sheep flocks and as well, herding them quite proficiently through rough terrain. Although he started out as a worker on the farm, his intelligence became known, leading him to be used in the German military. Due to a change in sentiment about the Germans during the World Wars, the German Shepherd (once called the German Sheepdog) fell in popularity. He regained it quickly though and is presently the second most favored dog on the United Kennel Club roster, which he joined in 1908. Today, he is a wonderful service, therapy, and police dog. The Chow Chow is said to be one of the oldest and most ancient dog breeds in the world. Their origins can be traced back to 150 B.C. during the Han Dynasty in China and recent genetic studies point to the fact that they are one of 14 original breeds of the canine species. Excelling at guarding and herding, the Chow Chow is thought to have ancestry in the Samoyed and ancient Mastiff. He was a trusted protector in the Han Dynasty of China but was also used as food when necessary. He made his way to the royal courts of Europe and then arrived in North America where he eventually became not only a protector but a companion; he was added to the registry of the American Kennel Club in 1903.
The Chow Shepherd typically has the dominant genes of the Chow Chow present in the coat and body; he is sturdy and sometimes can be quite fluffy. The coat may vary though, between medium and medium long, but will always be dense and thick. His tail may look like the German Shepherd in that it is long and sweeps just a bit or it may curve more like the Chow Chow. As with both parents, his eyes are brown and his ears are upright. His muzzle is of medium length and his face is often more sleek than the round face of the Chow, though it can appear somewhat round if it is framed by the mane often seen in the Chow Chow parent. Colors will vary as well, but often he has the red brown coloring of the Chow Chow and facial markings of the German Shepherd.
Chow Shepherds are a mix of two breeds that are heavy shedders with dense coats, meaning there is a lot of fur to shed. Expect your Chow Shepherd to have high maintenance requirements. Brush him daily with either the pin brush or the slicker brush, and at heavy times of shed use the deshedding tool as well. If you brush his teeth at least three times per week, he should not develop major problems with the teeth and may only need an annual checkup at the veterinarian. Bathing should be done when needed, these dogs do not need to have regular bathing sessions unless they get dirty after rolling in something unpleasant. Their nails will be strong and maybe difficult to cut - so be sure to trim them at least twice a month so the job does not get out of hand.
Chow Shepherds may have a dominating attitude, so are not suited to households with smaller pets and children. The Chow Shepherd does have a loving personality but may be cautious with strangers and have a tendency to overprotect. Great for guarding home and property, the Chow Shepherd is a wonderful companion who can benefit with the addition of obedience training to his weekly schedule. This type of activity allows him to practice his social skills in a neutral setting before he tries them out at home. Always ready to learn and capable of many tasks, the Chow Shepherd is the perfect companion for a person or family who likes to challenge and be challenged by their dog.
Agile, powerful and full of energy, the Chow Shepherd is a dog that requires an active family to keep him busy. He needs a large enclosed backyard in which to run and explore. He is not an apartment type canine by any means as fresh air a good part of the day is essential to his well-being. Athletic and confident, he will make a good hiking or jogging partner and at the very least will need two lengthy walks per day. He may excel at agility or flyball , or any activity where he can use his brain and his body and interact with other dogs.
Written by Loreziel Ortega
Published: 12/13/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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