Grooming the Chow Chow

COAT

There are two types of Chow coat: rough and smooth, and both are double-coated. In the rough coat, the outer coat is abundant, dense, straight, and off-standing, rather coarse in texture, with a soft, thick, woolly undercoat. Puppy coat is soft, thick, and woolly overall. The coat forms a profuse ruff around the head and neck, framing the face, and is generally longer and fuller in dogs than in bitches. The tail is well feathered. Coat length varies markedly between individual Chows, and thickness, texture, and condition should be given greater emphasis than length alone — obvious trimming or shaping is undesirable, though trimming of the whiskers, feet, and metatarsals is optional.

The smooth-coated Chow has a hard, dense, smooth outer coat with a definite undercoat, but without the obvious ruff or feathering on the legs and tail seen in the rough variety — and it sheds, mats, and repels dirt more easily than the rough coat, which makes it the lower-maintenance of the two.

CHARACTER

Keen intelligence, an independent spirit, and innate dignity give the Chow an aura of aloofness. It's in the breed's nature to be reserved and discerning with strangers, and the breed can be stubborn and slow to forgive harsh handling, which makes early, positive grooming experiences especially valuable for building a cooperative routine that lasts a lifetime.

Recommended Cindra Grooming Products

• Cindra Texturizing Shampoo
• Cindra Reconstructor
• Cindra Maxi Care
• Cindra Texturizing Mist
• Cindra Super Coat

Common Coat Problems & Solutions

Hands On Grooming Guide

For rough-coated Chows, line brushing every other day is the standard recommendation from veterinary sources — this breed's dense, off-standing coat mats fast, especially around the ruff, tail, chest, armpits, and groin, and skipping more than a day or two invites real matting. Work in sections from the skin outward with a pin brush, slicker, and a steel-toothed comb, always brushing before bathing to clear loose undercoat and existing tangles before water tightens them.

When bathing, saturate the coat fully — the dense undercoat resists water, so take the time to work shampoo all the way down to the skin. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner matched to the coat's current condition. Dry with towels first, then finish with a blow dryer on a cool setting rather than high heat, continuing to brush as you go so the coat doesn't dry in clumps or against the grain.

Smooth-coated Chows need a noticeably simpler routine: brushing once or twice weekly with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt keeps the coat's natural shine intact, with monthly bathing. Whichever coat type, never shave a Chow Chow — the double coat regulates body temperature in both hot and cold weather, and shaving removes that protection along with the coat.

Seasonal Shedding

Chow Chows shed their undercoat heavily on a seasonal basis, typically in spring and fall, and shedding overall runs above average for the breed. Daily to every-other-day line brushing during these periods is the most effective way to keep pace with loose hair and prevent matting beneath the coarser outer coat.

Puppy vs Adult Coat Care

Quick Grooming Schedule

Chow Chow Grooming Resources

• Managing Seasonal Shedding in Dogs
• How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog