Golden Retriever Chow Mix: The Friendly Fluffy Golden Chow

INTRODUCTION

Mixed breed dogs are all the rage these days! There's the puggle and golden doodle, cockapoo and chowsky. But have you ever heard of the Golden Chow?

Fluffy, loyal, and full of pizzazz—the Golden Chow has it all! This unique dog breed is an interesting blend of two very different but popular dogs.

If you are considering a Golden Retriever Chow mix, you might have some questions. In this article, we will take a look at this fascinating breed to help answer them...

WHAT IS A GOLDEN CHOW?

A Golden Chow, also known as the Chow Retriever, is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Chow Chow. They can range anywhere from 50 to 75 pounds and stand 20 to 25 inches tall. They are officially categorized as medium-sized dogs, but they can get pretty big.

This dog is a blend of two very different personalities. Chow Chows are loyal to the family, but they are deeply suspicious of strangers. The breed has been used for over 2,000 years in China as a guard and working dog. Throughout history, you have been able to find Chow Chows almost anywhere in Chinese society, from the farm to the temples. They might have even been used by the Mongolians as war dogs.

Chow Chows are best known for their startling appearance. They are technically medium-sized dogs, standing only 17–20 inches in height and weighing 40–70 pounds. However, their large furry coats make them appear much bigger than they actually are. The fur can come in a couple of different colors: blue, black, fawn, cream or red. The red is the most popular and the one you are most likely to see on the street.

Golden Retrievers are a young breed compared to the Chow Chow. They were developed in Scotland in the 19th century as hunting dogs. At the time, Spaniels were doing most of the work that Goldens would eventually replace. But as technology began to change and guns improved, the need for a retriever was clear. Gamesmen could now shoot birds from further distances, often in bodies of water or over lakes. The existing hunting dogs were not well-equipped to bring game back from these distances and they weren’t able to handle the cold waters.

The Golden Retriever was the solution to this set of problems. It was bred to instinctively love water and retrieving. It has no problem running or swimming long distances and its thick coat keeps it warm while wet.

While both of these dogs look similar, their temperaments are vastly different. Goldens are loving and affectionate. They make friends with strangers easily and are happiest when their owners are petting them. They are not very good guard dogs because of this need for attention.

Chow Chows, on the other hand, are not as openly friendly. They actually have a reputation for being aggressive and some insurance companies view them as “high risk.” This is because they are extremely protective of their homes and families and are not welcoming to strangers. If not socialized properly as puppies they can become a nuisance.

The Golden Chow is an attempt to blend the best of both of these dogs, despite their differences. They are part of a growing “designer” movement that mixes different purebred lines. Because it is a new hybrid, there is no telling what your puppy will be like.

WHAT MAKES A GOLDEN CHOW DIFFERENT?

Golden Chows are different from their parent breeds in a number of ways—but just how different depends on the dog’s genetics. Generally, this hybrid leans toward one parent or another.

If they have more Retriever blood, your dog will likely be outgoing, excited, and active. It might adopt the friendliness of the Golden and differ mostly from the Chow Chow. It will still have the Chow Chow protectiveness and loyalty but it might be less aggressive.

If your dog leans more towards a Chow Chow, you can expect it to be slightly less active. Chow Chows are not athletic dogs like the Golden and they tend to be laid back. This dog will be less friendly to strangers but with a little time it will warm up to everyone.

Though personality and temperament depend on genetics, there is one thing that is certain about your Golden Chow. You will want to buy a brush when you purchase this dog because it has plenty of fur.

Both the Golden and the Chow Chow are notorious shedders. Their thick double coats keep them warm in cold winters, but they also leave hair all over your house. You can expect similarly from the Golden Chow. Most often you will see this dog in a reddish or tan color but some darker variations do exist.