The German Shepherd Chow Mix is a mixed Dog Breed between the German Shepherd and the Chow. It is sometimes known as the Chow Chow German Shepherd mix. These are two very powerful and strong dogs that are both beautiful and forthcoming in their own right.
While we really recommend that you acquire one through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shepherd mixed with Chow puppy. That is, if they have any for sale. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible.
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Here is a brief history of both the Shepherd and the Chow. Being that this is a mixed breed dog, there isn’t a lot of history to it. However, we go more in depth to the history of both breeds.
As his name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany, where he was created in the nineteenth century primarily by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a dog that could be used for military and police work. The result was a dog that encompassed striking good looks, intelligence and versatility. World War I put a dent in the breed’s burgeoning popularity because the dogs were associated with the enemy. German Shepherds braved artillery fire, land mines and tanks to supply German soldiers in the trenches with deliveries of food and other necessities. After the war, movies featuring Rin Tin Tin and fellow German Shepherd Strongheart brought the breed back into favor. American audiences loved them. For a time, the German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the United States.
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest breeds that we know about. They hail from China, where they are believed to have come from North China and Mongolia. They moved with the Mongolian nomads. Like most ancient breeds, they were used to hunt and to guard possessions. The British gave him the name of Chow Chow when they took them home from Asia.
The Chow Chow is known to be quite stubborn and independent! Like all dogs they need a lot of socialization and positive reinforcement training. They are typically not aggressive.
The Chow Chow is a sturdily built dog, square in profile, with a broad skull and small, triangular, erect ears with rounded tips. The breed is known for a very dense double coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick in the neck area, giving it a distinctive ruff or mane appearance. The coat may be red, black, blue, cinnamon/fawn, or cream.
CHOW
Height: 17-20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 45-70 lb.
Lifespan: 11-13 years
GERMAN SHEPHERD
Height: 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 75 - 95 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years
The Chow Shepherd Mix will make a great family dog. They like to be around people and their “pack” and will make themselves known if they feel neglected. They are very loyal and full of energy. They will need a fair amount of exercise, preferably long walks and hikes. It is important that you become the alpha and lead with firm, strong, consistent leadership. They should be alert and make a good watchdog. They are also protective and will act to protect the family if he perceives a real threat to them. They are friendly and affectionate and make a great companion. They enjoy receiving lots of attention can be playful and curious.
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Chow mixed with German Shepherd might be prone to the following: CHD, eye problems, bloat, DM, EPI, Joint dysplasia and allergies.
Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.
This mix is probably going to shed like crazy, so be prepared to groom them regularly and to exercise and socialize them as much as possible. So make sure that you can fit long walks and hikes into your daily routine. Be prepared to brush them a couple of times a week and have a good vacuum at your disposal to clean up the floors. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.