Chow Chow Grooming

Chow Chows require moderate maintenance but an owner can expect to be able to groom them at home if they have the time (and the Chow Chow will obey). This page will give you some basic information on what to expect, however, in general, you can plan on the following regular maintenance:

• Brushing (3 + times per week)
• Bathing (monthly)
• Trimming (monthly)
• Nail Care (monthly)
• Ear Care (monthly)
• Dental Care (weekly)

Chow Chow grooming will require a medium amount of effort but is doable at home if your pet is well behaved. Although a fair amount of care is required, it's fairly simple so there's really no need to purchase a Chow Chow grooming guide. Coat care for this breed's extremely thick fur requires brushing 3 times (or more) per week, bathing monthly and an occasional shape up around the face, feet and tail with a pair of grooming scissors. You may also have to remove tangles with a comb and some detangling spray or conditioner; tangles turn into mats that, if not able to be removed with a mat tool, will need to be cut or shaved off.

Brushing the Chow Chow's coat will need to happen 2-3 times per week for most of the year, and daily during the spring and fall shedding seasons.

The best brush for Chow Chow dogs is a 2-in-1 brush: the pin side of the brush is good for removing dead hairs, and the bristle side smooths the coat nicely. A greyhound comb, used for combing longer furnishings and helping get out tangles, will be good to have on hand as well.

Prior to your Chow Chow brush, spray the coat with water mist from a spray bottle (with some de-tangling solution mixed in). Then starting at the shoulders, go through the coat section by section with the pin brush, moving in the direction of hair growth; comb the furnishings; then repeat the brushing with the bristle side to shape and neaten the coat. If you encounter a tangle or mat along the way, first try working it out with your fingers, then continue working through it with the end teeth of the comb if needed.

Giving your Chow Chow a bath should occur on a monthly basis; they can be bathed as infrequently as every 3 months if they haven't developed a doggy odor. The best shampoo for a Chow Chow is a gentle, canine shampoo and you can add conditioner if you wish. Brushing her after the bath and drying process will help tangles from forming in the freshly cleaned coat. Here are several tips for bathing your pet:

• Brush them thoroughly before bathing, remove ALL tangles and mats or they will become even worse.
• Have several inches of warm water waiting in the tub so you don't introduce them to the loud sound of rushing water
• Rinse them thoroughly.. then rinse again! Leaving soap behind is the easiest way to irritate your pet's skin.
• Drying thoroughly with a towel and blow dryer, then brushing through the fur again, will help to prevent tangles in the thick coat.

The majority of owners choose this breed for their puffy, fluffy teddy bear-like appearance so a nice pair of grooming scissors is technically all that's needed for a good Chow Chow haircut. Hand scissoring the area around the face, feet and under the tail will usually do; if your Chow Chow won't cooperate don't neglect those areas, take them to the groomer. Clipping the rest of the coat takes away your pet's natural defense against weather and dirt.

Shaved Chow Chows are also common among owners who see the puffy coat as too much maintenance or that think their pet needs a summer cut. Although there is a slight difference between shaving and a lion cut, the Chow Chow lion cut is probably the most popular form of shaving. With this grooming style the whole body is shaved except for the head-- which can look quite comical on this puffy fellow. All you need for either style is a pair of grooming shears, some grooming scissors and a comb.

Besides its coat, your Chow Chow will need maintenance in other areas:

• Teeth: Just like a human's, Chow Chow teeth need regular brushing to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar, and to avoid that Chow Chow bad breath! Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with a regular toothbrush--but be sure to use canine toothpaste, as the kind made for humans can make dogs sick if they swallow it.
• Ears: If Chow Chow ears aren't cleaned periodically, they can collect dirt, grass, and other debris, and even get infected--which could lead to hearing loss. Clean the dog's ears monthly with canine ear cleaning solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and always use cotton balls (never Q-Tips!) to wipe out any excess solution.
• Nails: If Chow Chow nails click on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim. Use standard clippers to cut the nails as close to the toes as possible, but take care not to cut into the nail's quick (the blood vessel running through it), as doing so can make the nail bleed and be painful.
• Toe Hair: If the hair between your Chow Chow's toes gets too long, it'll get extremely dirty and even cause infections. Use scissors to trim the hair short if needed.
• Paw Pads: Your Chow Chow's paw pads can get dry, cracked, and tender, especially if the dog walks a lot on hot asphalt or snow and ice. Apply canine paw pad moisturizer (available at pet stores or online) to the pads weekly to keep them soft, moist, and healthy.