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The Golden Chow is a kind, clever, and protective hybrid dog that comes from the parentage of Golden Retrievers and Chow Chows purebred dogs.
Golden Chows, sometimes called Golden Chow Retrievers, are highly packed with energy that can be channeled to protect their family members from impending danger.
If you’re looking for a steadfastly loyal and fluffy companion dog, but still desire one that can watch over your household, then the Golden Chow can certainly put an end to your search. M
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this hybrid dog from their outer looks, personality, exercise needs, and everything in between.
Brief History of The Golden Chow Dog Breed
The origin of Golden Chow hybrid dogs is not clear due to the unavailability of reliable records from the early breeders.
It is however believed that the first litter of Golden Chow designer puppies emerged around the 1990s and early 2000s.
The steadfast devotion, eagerness to please, and protective instincts of Golden Chows made them a highly popular mixed breed in the last two decades.
Kennel Clubs, including the American Kennel Club, don’t recognize the Golden Chows because of their mixed-genes status.
5 Incredible Facts About Golden Chows
1. A mix of Golden Retrievers and Chow Chows
Golden Chows are not a purebred dog! They are rather a mix of the people-oriented Golden Retrievers and the strong-willed Chow Chows.
The combination of the two distinctive dogs brought up a dignified hybrid with a wide spectrum of personalities from both worlds.
2. Golden Chows can be attention-seekers
Golden Chows have an outgoing personality that makes them affectionate and constantly seek their caregivers’ attention.
Your Golden Chow will be at their best when engaging in something constructive with their family, be it cuddling, playing fetch, or going for walks.
3. They can be stubborn
The Golden Chows may have a stubborn streak, especially during training. This strong-willed attitude probably comes from their regal Chow Chow genes.
We recommend training and socializing your Golden Chow from a tender age to guide their behavior as they transit into adulthood.
4. Golden Chows are loyal
One of the most endearing qualities of Golden Chows is their unwavering loyalty to their owners. They form emotional strong bonds with their families and are fiercely protective of their loved ones.
Whether it’s greeting you with a wagging tail at the door or cuddling up beside you on the couch, Golden Chows are always there to offer comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.
5. They shed quite a lot
Just like their parents, Golden Chows have a dense fluffy coat that works to keep them protected from harsh weather. But unfortunately, they also shed a lot, especially during ‘blowout’ seasons.
Invest in high-quality grooming tools and make daily brushing an everyday routine. This will help to keep shedding under control and reduce matting and tangles.
Golden Chow Puppies
Adding a Golden Chow puppy into your household can be an exciting moment, but just like any other designer dog, they come with a fair share of responsibilities.
These adorable hybrid pups are full of energy, so you can expect them to run all over your home out of curiosity in the spirit of adventure.
We strongly recommend investing in dog accessories to make the puppyhood experience fun and rewarding for your new hybrid canine.
Golden Chows’ Physical Characteristics
When it comes to physical stature, Golden Chows look like miniature Golden Retrievers with an added touch of Chow Chows.
Males generally have a shoulder height of between 22-25 inches and weigh around 60-75 pounds.
Females, on the other hand, tend to be slightly smaller, with a height of 20-24 inches and a weight range of 50-70 pounds.
Coat colors and texture
Golden Chows’ coat color comes in various shades of gold, from pale cream to rich, deep gold.
Some have deeper reds, like that of mahogany, while others inherit a soft fawn color from their retriever genes.
These hybrid dogs’ coats also come in different textures depending on which dominant genes they took after. Some come in straight fur, while others have slightly curled fur.
The texture of a Golden Chow’s coat can vary from silky and straight to slightly wiry, depending on the individual dog’s genetics.
Distinctive features
One of the top distinctive features of the Golden Chow hybrid dogs is their expressive face which makes them irresistible and beautiful to look at.
Golden Chows’ wide heads and short, squishy noses which give them a teddy bear look is a darling to many people.
Another noteworthy highlight is their little triangular ears which exude an ever-alert expression to keep unwanted guests away.
These designer dogs have sturdy bodies, adorned with a cute tail that curves over the back like that of their Chow Chow parents.
Golden Chow Temperament and Personality
The character and demeanor of Golden Chows can vary significantly from one individual dog to another depending on which genes are assertive
Some Golden Chows are strong-willed and introverted, like Chow Chows while others love to be around their human caregivers, just like Goldies.
It’s really difficult to figure out which genes might be dominant in your puppy except to ask the breeder about the other littermates.
While genetics can affect the baseline temperament of a dog, it’s also good to account for your nurturing habits because parenting behavior has a huge impact on the overall behavior of a dog.
A well-trained Golden Chow can bond tightly with their immediate family, and they certainly won’t think twice about protecting them from perceived or real threats.
Parents with younger kids should be cautious about these hybrid dogs because they can be upset by the playful antics of innocent toddlers.
As with unfamiliar faces, Golden Chows choose to be reserved with other pets including dogs and cats.
This might vary from one dog to another, but puppy classes can make your Golden Chow pick a doggy friend or two through social training.
If you settle on bringing a Golden Chow into your home, then we strongly recommend that you schedule enough time for obedience training.
Golden Chow Intelligence
Golden Retrievers and Chow Chows are intelligent dogs, so this can only mean that their crossing can also produce an equally smart hybrid pup.
Both parent breeds manifest their brain power in different ways. For example, a Golden Retriever’s smart nature is used to make their owner happy while a Chow Chow will use their intellect to scan for threats.
Golden Retriever and Chow Chow mixes can strike a balance between these two types of intelligence, but it is not uncommon to get one with the dominant genes of either parent.
These cute designer dogs are more than happy to spend countless hours playing interactive games with their families and goofing around the yard with older kids.
Golden Chow Average Lifespan
The average life expectancy of Golden Chow hybrid dogs is between 10 – 14 years, with slight variation across individual dogs.
Providing adequate vet care, and nutrition, plus showering your pup with lots of love can make them stick around for quite a longer time than this range.
Golden Chow Common Health Issues & Genetic Disorders
Golden Chows should be in good health most of the time, but they can acquire certain health problems from their parent breeds.
The following are some of the diseases that you should be aware of if you’re planning to bring this hybrid into your household:
1. Hip Dysplasia
This is a genetic joint problem in dogs which occurs when the hip joints do not grow at an equal rate. The effects include pain, restricted movement, and possible lameness.
2. Elbow dysplasia
This genetic condition is similar to hip dysplasia, and it occurs when the affected dog’s elbow grows incorrectly in the joints.
3. Hypothyroidism
Some Golden Chows are at higher risk of hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid glands fail to produce adequate thyroid hormones.
This can cause the affected dog to have slowed metabolic rates, unexplained weight gain, lethargy, and hair loss, among other symptoms.
4. Allergies
Just like many other dogs, our beloved hybrid pups can suffer negative reactions caused by environmental or food allergens.
5. Eye problems
Golden Chows can be victims of certain eye conditions including cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) which can both lead to loss of vision if care is neglected.
Preventative Measures for Good Health
Because some of the conditions highlighted above are hereditary, the only way to avoid such is by breeding dogs that don’t carry those bad genes.
It is therefore important to ask for the health clearance of both parents before picking up your Golden Chow from a responsible breeder.
Once you have your healthy Golden Chow puppy at home, you should start providing a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Proper nourishment should always be accompanied by a supply of clean drinking water for hydration throughout the day.
Ensure your Golden Chow gets enough physical exertion and mental stimulation to keep them in good condition and maintain a healthy weight.
Golden Chow Grooming Needs
As we already mentioned, this designer dog has a thick, dense coat, so you should plan to brush them at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling.
You can also bathe your Golden Chow once every 8 weeks, or when they get into muddy adventure. Avoid frequent baths because they strip off the natural oils and cause flaky skin.
Make sure to use mild hypoallergenic dog shampoo and warm water during the washing process.
It can be tempting to use human shampoo because of the good smell, but always remember it contains ingredients that are harmful to our lovely dogs.
Aside from coat maintenance, you should also plan monthly nail trims to keep your dog’s paws in pristine condition.
Golden Chows are likely to suffer dental disease, so brush your dog’s teeth once every two or three days to prevent tartar buildup.
Keep a close eye on your dog’s ears for signs of infections with symptoms such as redness, rashes, bad odor, or excess wax. Clean both ears using a vet-approved cleanser once every one or two months.
Golden Chow Exercise and Activity Levels
Fully grown and healthy Golden Chows can be contented with moderate-level exercise for about 60 – 90 minutes every day, broken into manageable sessions.
Some of the activities that can excite your hybrid dog include morning or evening brisk walks, occasional runs, playing fetch, water games, and interactive playtime with puzzle toys.
Importance of mental stimulation
Engaging with your dog in mentally stimulating games can help them develop problem-solving skills and keep their minds sharp.
Puzzle games and other brain-taxing activities can slow elderly Golden Chows from tending towards dementia and other cognitive problems.
In addition to brain development, interactive playtime sessions can make the bond between you and your dog even stronger.
Golden Chow Training and Socialization
Training is an absolute must for these fairly big dogs. The good news is that they are eager to please and smart enough to pick up commands without too much repetition.
You also need to socialize your Golden Chow with their environment right from the day you bring them home.
Exposing your dog to a variety of people, pets, and environments within a controlled framework will teach them how to interact as they mature into responsible adults.
The use of positive reinforcement methods can do the trick for Golden Chows during training. You wouldn’t want your dog’s snobbish nature to kick in, so be sure to praise and reward every progress.
Golden Chow Living Conditions
Golden Chows can thrive in large homes with access to fenced yards where they can safely explore and exercise.
Apartment-dwellers can still keep a Golden Chow but they need commitment to fulfilling these dog’s moderate exercise needs.
They love an environment with slightly colder weather, so you should avoid exercising them during the heated afternoons.
Golden Chow Diet & Nutrition
Don’t free feed your Golden Chow because they have a large appetite which could drive them into eating too much and obesity.
Adding extra weight is a problem of concern for this breed, especially since some of them can be genetically inclined to suffer joint problems later in life.
Get a suitable diet, probably one with more proteins and healthy fats to nourish your dog while observing strict portion control.
These fluffy guys have a sweet tooth, so offer healthy options like chopped veggies or dog-friendly fresh fruits. Make sure fresh, clean drinking water is available throughout the day for proper hydration.
Make your vet the go-to person if you need any advice on the specific types of foods and quantity to feed your dog per day.
Golden Chow Pregnancy & Litter size
Golden Chows’ pregnancy can last an average of 63 days and you can expect between 4 – 8 puppies in one litter, but significant variation is possible.
Proper care should be observed when planning to develop a hybrid pup like Golden Chows. Both parents should be scanned for genetic issues and always maintain good prenatal and postnatal care.
Conclusion
Golden Chow dog breeds can be loyal and affectionate towards their human companions, but their potential stubborn streak makes them a tough choice for novice owners.
They are definitely suited for families who desire a loyal canine companion who doubles up as a protector and a cuddly playmate.
Pet parents who are willing to spend many years raising and training hybrid dogs, while understanding their blended temperament derived from both parents will love the Golden Chow.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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