Chow Shepherd

45-90 lbs
22-26"
Unknown
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Sheprachow

Protective and playful best describe the Chow Shepherd, a breed that is a cross between the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd. These medium to large breed dogs are sturdily built and can come in many colors such as sable and black, and brown and black with mixes of cream. These dogs are high maintenance as they are heavy shedders and will require an experienced, firm hand when it comes to training and disciplining their independent nature. Best suited to a large home with a securely enclosed back yard space, owners of the Chow Shepherd say he is a protective, intelligent companion who is happy to go wherever you go.

purpose Purpose
Companion, Guarding
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Chow Chow and German Shepherd

Chow Shepherd Health

Average Size
Male Chow Shepherd size stats
Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 45-90 lbs
Female Chow Shepherd size stats
Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 45-90 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Myasthenia Gravis
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Allergies
  • Bloat
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • MRI
  • Blood Tests
  • Ophthalmologic Examination

Chow Shepherd Breed History

Captain Max von Stephanitz is credited with the development of the German Shepherd. A large breed and a hard working dog, this canine is said to have originated in Germany during the 1800s. These tall, sleek and agile dogs were put to work protecting  sheep flocks and as well, herding them quite proficiently through rough terrain. Although he started out as a worker on the farm, his intelligence became known, leading him to be used in the German military. Due to a change in sentiment about the Germans during the World Wars, the German Shepherd (once called the German Sheepdog) fell in popularity. He regained it quickly though and is presently the second most favored dog on the United Kennel Club roster, which he joined in 1908. Today, he is a wonderful service, therapy, and police dog. The Chow Chow is said to be one of the oldest and most ancient dog breeds in the world. Their origins can be traced back to 150 B.C. during the Han Dynasty in China and recent genetic studies point to the fact that they are one of 14 original breeds of the canine species. Excelling at guarding and herding, the Chow Chow is thought to have ancestry in the Samoyed and ancient Mastiff. He was a trusted protector in the Han Dynasty of China but was also used as food when necessary. He made his way to the royal courts of Europe and then arrived in North America where he eventually became not only a protector but a companion; he was added to the registry of the American Kennel Club in 1903.

Chow Shepherd Breed Appearance

The Chow Shepherd typically has the dominant genes of the Chow Chow present in the coat and body; he is sturdy and sometimes can be quite fluffy. The coat may vary though, between medium and medium long, but will always be dense and thick. His tail may look like the German Shepherd in that it is long and sweeps just a bit or it may curve more like the Chow Chow. As with both parents, his eyes are brown and his ears are upright. His muzzle is of medium length and his face is often more sleek than the round face of the Chow, though it can appear somewhat round if it is framed by the mane often seen in the Chow Chow parent. Colors will vary as well, but often he has the red brown coloring of the Chow Chow and facial markings of the German Shepherd.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Chow Shepherd eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Chow Shepherd nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Chow Shepherd coat
Brown
black Chow Shepherd coat
Black
red Chow Shepherd coat
Red
gray Chow Shepherd coat
Gray
cream Chow Shepherd coat
Cream
fawn Chow Shepherd coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Chow Shepherd straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Chow Shepherd Breed Maintenance

Chow Shepherds are a mix of two breeds that are heavy shedders with dense coats, meaning there is a lot of fur to shed. Expect your Chow Shepherd to have high maintenance requirements. Brush him daily with either the pin brush or the slicker brush, and at heavy times of shed use the deshedding tool as well. If you brush his teeth at least three times per week, he should not develop major problems with the teeth and may only need an annual checkup at the veterinarian.  Bathing should be done when needed, these dogs do not need to have regular bathing sessions unless they get dirty after rolling in something unpleasant. Their nails will be strong and maybe difficult to cut - so be sure to trim them at least twice a month so the job does not get out of hand.

Brushes for Chow Shepherd
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Chow Shepherd requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Chow Shepherd Temperament

Chow Shepherds may have a dominating attitude, so are not suited to households with smaller pets and children. The Chow Shepherd does have a loving personality but may be cautious with strangers and have a tendency to overprotect. Great for guarding home and property, the Chow Shepherd is a wonderful companion who can benefit with the addition of obedience training to his weekly schedule. This type of activity allows him to practice his social skills in a neutral setting before he tries them out at home. Always ready to learn and capable of many tasks, the Chow Shepherd is the perfect companion for a person or family who likes to challenge and be challenged by their dog.

Chow Shepherd Activity Requirements

Agile, powerful and full of energy, the Chow Shepherd is a dog that requires an active family to keep him busy. He needs a large enclosed backyard in which to run and explore. He is not an apartment type canine by any means as fresh air a good part of the day is essential to his well-being. Athletic and confident, he will make a good hiking or jogging partner and at the very least will need two lengthy walks per day. He may excel at agility or flyball , or any activity where he can use his brain and his body and interact with other dogs.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
75 minutes
activity minutes

Chow Shepherd Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Chow Shepherd Owner Experiences

Tika
12 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
A very loving "nanny dog" will protect children and infants relentlessly. Not so friendly with other dogs or cats. Doesn't howl, rarely barks, but talks like a husky quite often. Loves long runs and road trips, never had a problem with her. Not as affectionate as other dogs, prefers to be in her own space rather than cuddle. But follows me like a shadow.
1 year ago
Thor
7 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very nice dog and super lovable, but is scared of many things.
2 years, 8 months ago
Thor
7 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is such a good dog, and loves everybody he sees- as long as you pet him.
2 years, 8 months ago
RD (red dog)
10 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Several years ago I was moving cross country with RD. We stopped overnight in Denver Colorado. During the night an attempt was made to steal my truck but RD wasn't having that happen. The would be car jacker hadn't planned on this guy coming after him and took off into the night.
6 years, 8 months ago
Yogi
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is the smartest, most affectionate, easiest to train and happiest Dog I have owned. Only problems are shedding and allergies.
5 years, 9 months ago
Bronco
6 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He loves goin g to the farm and running With jack
playing with his husky and and jack russel friend
going for walks to get ice cream
Bronco is an amazing easily trained puppy. He is very attached though. You can not leave his side or he gets bad anxiety. He loves other dogs and makes new friends everywhere we go.
5 years, 5 months ago
TRINITY
10 Weeks
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
NONE TO REPORT YET,VERY WILLING TO LEARN.
4 years, 10 months ago
Irie
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
swimming
Play fighting
Car rides
Running
Puppacinos
She is loving, with so much personality. Shes obedient when she wants to, unless she knows we are being serious. She is active and loooves jumping into the pool with me.
4 years, 9 months ago
Luna
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We go on a 5 mile run every morning followed by by a 1 mile run at night, loves to play fetch and cuddle with the kids
4 years, 9 months ago
Oso
15 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing in the snow
Very good listener and trainable
4 years, 5 months ago
Bear
7 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very affectionate and loyal, have to do some socializing but doing great.
4 years, 5 months ago
Turtle
15 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running at
Laying in the sun
Turtle was very sweet and lazy during the day. At night the was as fast as a greyhound. We put 15 but we lost her and she would be that old now.
3 years, 9 months ago
Buddy
7 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with toys
getting trained
Buddy is a good dog he is very easy to train he is a very good friend to other dogs he really like our other dog oreo
3 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd