Golden Retrievers and Chow Chows do not have much in common. While Chow Chows prefer to stay in their comfort zone, Golden Retrievers are likely to befriend any stranger they meet. When these two diverse breeds are mixed, the result is a big, lovable dog who protects their family endlessly.

When to Get a Golden Chow

Before you rush to get a Golden Chow for your family, there are a few things that you need to be careful about. First, you should consider that Golden Chows often have split personalities. While they may be extra friendly and loyal to the family, they might be a little reserved and reluctant with strangers.

This means that you should only get a Golden Chow if you are willing to train and groom them properly. Golden Chows are often recommended to experienced owners who already know the basics of owning, caring for, and training a dog.

Despite the challenging training process, Golden Chows make fantastic pets to be around. If you are on the search for a fluffy and loving dog to be your loyal companion, then a Golden Chow is the perfect breed for you.

Things to Remember Before Adopting a Golden Chow

Golden Chows are typically big and demanding dogs. Before you bring home a Golden Chow, you should keep a few things in mind.

1. Food and Dietary Requirements

At a glance, you might think that your Golden Chow is massive. However, don’t be fooled by their coat, which is much bigger than the dog itself.

Golden Chows eat a large amount of food, so we recommend that owners stay vigilant about their feeding habits. If you allow these dogs to free feed, you may notice your Golden Chow becoming obese very quickly. Excessive weight can cause significant problems for this dog breed such as joint issues and hip dysplasia.

To keep their diet in check, it is recommended to find a suitable diet that is high in both fat and protein. Remember to keep every portion controlled and set a fixed amount of food for every day.

2. Exercise

Since your Golden Chow will eat a protein-rich diet, you should ensure that they are properly exercised. Help them work all the energy out with approximately 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise.

Remember that the Golden Chow is smart and needs mental stimulation as well. To combine physical and mental exercise, consider using agility training that keeps you and your dog involved.

If your Golden Chow seems reluctant to take part in vigorous exercise, let them run around the backyard with some family members. This way, you can get your cardio done and help your dog keep their energy levels in check.

3. Training

Training plays the most important part in owning a Golden Chow. Before you get this dog, you should be certain that you can give them the right instructions at the right time.

Fortunately, Golden Chows are great at picking up commands and are eager to please their owners. Training this dog isn’t too difficult, but it needs to be done consistently. Remember to socialize your dog from the first day, too. Help familiarize them with different situations to build confidence and comfort.

Positive reinforcement seems to work best with a Golden Chow. Don’t give them any reason to mistrust or ignore you, but always give them a big reward when they successfully fulfill an instruction.

4. Grooming and Health

As mentioned, Golden Chows are big and fluffy. These dogs will shed fur every day, so make it a habit to brush them consistently. If you want to prevent getting dog hair everywhere around your house, always remember to keep your dog well groomed.

Taking them to a professional groomer every month is also great for the dog’s health. A regular trim can keep them safe from mats, hairballs, or infections.

Grooming a Golden Chow also includes brushing their teeth regularly. Since this breed often suffers from dental issues, you should ensure that your dog always has clean and well-maintained teeth. Remember to trim their nails and clean their ears as well.

Are Golden Chows Intelligent?

Both the parent breeds of this dog are smart, so you would expect Golden Chows to be smart as well. However, you should remember that intelligence manifests in different ways in Chow Chows and Golden Retrievers.

Chows adore their owners, but they are always on the lookout for any threats. This protective instinct makes Chows better guard dogs than cuddlers.

On the other hand, Golden Retrievers will do anything to make you happy. They constantly try new tricks to put a smile on the owner’s face, no matter how creative they need to get.

Golden Chows take some personality traits from both parent breeds. These dogs are incredibly intelligent when determining how they need to behave in a certain situation. Your Golden Chow will love spending time with you and making you laugh but will become incredibly serious as soon as they sense a threat in the environment.

Should I Get a Golden Chow for My Family?

When you get a Golden Chow, they are likely to shower your family with love and affection. They make bonds quickly and make sure that the family is always safe and protected.

However, Golden Chows lack patience. Little children may not get along with Golden Chows since they quickly lose their temper and become upset.

If you decide to adopt a Golden Chow for your family, then the key is to train everyone. Make sure that your dog is comfortable around the little ones and train your children to behave accordingly around your new pet.

While it may take some time for your family to settle in with the new pet, Golden Chows can be a great companion to have around the house. Once your dog is comfortable with the children, they will be willing to protect them at any cost.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Golden Chow seems like a great responsibility for the owner. This dog breed needs to be trained, fed, and groomed properly in order to make a good and healthy pet.

Fortunately, all the effort is worth it when you find this massive dog being playful and protective with your family. Once your dog is properly trained, a Golden Chow can be one of the best animals to adopt.