German Shepherd Chow Mix

The German Shepherd Chow mix is a dog who is a mixture between a purebred Chow and a German Shepherd.

These dogs are adorable, smart, and furry puppies.

These dogs aren’t purebred dogs but are recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry, making it an official mixed breed.

Here, we ill take a close look at what you can expect from the mix.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from this German Shepherd mix, a bit about his history and origin, his temperament, health concerns and more.

What you will learn:

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What Is A Chow Shepherd Mix

It has only been a few decades since designer dogs have become popular, but they are difficult to trace because there is limited information on where or why exactly the German Shepherd Chow mix was originally bred.

However, taking a closer look at both histories of the parent breeds will help us understand this Shepherd mix better.

As his name implies, the German Shepherd is originally from Germany, where he was bred in the nineteenth century to be used to work for the military and the police.

The German Shepherd dog was bred with striking good looks, intelligence, and adaptability.

As the years went by and people noticed how smart and useful these dogs are, American audiences began adding these dogs to their families.

In fact, German Shepherds were once the most popular breed in the United States.

Chow Chows are one of the dog breeds that people have known about the longest.

They have been recognized by the American Kennel club since 1903 as an official breed, and have thought to be over 2000 years old.

Their ancestry is from North China and Mongolia.

Like other ancient breeds, the Chow dog was used for guarding and hunting.

Chows are both stubborn and independent, but not usually aggressive.

They have a distinctive look with their dense, double coat with an especially thick neck area.

What Does A German Shepherd Chow Look Like?

The German Shepherd Chow mix dogs are medium to large in size.

Like other hybrid dogs, this Chow mix can have a wide degree of varying looks, depending on which parent breed they favor.

However, in most cases, the Shepherd Chow mix has a face that resembles a German Shepherd’s, especially with its long muzzle.

Related Post: The Adorable Corgi German Shepherd Mix

Their ears typically only flop down a bit and otherwise stand up.

This hybrid’s tail typically has an upward curve and it constantly being held up.

Their coat usually resembles that of a chow, meaning it is thick, long, and dense.

Some common coat colors for these dogs are black, white, brown, red, tan, red, and some hints of blue.

How Big Does A Chow Chow Shepherd Get?

A male Chow Chow size ranges from 19 to 22 inches in height, and a female can be anywhere between 18 to 20 inches tall.

For their weight, they can weigh up to 70 pounds, weighing in at between 40 and 95 pounds and growing to be between 18 and 26 inches tall.

A German Shephard size ranges for males between 24 and 26 inches tall and for females, 22 to 24 in inches tall.

German Shepherds are just slightly taller than Chow Chows, so whichever parent the puppy takes after will determine its size.

However, typically, this Chow Chow mix weighs between 75 to 95 pounds and is 22 to 26 inches tall.

Grooming Your German Chow

This mixed breed sheds a lot and increasing even more when winter turns to spring and they are getting rid of their winter coat.

You will need to brush your dog every day– and if you can’t do that, every other day may be acceptable.

You can brush their teeth this same amount, so it might be easiest to do a hair brushing and teeth brushing at the same time.

To clean up after your dog’s shedding, you will have to vacuum your house and furniture and keep a take roller around to get any dog hair off of your clothes before leaving the house.

This is definitely not a dog to have if there is someone in your family who is allergic to dogs.

Bathe your dog as needed with a shampoo that is manufactured specifically for dogs.

If he doesn’t naturally keep his nails short from being outside, you will also need to clip his nails about once a week.

However, you want to make sure to not cut them too short and hit a nerve.

If clipping your dog’s nails makes you nervous, any groomer would be happy to do it.

His ears also need to be checked and wiped down every week to prevent an infection.

Temperament of A Chow Chow German Shepherd

The German Shepherd Chow mix may have a Chow Chow temperament in that he may be stubborn, yet aloof.

Or, he may have a German Shepherd temperament, making him more obedient and hardworking.

Either way, these dogs are happy to get attention from their families and don’t like to be neglected.

The German Shepherd Chow mix is a loyal dog who is full of energy.

He is intelligent, and therefore needs to be mentally and physically challenged to avoid becoming bored.

This hybrid mix comes from two parents that are both known to be protective of their families.

The Shepherd Chow mix will inevitably hold onto that trait and protect his family while also being cautious around people he doesn’t know.

Because the German Shepherd Chow mix is full of energy, it’s imperative to make sure that he is active during the day. It is best if you have a large yard where he can run around and get his energy out.

These dogs love to go for walks or jogs, as well as activity each day.

These dogs need large yards where they can play and they need exercise that offers both physical and mental challenges.

Walking and jogging are great activities, and your dog will also appreciate having play time, such as playing fetch or tug of war.

How to Train A Chow German Shepherd Mix

These dogs have a lot of energy to get out every day.

It will take a good amount of physical activity before he gets tired, so it is best to have your dog trained as much as possible.

You can bring him places such as a dog park or let him run far away to catch a ball.

This mix is moderately easy to train due to their intelligence.

But this might not be the right dog for you if you have no experience training dogs because they are intelligent and independent.

If you are not able to present yourself as being the pack leader, your dog may try to fulfill that role and not listen to your commands.

However, if you are experienced with training or handling dogs, your training will be easy enough.

Take an approach that is positive, yet firm, and use a lot of rewards praise, and treats.

Like other dogs, you want to start your training and socialization as early as possible so they don’t grow up developing bad habits that you have to break.

Is a German Shepherd Chow Mix a Good Family Dog?

This breed thrives when living in a home with a family.

Because he is a big, energetic dog, he is best for young, active families who enjoy doing various activities outdoors.

This dog’s excessive energy requires a large, open yard that is enclosed so he can’t run off.

This is a great dog for families with young children because he loves to play and enjoys receiving a lot of attention.

This breed is not naturally inclined to be tolerant of other pets or children, which is why socialization and training at a young age are both important.

He will be better if he grows up with them, but some of these dogs will snap at small children.

It is important to supervise any interactions between them. Make sure to teach your children to not tease your dog or touch his food.

These dogs are good watchdogs and will bark if they feel like something is off.

However, they don’t tend to bark too much at insignificant events. He will need to eat about four cups of high-quality dog food each day, split up between two or three meals.

Also, while these dogs do fine in most climates. they are most comfortable in places that are on the colder side.

Your Shepherd Chow mix needs to be around people to avoid boredom, which can then lead to mischief.

If your family has a lot of time to dedicate to a dog, this might be the right dog for you.

Health Concerns for the Chow Chow German Shepherd Mix

Any dog has the potential to develop health problems because every breed is susceptible to certain diseases.

However, if you work with a reputable breeder and get a puppy, you may be able to avoid some health issues that could otherwise arise in the future.

A Chow mixed with a German Shepherd could develop eyesight problems, joint dysplasia, bloat, allergies, and insufficient digestive enzymes.

One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.

However, one of the most common health problems is obesity, which is another reason why your dog needs to get sufficient exercise.

Because a Chow Shepherd mix is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, he should be given a fish oil supplement, chondroitin, and glucosamine at a young age.

Be careful to not overfeed your dog because doing so can exacerbate health problems.

How Much Is A German Shepherd Chow Mix Puppy?

A puppy’s initial cost will range from $250 to $750, which is less expensive than some more popular hybrid breeds.

However, as with any dog, you should also keep in mind the total cost of dog ownership, such as vet visits, vaccinations, food, and flea/tick prevention.

Where to Buy A Chow Shepherd

Always screen any breeders that you meet when looking to buy one of these dogs.

This way, you can ensure that you are getting a high-quality pet.

A breeder should be able to present you with a health guarantee on your puppy and be open and honest about any health issues that may occur.

If your breeder can’t do this, it is best to not work with them.

Having a health clearance proves that your dog has been cleared of certain health conditions.

Try to find a local breeder online or through word-of-mouth.

You may have to travel a bit to find the right breeder, but it will be worth the time and energy to take your time to find the right fit for your family.

Is this the breed for you?

While this is a great dog, it might not be perfect for everybody. He needs an owner who is experienced and likes to be active.

He also needs to be with a family who won’t leave him alone for an extended period of time.

However, if he is given enough room to play and the attention he needs when he seeks it, this dog can be an extremely loving addition to any family.

The Playful, Attention-Loving German Shepherd Chow Mix