Chow Chows are known for their striking appearance, with lion-like manes, blue-black tongues, and an independent, often cat-like personality. While they make wonderful companions, their strong-willed nature can sometimes be challenging for inexperienced dog owners. Mixing a Chow Chow with another breed can result in a unique, loving hybrid that combines the best qualities of both parent breeds.
If you’re curious about the variety of Chow Chow crossbreeds, keep reading to meet some of the most popular and unique Chow Chow mixes. From family-friendly companions to loyal guard dogs, these Chow mixes showcase the diversity and charm of this beautiful breed.
What is a Chow Chow?
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed originating in China, with a lineage tracing back over 2,000 years. Known for their dignified appearance and independent nature, Chows were originally used as guard dogs, hunting dogs, and even sled dogs. Their distinct appearance features a thick double coat, a sturdy build, and a unique blue-black tongue.
Despite their plush appearance, Chow Chows are not always the cuddly teddy bears they appear to be. They tend to be loyal and protective of their families but can be aloof with strangers. Due to their strong-willed nature, they require experienced owners who can manage their independence and provide consistent training.
Top 25 Chow Chow Mixes
Mixing the Chow Chow with other breeds has resulted in a range of hybrids that balance the Chow’s independence with the characteristics of other popular breeds. Let’s explore some of these fascinating Chow mixes!
1. Chusky (Chow Chow x Siberian Husky)
The Chusky is a blend of two robust, independent breeds—the Chow Chow and the Siberian Husky. This mix is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and high energy levels, making them great for active families who can keep up with their exercise needs. However, they are heavy shedders and require regular grooming.
2. Chow Shepherd (Chow Chow x German Shepherd)
For those interested in the German Shepherd Chow Mix, you’ll find that Chow Shepherds are large, protective dogs that make excellent guard dogs. With the intelligence of a German Shepherd and the independence of a Chow, this mix can be a handful but is incredibly loyal to its family. Regular grooming is required for their dense double coats.
3. Chabrador (Chow Chow x Labrador Retriever)
The Chabrador combines the independent nature of the Chow with the friendly, family-oriented personality of the Labrador. These dogs are often friendly with people but may still require supervision around other pets due to the Chow’s more territorial nature.
4. Golden Chow (Chow Chow x Golden Retriever)
Golden Chows inherit the friendly and affectionate temperament of the Golden Retriever Chow Mix, making them more suitable for families than a purebred Chow. They tend to be medium to large in size, with a fluffy coat and a love for training and playtime.
5. Chowpit (Chow Chow x Pitbull)
Also known as the Pitchow, this Chow and Pitbull mix is muscular, energetic, and protective. They make excellent family pets but may be better suited for families without small children or other pets due to their protective instincts.
6. Chow Pei (Chow Chow x Shar Pei)
This crossbreed combines two ancient Chinese breeds, resulting in a loyal, protective dog. With a Chow-like build and the distinctive wrinkles of the Shar Pei, Chow Peis are low-maintenance in terms of exercise but require regular grooming.
7. Akita Chow (Chow Chow x Akita)
The Akita Chow is a powerful, loyal breed best suited for experienced dog owners. This mix is known for its strong protective instincts and requires ample socialization from a young age to be well-mannered.
8. Chow Hound (Chow Chow x Basset Hound)
The Chow Hound is a unique mix that combines the easy-going nature of the Basset Hound with the independence of the Chow. This breed is known for being calm and gentle with children, making it a great family pet.
9. Chow Doodle (Chow Chow x Poodle)
A Chow Doodle combines the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle with the Chow’s independent personality. They’re often more people-friendly than a purebred Chow and require regular grooming to keep their curly coat in good condition.
10. Pom Chow (Chow Chow x Pomeranian)
The Pom Chow is a small, feisty mix with a big personality. Although they can be affectionate with their family, they often inherit the Chow’s independent nature and may be best for experienced dog owners.
11. American Chow Bulldog (Chow Chow x American Bulldog)
This sturdy crossbreed has a strong build and a playful side thanks to the American Bulldog parent. They are protective yet affectionate, making them great guard dogs with a softer side.
12. Boxer Chow (Chow Chow x Boxer)
Boxer Chows are fun-loving and playful, thanks to their Boxer parent. They make loyal family pets and do best with positive reinforcement training.
13. Chow Beagle (Chow Chow x Beagle)
A smaller Chow mix, the Chow Beagle has a friendly, curious nature. They do well with families but need consistent training due to their Chow parent’s strong-willed nature.
14. Frenchie Chow (Chow Chow x French Bulldog)
Frenchie Chows inherit the French Bulldog’s playful nature and the Chow’s protectiveness. They may be small in size but have big personalities, often acting as excellent watchdogs.
15. Peke-A-Chow (Chow Chow x Pekingese)
This adorable small mix has the loyalty of a Chow and the personality of a Pekingese. Peke-A-Chows are best for experienced owners due to their independent and sometimes stubborn nature.
16. Chow Rottweiler (Chow Chow x Rottweiler)
The Chow Rottweiler is a strong, fearless dog with excellent guarding instincts. They need a confident owner and early socialization to be well-mannered around strangers.
17. Berner Chow (Chow Chow x Bernese Mountain Dog)
The Berner Chow is a large, affectionate breed with a beautiful, dense coat. They are protective and loyal, making them great family dogs with a little more grooming required due to their thick fur.
18. Samoyed Chow (Chow Chow x Samoyed)
Samoyed Chows are fluffy, friendly, and energetic, making them excellent companions for active owners. They are loyal to their families but can be strong-willed, so early training is a must.
19. Border Collie Chow (Chow Chow x Border Collie)
This high-energy mix combines the intelligence of a Border Collie with the independence of a Chow. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, making them best suited for active owners.
20. Aussie Chow (Chow Chow x Australian Shepherd)
The Aussie Chow is an active, intelligent mix with a strong herding instinct. They need a job to do and benefit from consistent training to manage their energy levels.
21. Newfoundland Chow (Chow Chow x Newfoundland)
Large and fluffy, the Newfoundland Chow is gentle and affectionate. They do best in cooler climates and make excellent family pets for those who can manage their size and grooming needs.
22. Chowba (Chow Chow x Shiba Inu)
Chowbas are small, independent, and strong-willed. They can be challenging for first-time owners but are loyal and affectionate with the right training.
23. Mastiff Chow (Chow Chow x Mastiff)
This large crossbreed is strong and loyal, making them great guard dogs. They require an experienced owner who can handle their strength and protectiveness.
24. Corgi Chow (Chow Chow x Corgi)
This adorable mix combines the Corgi’s playful nature with the Chow’s independence. Corgi Chows make excellent family pets with proper training.
25. Chugapug (Chow Chow x Pug)
The Chugapug is a fun, compact mix that combines the Chow’s independence with the Pug’s affectionate personality. They do best with regular exercise to prevent obesity and stay healthy.
Which Chow Chow Mix is Right for You?
Choosing a Chow Chow mix depends on your lifestyle, experience, and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a loyal guard dog or a family-friendly companion, there’s a Chow Chow mix that could be a great fit for your home. With their unique personalities and appearances, these hybrids offer the best of both worlds and make wonderful companions for the right owner.
Have a favorite Chow Chow mix? Let us know in the comments below!
I have a chow chow mixed with shih tzu and he’s very small. The best way to describe his size is “tea cup” chow. He has the long hair, he’s loyal and affectionate, quiet, observant, and likes to play with our kittens.