A Chow Chow German Shepherd mix is a hybrid that combines personalities of two dog breeds that are ostensibly the opposite of one another. The Chow Shepherd cross has the discipline, diligence, and loyalty of a GSD, as well as the independence, stubbornness, and power of the Chow Chow. Read on to educate yourself on how to manage and take care of Chow Shepherds.
What are the most important things to know about the German Shepherd Chow Chow mix? You will have a unique-looking dog with a high intelligence level and a vital sense of independence, making a dog that is very adventurous and even naughty.
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What is a Chow Shepherd?
A Chow Shepherd or the German Chow refers to a hybrid designer dog breed that is the offspring of a GSD and Chow Chow. The German Shepherd Chow mix size is classified as significant, as this breed can stand as tall as 2.2 ft (0.7 m).
Weigh between 45 – 95 lbs (20 – 43 kg) and exhibit the following distinct physical characteristics; thick and fluffy coat, fluffy tails, medium-long muzzle, and sharp, fine ears. Coat colors can vary from shades of red, tan, and brown to black and white. A Chow Shepherd cross-eye color is normally brown.
Most of these dogs have fluffy, thick coats. Some of these dogs might have smooth coats, although a double layer is more common. One unique trait that is out in many of these dogs is black spots on the tongue.
Because this is primarily a Chow Chow trait, the tongue provides a contrast in dogs with an otherwise Shepherd-like appearance. The overall appearance for most of these mixed-breed dogs is of a dog that is big and fluffy, yet graceful.
Both breeds can have a majestic appearance, and this is visible in blends of the two. The dog is a true athlete ready for almost anything.
What’s the Shepherd Chow Mix’s Lifespan?
The German Shepherd and Chow mix have a lifespan that is about normal for dogs of their size. Most of these dogs will live anywhere from 10 to 14 years. Health will play an abundant role in your dog’s lifespan, as well as genetics and breeding.
Shepherd Chow Mixes Commonly Health Issues
Chow Chow German Shepherd crossbreeds are large dogs that are known to suffer from the following health ailments. Hip and elbow dysplasia and arthritis complexities are the most typical German Shepherd Chow hybrid health dilemmas you can encounter.
Cataracts, pannus, and progressive retinal atrophy are all typical eye health problems for the Chow Shepherd. These German Shepherd Chow hybrid health problems are usually made worse if your dog is diagnosed with diabetes.
Flea allergies are the most commonly reported allergies linked with Chow Shepherds. The dog breed’s double coat may also worsen the allergy, as its depth and density can present the ideal climate for fleas to propagate.
How Flea Bite Allergies Affect Shepherd Chow Mixes?
German Shepherd Chow mixes are unsafe to allergies from flea bites. Many consider the dog’s double coat to provide a perfect breeding ground for fleas. Even when your dog’s coat is clean, it might be difficult to spots fleas and eggs.
Signs of a flea allergy include a rash, scratching, and bleeding or pus in the affected area. Your dog might have hairless spots that seem red and inflamed.
In addition to scratching, your dog may also bite or lap at the area in question. According to research, the actual allergy is to the flea’s saliva, rather than the bite itself. Chemicals in the flea’s saliva trigger an immune response.
Infection is a real risk from the biting and scratching. You might need to use medicated creams or sprays to eliminate these issues. E-collars can also reduce the amount of biting and hurting by blocking access to the irritated areas.
How Do You Get Rid of Fleas Allergy?
In addition to having a regular grooming routine, your dog will benefit from the use of a quality anti-flea product. Preventing fleas in the first place is always a lot easier than treating the itchy and often-painful areas where bites occur.
Anti-flea products come in the form of shampoos, drops applied to the back of the neck, and sprays. Besides using the fleas, it’s essential to treat your home and yard to prevent further recurrence. Products intended for use in your home will usually also destroy larvae and eggs.
Make sure you empty your vacuum bag or canister into a covered outdoor trash container right away to avoid more infestations. Use a yard spray secure for pets to help reduce further trouble. Many of these products are concentrated, designed to be sprayed while attached to a hose. The elements used are often safer for pet use.
What Eye Problems Affected Shepherd Chow Mixes?
Eye issues often diagnose in this breed mix, especially in diabetic dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy, pannus, and cataracts are the most common situations.
All of these are conditions that can get progressively worse if not detected. Awkward movements, extremely teary eyes, and cloudy eyes are symptoms to watch for that may indicate that your dog is having visual issues. In many cases, visual loss can be stopped with prompt, effective veterinary treatment.
How can I take care of my Chow Shepherd?
The giant German Shepherd Chow mix size requires a particular set of care and grooming routines to be followed. This next section will describe some of them.
Exercise
A Chow German Shepherd mix lifespan significantly increases through regular, daily exercise. Because of its enormous size and energy, it is ideal to have a large backyard or secure access to large open spaces to train, practice, and play with your Chow Shepherd properly.
Walking is beautiful, it is highly recommended to supplement walking with running, jogging, or hiking to maximize the time spent outdoors with your Chow Shepherd. On average, your Chow Shepherd cross will need to spend at least 1 hour every day outside running and playing to fulfill their daily exercise requirements.
Coat
Chow Shepherds are known to shed regularly and heavily because of their double coats. Because of this, it is highly recommended to use a slicker brush, undercoat rake, and metal comb to groom your dog. Use a vacuum cleaner afterward to sweep up any loose or dead fur.
It is essential to groom your Chow Shepherd 2 – 3 times a week. Besides, it is also ideal for bathing your dog once a week using standard dog shampoo. This will help strengthen your dog’s coat, resulting in less loose, dead fur, and increased resistance to tangling and fleas.
Teeth
Caring for your German Shepherd mix’s teeth means brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush four times a week. This prevents the growth of plaque and cavities, tooth loss, and helps promote good oral hygiene.
Providing your Chow Shepherd with chew toys and dental snacks at a young age can be very useful for their oral health. When their teeth fully develop at about 4 – 5 months old, it is safe to offer to chew toys and dental snacks to your German Shepherd Chow cross puppy.
What are the Personality Characteristics of Chow Shepherds?
German Shepherd Chow mixes normally make excellent dogs for a family setting. These dogs personify the idea of a pack animal, wanting to be around their family as much as feasible. If these dogs ever feel they aren’t getting enough attention, they’ll let you know.
Intelligence
Both GSDs and Chow Chows are known for their innate, natural intelligence. They are quick learners and can learn commands and perform them quickly. Also, both breeds are known to be very confident and self-assured.
However, this also means that Chow Shepherds can become bored just as quickly, and will require a variety of games, exercises, and activities to keep them sufficiently occupied.
Watchdog
This mixed breed makes an excellent watchdog. Their mixture of breeds gives them a protective nature towards their family members. When there is some sort of threat to their family, these dogs are ready to act with courage.
Friendly Dog
A Shepherd Chow mix will do best when they accept their owners as “alphas.” The more respect these dogs have for their owners, the better they will respond to training. Understanding dogs are less likely to have problems with their human families.
Independence
While GSDs are known to be social when appropriately trained and require regular contact with humans or other dogs, Chow Chows are a dog breed associated with a more reserved temperament.
This means that being around other people or dogs continually is not a strict requirement for Chow Shepherds. These dogs will come to you when they need your notice. This also means that a German Shepherd Chow mix temperament can lead to stubbornness. This negative aspect can be treated by gentle discipline and proper socialization.
Any Diet Recommendation for German Shepherd Chow Chow Mixes?
Many dog’s dietary needs based entirely on his or her needs as an individual. However, any food given should be high-quality, although of the diet. According to Dana Scott, a raw food diet is an excellent option to consider.
This type of diet has a lot of benefits for dogs at all stages in life. Because these dogs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, supplements for joint health like glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as fish oil, are helpful. Fish oil also helps your dog keep healthy skin and a healthy coat.
Important Grooming Needs of German Shepherd Chow Chow Mix’s
German Shepherd Chow mix are heavy shedders due to their double coats. A combination of a metal comb, an undercoat rake, and a slicker brush will help you keep the dog’s coat looking great.
Grooming will be most effective if performed two or three times a week. Regular dog shampoo is best for bathing these dogs weekly. Your dog’s coat will resist fleas, matting, and tangling, and be healthier with weekly baths.
Are German Shepherd Chow Chow Mixes Friendly With Other Pets?
As energetic dogs, Shepherd Chow mixes do well in settings with dogs of a similar size. Their energy level and rough play might be too much for smaller dogs.
These dogs might also be more inclined to see cats as prey, due to the Chow’s hunting background. Any introductions to other pets should always be handled carefully.
Assault could be a problem in dogs that have been abused or poorly socialized. Caution might be required for dogs in these situations. A dog trainer may prove helpful in these circumstances to ensure everything goes smoothly.
The trainer will know how to work with the dog to ensure that encounters with other pets are as problem-free as imaginable. If you’re in a multi-dog household, it’s crucial to provide the right balance in the consideration your pets get. Shepherd Chow mixes are often devoted to their owners to the extent that they have jealousy issues towards other dogs.
How Are German Shepherd Chow Chow Mixes with Babies?
According to Dogable, this breed mix is often very good with children. They have an energy level perfect for keeping up with the play needs of young kids. As with any dog breed, parents should always control their children’s’ play.
These big dogs might get somewhat rambunctious during play, especially if they are younger. Puppies and young dogs might not know their strength very well. Children should always be directed to treat dogs with respect. Pulling their ears or tail, trying to ride them, or otherwise annoy them should be discouraged.
Important Things You Need to Know Before Getting a German Shepherd Chow Chow Mix?
GDS Chow mix through a rescue whenever possible, since you may be helping a formerly abandoned dog that needs help. This breed mixture is very physically robust, with regular grooming needs, and many people don’t sufficiently prepare for their demands before adding one to their family.
As a result, many end up in shelters or rescues and desperate for a new home. The more time you take to familiarize yourself with this dog’s needs, the happier everyone will be in the long run, especially your dog.
