Professional Recommended
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is an ancient Chinese breed with an exceptionally dense, abundant double coat — available in rough (long) and smooth varieties — that forms a dramatic lion-like mane around the head and shoulders. The rough variety requires intensive grooming commitment; the dense coat mats rapidly without frequent brushing. The Chow's thick mane, particularly around the collar and behind the ears, is the highest-maintenance area.
Coat Type
Dense, Abundant Double Coat — Rough (Long) or Smooth Variety
Groom Every
Every 4-6 weeks
Styles Available
5 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Natural Chow Look
The full, natural coat maintained with regular brushing. The mane is preserved in its lion-like fullness with no significant trimming. Requires the highest maintenance commitment.
2
Lion Cut (Rough Variety)
The body coat is trimmed shorter for manageability while preserving the iconic mane around the head and shoulders, exaggerating the breed's distinctive lion silhouette.
3
Summer Tidy
A thorough de-shed and moderate trimming of the body coat to reduce heat retention in warm weather, while the mane is maintained at a more manageable length.
4
Show Coat
The natural coat prepared for the show ring — thoroughly brushed, de-matted, bathed, blown dry, and presented with maximum volume in the mane and a clean, uniform body coat.
5
Puppy Clip
The entire coat brought to a uniform shorter length for easier management, most often chosen by owners unable to commit to daily brushing of the full rough coat.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The Chow's lion mane forms tight mats near the ears and around the collar area with startling speed — always work through this area first with a wide-tooth comb before using a slicker brush, and never try to brush through a mat without detangling spray or a detangling comb.
- Never shave a Chow Chow's double coat. The dense undercoat and guard hairs regulate body temperature in both summer and winter — shaving eliminates this system and risks severe sunburn on the exposed skin. The coat may also grow back with a permanently altered texture.
- Line brush the entire coat by parting it into horizontal sections and working from the bottom of the dog upward — brushing only the surface of this very dense coat leaves deep, hidden undercoat mats that are invisible until they form felt-like sheets at the skin.
- The skin of the Chow is dense and dark, with restricted visibility even when brushing — use a metal comb from skin to tip after every brushing session to confirm you have fully penetrated the coat.
- Chow Chows have small, deeply set eyes that can be difficult to keep clear of coat — regularly check that hair is not obscuring vision or causing eye irritation, and trim carefully around the face if needed.
- Schedule professional grooming every four to six weeks without exception; a Chow that falls even two or three weeks behind its grooming schedule can develop severe matting that requires a humane shave-down under sedation.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
BrushAn excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
$15 - $25
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Deep Dives
Chow Chow Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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