Chow Chow is a breed of dog that has been around since the Han Dynasty in China. The Chow Chow has a thick coat, broad chest, and distinctive scowl. They are loyal, protective, and independent dogs with a dignified bearing. While they can be an excellent pet or guard dog, there are some costs associated with owning one. If you’re wanting to own a Chow Chow, let’s learn more about how much they cost in this article.

Bringing Home a New Chow Chow: One-Time Costs

One time costs are going to be the upfront cost that you pay for a Chow Chow. Usually, this is associated with purchasing the dog, as well as any initial supplies that you’ll need to care for the dog. Note that some supplies may also be recurring costs, but you’ll still need to have some supplies on hand for when you bring your dog home.

Free

You may be lucky to find a Chow for free if you know someone looking to rehome their dog. But even then, people that care about the welfare of the dog may charge a small rehoming fee just to make sure their dog goes somewhere that is going to take care of them.

Adoption

The cost of adopting a Chow Chow from an animal shelter can range from around $50–$200. This fee covers purchasing the dog, as well as the cost of vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery for the dog if the dog is old enough. Sometimes, it may cover microchipping as well. However, for Chow puppies, you may receive a voucher to return for spay/neuter surgery once your dog is old enough.

Breeder

Chow Chows can cost anywhere from $600 to over $1,500 for the dog itself, depending on the breeder and the location. This fee may or may not cover vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery; it just depends on the breeder’s rules and policies. Note also that this cost doesn’t include travel costs to get to and from the breeder if there isn’t a Chow breeder in your area.

It’s important to do your research on reputable breeders and make sure the breeder can answer any questions you have about the dog as well as letting you visit the facility and providing medical records. Be aware of puppy mills and backyards breeders that sell Chow puppies for cheap. These businesses are more interested in making a profit and may not care about the welfare of the dogs, giving you a potentially unhealthy pup.

Initial Veterinary Exam

It is important to take your new Chow Chow for a veterinary exam within their first few days of adoption or purchase. This will help you detect any potential health problems that the shelter or breeder might have missed and ensure your dog is in good health and up to date on vaccination, parasite treatment, etc. The cost of the exam can range from $50–$150 depending on the vet you choose.

Initial Setup and Supplies

You will need to purchase various items before bringing your Chow Chow home. These include food, bowls, toys, a collar and leash, and a bed. The cost of these supplies can range from $50-$200.

List of Chow Chow Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Chow Chow Cost Per Month?

The cost of owning a Chow Chow will vary depending on your location, the dog’s age and health condition, and any additional costs such as grooming or training. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50–$150 per month for food, veterinary care, and supplies.  Let’s look at a cost breakdown.

Health Care

The health care of your Chow Chow is essential for their long-term wellbeing. Depending on the age and health of your dog, you may need to cover additional costs such as flea treatments, vaccinations, spaying or neutering surgery, dental cleanings, emergency veterinary care if needed, and preventative medications. These expenses can range from $0 to $500+ in the case of an emergency, but you may not have an emergency every month so plan for the lower end of this range.

Food

The cost of food for a Chow Chow can range from $30 to over $100 per month. It is important to provide your dog with high quality, nutritional food that is designed specifically for their breed and size. Remember that Chows are large dogs and will require more food than small and medium breeds, so food will be a large portion of your recurring monthly costs when caring for a Chow.

Grooming

Chow Chows have a thick coat that needs to be groomed regularly. You can groom them at home yourself, but it’s usually left to a professional groomer. You will need to factor in a budget for professional grooming costs, which can range from $50–$150 per month depending on the length and thickness of their fur. However, grooming may also not need to be done every month.

Medications and Vet Visits

You may need to factor in additional costs for medications or vet visits if your Chow Chow develops any health issues. These expenses can range from $50–$100 per month depending on the severity of the problem. Things like flea treatments and heartworm prevention may be monthly or quarterly costs that you will need to factor in.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is not a necessity, but it can help you cover the costs of unexpected veterinary expenses, especially in the case of emergencies. Most pet insurance policies have a base cost of around $30–$50 per month, but this may vary depending on the type and extent of coverage.

Environment Maintenance

You will also need to factor in the cost of keeping your Chow Chow’s environment clean and replacing supplies as needed. This includes sprucing up their bedding and toys, as well as cleaning any messes they might make. These costs are minimal; however, you may need to budget up to an additional $50 per month for these expenses.

Entertainment

Your Chow Chow will need plenty of stimulation and exercise, so it is important to factor in the cost of entertainment. Toys and activities that can help keep your pup entertained can range from $0–$50 per month. This cost can include memberships to dog parks if the ones in your area charge.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Chow Chow

Altogether, the total monthly cost of owning a Chow Chow can range from $260 to over $900 depending on their individual needs. It is important to budget ahead and plan for these expenses so you can provide your pup with the best care possible. In addition to any costs outlined here, be sure to account for any additional expenses that may come up over time. Owning a Chow Chow is a big responsibility, but the rewards of having such an amazing companion are worth it.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Here are some things that we didn’t account for above, and that may not occur monthly, that you may wish to factor in depending on your situation.

Owning a Chow Chow on a Budget

If you’re looking at the above costs and thinking you’ll never be able to own a Chow Chow, don’t worry. Yes, owning a Chow Chow can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down. Things like food and proper vet care are a necessity, but you can save money, especially on recurring expenses.

Saving Money on Chow Chow Care

Start by researching the best food options for your pup and buy in bulk when possible. Look for coupons, discounts, and reward programs from pet stores, department stores, and local supermarkets. Also, look into pet insurance companies to see if they offer any discounts or special deals. Regularly grooming your Chow at home instead of taking them to the groomer is a great way to save money, too. Finally, make sure to factor in the costs of obedience training and behavioral training as these can help your pup become better behaved and more obedient, which in turn can help lower your costs incurred due to damages or mishaps over time.

Conclusion

Owning a Chow Chow can be both rewarding and expensive. The estimated total monthly cost of owning a Chow Chow can range from $260 to over $900, depending on their individual needs. It is important to plan for these expenses by budgeting ahead and researching the best options for your pup. With proper planning, you can ensure that your pup receives the best care possible while still keeping costs to a minimum. Owning a Chow Chow will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, so don’t let the costs stand in your way. Happy pet parenting!

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Featured Image Credit: Debbie Kanders, Shutterstock