You may have heard that mixed dog breeds are also referred to as designer dogs. That is because breeders take two different breeds and mix them to create an animal that looks or acts a certain way. The German Shepherd Chow mix, combining the German Shepherd with the Chow Chow has become more popular over the past few decades for its cute, fluffy looks and fun-loving personalities. As attention-seekers, they are always looking to please their master, but their high energy is sometimes their downfall.

Breed Overview

If you’re an athletic individual and looking for a companion to take on all your physical adventures, then the German Shepherd Chow mix might win you over.

German Shepherd Chow Mix Characteristics

German Shepherd Chow Mix Puppies

The biggest thing that stands out to most people who bring a Shepherd Chow mix home is their energy levels. These new designer dogs have a lot of energy they need to expel, and they have to have a stern trainer. With lots of positive reinforcement and patience, this dog will become well-behaved and social. They might resist your demands here and there, but the sooner you start training, the better off they’ll be.

If you’re capable of keeping up with this breed, then you’ll know you have a companion who will stick by your side for at least a decade. As medium-sized dogs, this breed has a good lifespan that usually lasts 10-12 years. They do have a few standard health issues that you should consider before buying one, but overall, they are in good health when they get plenty of exercise.

Temperament & Intelligence of the German Shepherd Chow Mix

In general, the German Shepherd and Chow Chow mix are slightly aloof but happier than most dog breeds that we know today. They are fiercely loyal and desperate for their owner’s attention. This could get them into a bit of trouble if they feel bored or neglected. Shepherd Chow mixes have to have a lot of stimulation both mentally and physically. Despite having a stubborn side, they will protect you at all costs.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Shepherd Chow mix isn’t usually people’s first choice for a pet if they have a lot of young children and other pets running around. If they are socialized at a young age, they do fine, but it is better to bring one of these breeds into your family when you can teach your kids how to respect animals and give them personal space when they need it. If you have tweens or teenagers, they’ll get along just fine and enjoy running around and playing with each other all day long.

Things to Know When Owning a German Shepherd Chow Mix:

Because of their size and energy level, this breed isn’t the easiest to take care of. They have a lot of demands that must be met for them to be happy and act accordingly. If you can’t keep up with them, try getting a dog that is more your speed.

Food & Diet Requirements

Shepherd Chow mixes are medium-sized dogs with a ton of energy. Always stick to a regular feeding schedule and limit their treats when possible. One or two feedings every day should usually suffice. Follow the carefully printed directions on the back of your preferred food brand’s packaging or ask your veterinarian how much to feed them per day to keep them fit.

Exercise

If you haven’t figured it out by now, the exercise requirements for this breed are the most demanding aspect of raising them. One hour of daily, vigorous exercise is only a starting point for this dog. Ideally, Shepherd Chow breeds should go on long adventures like hiking or running every day to get as much energy out as possible. This helps with behavioral issues at home and keeps them fit and mentally stimulated.

Training

Training a Shepherd Chow mix isn’t the most challenging hurdle you’ll face, but we don’t recommend this breed for someone who has never owned or trained a dog before. Because they are sometimes stubborn, you have to be consistent with your demands and offer them a lot of positive reinforcement. Because you’re their number one priority, they don’t respond well to yelling or aggression.

Grooming ✂️

This dog breed has a dense, fluffy coat and shedding is something that you’re going to have to deal with throughout the entire year. Brush these dogs two or three times a week and bathe them about once per month. Check their ears for debris or pests every day and keep their nails trimmed. This breed has nails that are strong and grow fast, so trimming them twice a month usually suffices.

Shepherd chow mixes have to have their oral care maintained as well. Brush their dirty teeth at least once a week to avoid any major issues.

Health and Conditions

German Shepherd Chow mixes have some issues that they’re predisposed to that both individual breeds also face. Most are generally healthy, but they benefit from regular checkups at the vet.

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Shepherd Chow Mix

1. They are half German Shepherd.

The straightforward name might have already given it away, but being half German Shepherd means that there are a lot of great things about having this breed as a pet. German Shepherds were bred in Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They became a superior herding dog who was intelligent, hard-working, and fit. After they mastered herding, the industrialization in the era rendered them almost useless, so they were put to work for the military and police. Now, these dogs are great at search and rescue missions, drug detection, and guard dogs.

2. They are half Chow Chow.

With advancements in genetic testing, we have recently discovered that Chow Chows are actually one of the oldest dog breeds that is still around today. They came from Northern China and Mongolia and were used for hunting and to guard their owner’s possessions. They get their name from when British sailors took some with them as cargo. Miscellaneous items were once referred to as Chow Chow, and their name has stuck ever since. Today, Chow Chows have reserved, clever, and stubborn temperaments. They are content to do their own thing, so they require a lot of socialization from a young age.

3. They are the perfect guard dog.

Because of the history of the two breeds, this is the dog that you want to have by your side at night. Both breeds are excellent guard dogs, and their loyalty never wavers from their pack. They will alert you whenever they sense someone unfamiliar and aren’t afraid to chase down an intruder.

Summary

At the end of the day, the German Shepherd Chow mix is a dog breed that is looking to get the most out of life with their best friend by their side. These dogs want to do everything with you and get as much energy out as possible. They were bred to be hardworking dogs, and they do a lot better in training and socialization when they have something to focus on. If you’re someone who makes your pet your entire world, then this breed could benefit from having you as their owner. They do require a lot of care and attention, but that is what makes them the perfect companion for a dog fanatic. If you’re someone who is physically active, loving, and has experience with dogs, then you might consider finding a German Shepherd Chow mix to bring home as your next pet.

Learn more about this and other German Shepherd Mixes here.

Featured Image Credit: _Michael J Magee, Shutterstock