Mixed Breeds

Golden Retriever & Chow Chow Mix: The Beautiful Golden Chow

The Golden Chow is guard dog with a heart of gold. But despite their loving demeanor, it also comes with a protective streak that can cause issues for first-time dog owners. Let's find out more about this regal mixed breed.

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Last Updated: March 28, 2023 | 10 min read

Golden Retriever Chow Mix

These two large dogs create the smart, protective, and gentle Golden Chow Retriever. You’ll find no better friend than the Golden Chow, as both dogs are kind-hearted, energetic, and large lap dogs. They’ll love to keep you company throughout the day.

Golden Retrievers are known for being kind, gentle, and sweet nanny dogs. They’re the perfect complement to large families. The Chow Chow, on the other hand, is known for their fantastic hunting abilities and their prowess as watchdogs. The Chow Chow is a low and boisterous pet, while the Golden Retriever is calm and patient.

Although the Golden Retriever is perfect for first-time dog owners looking for a large dog, I wouldn’t recommend the Golden Chow for inexperienced trainers. The Chow Chow is notoriously stubborn and smart, which can make them difficult to train at first.

Golden Chows thrive best in environments that have lots of space and a large, loving family next to them. They like to be doted on and love to receive affection from their favorite people in their homes. Would this big lovable babe be the right fit for your growing family? In this guide, we’ll take you through the daily lives of the Golden Chow.

Large Designer Dogs

A “designer dog” is any mix between two purebred parents. For any mixed breed to be classified as a designer, the parents would have to be bred purely for generations up until the point of being bred with another breed. A true purebred dog will have puppies that have the same characteristics and temperament as their parents.

The benefit of owning a purebred with proper papers is you’ll have a good estimate of how your puppy will act. With a designer dog, you don’t have that luxury, as the puppies could take characteristics from either parent. However, this is the only true negative to owning a designer dog (unless you care about coat color).

Designer dogs are less likely to inherit diseases than their purebred parents, and this can be a lifesaver for certain breeds. Specifically, the Chow Chow breed because they’re prone to many health problems. Keep in mind that not all designer dogs have to be completely purebred, as some crosses require a less-even split.

Although these two breeds have little in common in temperament, they complement each other by being opposites! The Golden Retriever is a known sweetheart of the big dog community, while the Chow Chow is stubborn and smart. You’ll likely have a kind-hearted, well-mannered nanny dog on your hands if appropriately trained.

Golden Retriever Overview

The Golden Retriever is likely to have originated from British dogs in the 1800s, though it isn’t known all of the ancestors that this Retriever had to create the Golden breed. The St. John’s Dog that originated from Newfoundland, Canada, is the best guess, as they are the ancestors of the Tweed Water Spaniels, black Wavy-Coated Retrievers, and the Red Setter.

In the 1900s, they were imported to the United States and gained popularity as sweet and kind family pets. The American Kennel Club officially registered them in 1925. The Golden Retriever remains popular to this day due to their nanny-like qualities. They love children, other animals, and humans – even strangers.

The “Golden” in their name describes their gorgeous wavy, yellow fur color. They are a medium-sized dog with a broad and strong head. They are intelligent, affectionate, and even-tempered, love to play, and are eager to please you. They Respond well to obedience training and are great service dogs.

Great swimmers and bird dogs, if you have the room for them, they’re one of the best companions for any large family. They live anywhere from 10-13 years and stand 23 inches tall. They have a tendency to snore, drool, and have an average activity level.  They are often compared to regular labs.

Chow Chow Overview

The Chow Chow likely originated over 3,000 years ago in China and is often recognized as one of the oldest breeds in the world. Genetically speaking, this breed is very similar to a wolf. The breed remained popular among the wealthy in China due to its innate protecting abilities and strength. They were good at sniffing out and finding smaller animals to be hunted.

They were eventually transported to long in the 1700s and then to the United States in 1890. The Chow Chow was one of the first breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (1903). Although they were great working dogs and were strong enough to pull carts, the Chow Chow is now either a companion dog or a watchdog.

Chow Chows are pretty aloof and have lower energy requirements than other dogs. They prefer to lay down and protect you than play; it’s their own way of showing affection. They are known for being stubborn when training but are very intelligent and can be easily trained once they see you as Alpha.

If you have a lot of room for them and aren’t avid travelers, they will be great for your family if you have no small children. They don’t live long, unfortunately, and an average of 10-12 years. Chow Chows also drool a lot and have a tendency to snore.

Golden Retriever and Chow Chow Mix (Golden Chow)

It’s uncommon for mixed breeds to have a documented record, and the Golden Chow is no different. However, it is still possible to trace them as being bred in the last two decades. Most mixed breeds originated around that time and became popular in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Their devotion is one of their prominent qualities, as the hybrid between the family dog and the protector means a loyal guard dog that craves your attention. This mix has made them less friendly with children and strangers, so if you want to bring out their Golden Retriever qualities, early socialization is required.

Golden Chows will need an average amount of exercise, and they don’t have boundless energy. Thirty minutes to an hour of running or vigorous playing should be enough for them. They will also inherit the Chow Chow’s stubbornness though it isn’t as prominent in the Golden Chow. Just be aware that you may have a brick wall during some training sessions.

Although not as friendly as the Golden Retriever, the Golden Chow is loving, social, friendly, and playful with the right socialization. They are large dogs and will average 50 to 75 pounds. Golden Chows require a lot of space.

Appearance & Grooming

The Golden Chow is a medium-sized dog that will have wavy, thick, dense, and non-water-repellent fur. The length of their coat depends on what they inherit from their parents, but it’s usually medium-length to full-length. They stand at 20-25 inches and have droopy ears with a long tail that has a slight curve. They’ll always have brown eyes and a brown snout.

You’ll often see their fur as a golden yellow, but blue, red, and black are also possible coat colors. It is possible for these pups to be larger than medium-sized, as the weight varies significantly in this mixed breed. It’s best to have more space just in case they do get to be on the bigger side.

Golden Chow’s aren’t considered hypoallergenic because they shed quite a lot throughout the year. You should brush them at least once a day, though twice is preferred to keep their coat healthy and without mats. Take your Golden Chow to a professional groomer every month to keep their fur trimmed.

Pay attention to their ears and their nails as well. You’ll want to see if their eats have no odor, moisture, or dirt buildup because that could indicate infection. Trim your pup’s nails every two to three weeks.

Training

Your Golden Chow will likely inherit the stubbornness of their Chow Chow parent. Don’t hold out for them being more like the Golden Retriever; it’s unlikely to happen. Since they’re stubborn, they will sometimes choose not to listen to you, even if they know what they’re doing is wrong. You’ll have to enforce yourself as the Alpha quickly.

Positive reinforcement is the best method for any dog. Do not try to slap them or scold them when they do something wrong, as your pup will grow to resent you and make them harder to train. Giving them treats or toys for a job well done will train them up fast.

Obedience training should be done as soon as they’re puppies so they can tell the difference between what you consider right and wrong. Dogs look up to their alphas for guidance and are less likely to disobey if they see you as an authority.

Most large dogs are easy to train to pee outside due to their larger than the average bladder. They can also handle being alone for longer than average between potty breaks. Take care to socialize them when they’re young, so they will grow to trust people.  If you plan to crate train, you’ll want to make sure you get a crate that’s adequately sized for a Golden Retriever and a Chow, which is usually a larger size.

Exercise & Living Conditions

The Golden Chow has a moderate activity level requirement and needs, on average, 30 minutes to an hour of playtime per day. They love to play games like fetch or tug of war, swim, or go for a jog. Try to walk your pup at least once a day, but twice is preferred.

Golden Chow’s are no couch potatoes; they love to play with you and get plenty of fresh air. If you live in a hot climate, they might not be the best pet for you, though, as they’re coats will make them very hot from running around all day.

Although they can be outdoor dogs, they won’t like it very much. Try to keep them indoors as much as possible so they can receive your love and attention. Don’t leave them outside for more than a few hours, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Health

Similar to most big dogs, Golden Chow’s are prone to hip and joint problems and good develop hip dysplasia later on in life. This is an inherited disorder, so asking the breeder for the parents’ certificate to determine their health is a good idea. Still, you should prepare for this disorder in case it does occur.

Fleas are another issue with the Golden Chow because of their thick coat. If your dog is allergic to them, then an infestation will be more painful to them than it already is. Make sure they have their adequate shots and are taking medication to prevent fleas in the summer.

Watch your dog’s weight and most of the other health issues won’t occur like heart or eye problems. Larger dogs can also suffer from bloat, which can affect the heart and eyes as well. Bloat should always be taken seriously and can be fixed by lowering the amount of food given at feeding time.

Nutrition

Big dogs require a lot of nutrition! Make sure their diet mostly consists of protein and fats with low carbs. It’s better to give them natural or organic food for optimal health. You can also give them whole foods like vegetables and meat if you’d like.

Three cups a day on average is the vets’ recommendation, though you should pay more attention to the calories in the food rather than the amount given. The average price to feed your Golden Chow will be around $50. Feed them multiple times a day and with smaller portions to lessen the likelihood of bloat.

As Family Pets

Golden Chows are the perfect guard dog with a heart of gold, but are these medium-sized cuties the best for you and your family?

  • The Golden Chow are loving, affectionate, loyal, and fond of their favorite person.
  • They aren’t always good with children or other people, even with proper socialization.
  • They require a lot of room with a large backyard.
  • Don’t think about adopting this breed if you live in a small apartment or condo.
  • Grooming requirements are high, and they need to be brushed once a day and bathed regularly.
  • They will also need to be professionally groomed to manage their coat.
  • Golden Chow’s shed a lot! You’ll need to break out the vacuum every couple of days.
  • Active and playful, your Golden Chow will want your attention at all times.
  • If they don’t get enough of it, they may grow bored and damage your property.
  • A guard dog with a heart of gold is one way to describe these big beauties.
  • They have a high need to protect their favorite person but are nervous around strangers and children.
  • They love praise and lots of pets.
  • For a large dog, they have few health problems, with the exception of hip dysplasia.
  • Watch that their weight stays at a healthy number so they avoid heart and lung problems.
  • Minimize the risk of joint dysplasia by asking to see the breeding papers of the parents.
  • It’s in your best interest to see the papers of their parents from a breeder.
  • This is also great for determining the temperament of the puppy as well.

Is the Golden Chow the perfect pet for you? Keep reading below on how to find one!

Breeders & Puppy Prices

The Golden Chow isn’t the most popular mixed breed, although it is still possible to find them mostly in North America. They are also one of the cheaper hybrid dogs, which is a good thing because costs can add up.

A well-bred Golden Chow will cost you north of $500 dollars, which is a great price! The cheaper pups will likely not have papers for their breeding dogs, while the higher-priced ones will. Always research the breeders you want to buy from, as you don’t want to be sold a sick puppy (unless you have the funds to make them better).

Golden Chows are not known for having health issues and are relatively healthy, though. If you aren’t interested in buying from a breeder, searching for a rescue in your area is another option. Contact your local Golden Retriever and Chow Chow clubs for local breeders and rescues.

Golden Chow Rescues

It’s unlikely you’ll find a Golden Chow at a humane society or a rescue, though it isn’t impossible. The Golden Retriever is a common breed but doesn’t get surrendered often due to their mild temperament. The Chow Chow is another story; you’ll likely find them at the pound.

This option is cheaper, with the only negative not knowing the parents of the dog. Still, these pets will need loving homes and will be great companions, whether they’re purebred or not. You can check out the National Rescue Committee of the GRCA for Golden Mix rescues and the Chow Chow Rescue Society for Chow rescues.

Final Thoughts

Although this breed can be a handful if not appropriately trained, they will make loving companions if they are correctly looked after and taken care of. The Golden Chows are a guard dog with a heart of gold that needs to have a lot of attention.

If you have small children or you’re not prepared to train this large dog, I would pass them up for something smaller. They aren’t suitable for first-time pet owners and should only be tackled by the most experienced dog owners or trainers.

Still, they will be your friend for life if you give them that attention. Be prepared for lots of grooming and cleaning of their fur. Don’t forget to take them to the groomer at least once a month to keep their coat looking shiny and well-maintained.

Having a large house with a yard will do wonders for their happiness as they have high activity requirements. You’ll need to walk them or play with them for at least 30-60 minutes per day. If you want to take the pressure off their joints, take them to your next swimming class.

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19 Comments

  1. Kula was a golden chow and his nickname was “Mr. Aloha”. He had to greet everyone and dog, tail wagging, joy in his eyes. Like all dogs, he had the beautiful, friendly face, and a gently disposition. Unfortunately cancel took him from us, but we had 8 wonderful years together. I miss him tremendously and would fly around the world to get another golden chow. Please let me know how I can get one

  2. I wish I could post a picture of Cassie! She lived to be 13 and was the best dog ever. Loyal, loving, a great guard dog, beautiful! Her body looked like a golden. Tail like a chow. Head was a beautiful mix. I miss her so badly. If I could have cloned her, I would have.

    1. Funny, I saw this as I was deep in thought about my Rusty. He was adopted from a rescue group; a Chow/ Golden Retriever mix. Wonderful puppy & adult. A bit reserved around strangers, until he got comfortable. But he mellowed as he aged. He was my “someone to watch over me.” My husband said he was always watching me, no more than 10 feet away. We lost him too soon to cancer at 8, in 2020. Cried a long time over losing him & I think of him often. The night before we brought him in, it was early spring & I had been gone the last day, due to my mom being in the hospital. My husband said Rusty had been looking for me & seemed to be having some difficulty breathing. When I came home that night he was laying in a spot in the corner of the kitchen by the windows…breathing a little labored. I laid down next to him, arm around him after I’d opened the windows to let to cool air in. His breathing settled down & we slept like that throw the night I took him in 1st thing in the morning & that’s when my vet told me that he’d had a cancerous tumor near his heart apparently that had erupted & was filling his lungs with blood. We had to put him down. One of the saddest days of my life.

  3. I have a golden chow since he was 8 weeks old and he is now 10. Within the last 3 years he is constantly itching his side’s and chewing on his legs. The vet tells me it is allergies and to give. Him 1 to 2 Benadryl 2x a day 8 hrs apart since he is 59 pounds he is brushed 2x daily and trimed once a month. He does not have fleas. The Benadryl is no longer working and I no he’s miserable so I started using hot spot spray on him. It helps some for a few hours but he eventually goes back to save behavior. Any ideas out there?

  4. We just lost our golden chow, and I have been searching for a pup for the past few weeks. The only thing I have found on the net is a breeder in Ohio, I am hoping possibly to find one closer. If anyone has information that could help me find a golden chow pup I would be very great full

  5. The chow was not the result of a Tibetan mastiff and the samoyed! If you want a chow mix look at the Eurasier, there’s no need for another.

    1. Michelle Schenker

      Thanks for the heads up. We did more research and make updates to our content. Thanks so much for giving us the opportunity to provide the most accurate info.

  6. my favorite breed. I kept 7 dogs of this breed. Had mom and daddy dog. Female had a liter and I kept the parents and liter. PaRents lived to be 19 yrs old. Boys lived 18 yrs. Best experience ever. I missthem so much. Very early on I had to show them that I was the alpha dog. Very protective of me and so loving. I know the female got out when she was in heat. Two of the boys look like a mix of Irish setter. Three others look like chow mix with shepard and, although one looks like he had some Australian Shephard cause of he had freckles. All hD chow hair. Big mane and chow tail. I had dogs all my life. This mix was the bes good temperment. Loving. And good looking. Seriously no matter where I went my dogs were outstanding looking. And never had complaints from landlords but got recommendations. This mix should be a purebred. But as a mix Best dog ever!

  7. Recently lost our beloved Golden chow. Best dog we ever had. She was my best friend. I miss her so much every day. What I would give to have another Golden chow. They are great dogs. Not to fond of small kids. Lots of hair must be brushed often.

    1. Hi Diane! Thanks for stopping by to comment, and I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your pup. I’m sure you will find another someday that can help replace the loss that your canine companion left. Good luck!

    2. My son also lost his golden chow, we all very sad, cant stop thinking about our fur baby, where could we buy another of this breed

  8. Paula Gadomski

    Our golden chow recently passed away and my grandchildren are heartbroken. I am looking for a golden retriever chow mix puppy. I have checked shelters and rescues with no success. Do you know of any other resources I can try? Thank you!

    1. Hi Paula! I would suggest looking at Petfinder, as well as looking at rescue groups on social channels if you haven’t done that already. Maybe even expand your search nationwide, and see if the right dog pops up. Good luck with your search!

    2. It is very sad to me that people are taking dogs that reputable breeders have tried to perfect through hundreds of years of serious breeding programs. And now with the idiotic name ‘designer dogs’ creating a mongrel with God only knows what kind of health and behavioral problems. Buyers please beware there are plenty pedigree dogs in existence to find the right dog for you.

  9. George Saunders

    We have two of these fantastic dogs, everything you said is absolutely correct. One more thing is that they will always lay right in the middle of where you need to go or be, so be careful not to fall over them.

  10. I lost my buddy in Aug. He was a golden chow, chow & golden retriever, I am looking ,for a golden chow puppy to not replace him, but to help me remember him and to give him the love I still have. I’m looking for a reasonably priced puppy.

    1. Hi David! Sorry to hear about your pup. For a Golden Chow puppy, we’d recommend looking first at Golden Retriever or Chow Chow rescues in your area before seeking out a breeder. Let me know if you have any questions!

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