Chow Doodle 101: An Intro To The Chow Chow-Poodle Mix

The Chow Doodle might be a rare Poodle mix to come across, but if you’ve ever seen one, you know how cute these fluffy Doods can be! In this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the Chow Chow-Poodle mix – from their appearance and size to their temperament and health. We guarantee that by the end of this guide you’ll be head over heels in love with these precious pups! 

Table of Contents

• What Is A Chow Doodle?
• Physical Appearance
• Chow Doodle Pictures (Puppy & Adult)
• Chow Doodle Size
• Variations & Generations
• Personality & Temperament
• Chow Doodle Health
• Exercise & Training
• Chow Doodle Coat Care & Grooming
• Where Can You Get Chow Doodle Puppies?
• Chow Doodle: FAQ

What Is A Chow Doodle?

The Chow Doodle is a hybrid cross between the Chow Chow and Poodle. This ‘designer’ breed is one of the newer Poodle mixes that hasn’t yet quite found its way to the masses. But they sure are becoming more and more popular amongst Doodle circles. 

Both Poodles and Chow Chows are well-known purebred dogs thanks to their unique, insanely adorable looks and personality traits. Both of them also have rich backgrounds that date back centuries. In fact, the Chow Chow is thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds! It’s claimed that Chow Chows date back thousands of years and they originate from ancient China. How amazing is that! 

The Poodle also has quite a long history. Contrary to popular opinion, the Poodle doesn’t originate from France. These dogs were actually first bred in Germany as waterfowl hunting dogs. By the way, the Chow Chow is also thought to be a hunting dog in its ‘early years’ 

But what happens when we combine those very different purebred dogs? We get the Chow Doodle, also known as the Chow Poo or Poochow. Aside from their adorable looks and possibly superior health, Chow Doodles also outshine the purebred Chow Chow with their much less shedding coats. And it’s all thanks to the Poodle’s genes! But we’ll get to that… 

Physical Appearance

The Chow Doodle inherits its gorgeous looks from both sides of its lineage. They’re generally medium-sized dogs with a muscular build, and they also sport those floppy Doodle ears like other Poodle mixes. 

Colors

The Chow Doodle often comes in its signature light brownish coat like the purebred Chow Chow. They may also inherit solid coat colors like black, brown, red, cinnamon, and blue, which are all common colors in purebred Chow Chows. 

Still, as the Poodle genes will also affect the outcome, they may inherit the Poodle’s original colors as well. These include dark solids like black, silver, gray, and brown, and lighter tones like cafe au lait, cream, white, and anything in between. 

Although the Chow Doodle often comes in a solid color, some pups may very well inherit some fun patterns from the Poodle parent. So, if you come across a Chow Doodle with a parti, phantom, abstract, or sable pattern, you know where they got it from. 

Coat, Shedding, & Hypoallergenic Level

Chow Doodles come with thick coats that often give off that shaggy Doodle look. They most commonly have either wavy or curly coats, but some may also inherit the straight coat from the purebred Chow Chow. 

Since the Chow Doodle has a mixed heritage, predicting the outcome isn’t as straightforward as with purebreds. The most desired Chow Doodle coat types are usually curly and wavy coats, as they tend to be more allergy-friendly and considerably lower shedding than straight coats. After all, the purebred Chow Chow does have a shedding undercoat. 

The most hypoallergenic of them all is by far the curly coat. Chow Doodles with curly coats tend to have a single layer of fur, which means that they don’t shed much hair. Even though there will be some hair falling out, as that’s simply how it happens with hair growth cycles, all of those thick layers of textured curls usually trap in most of it. So, you won’t have to worry about all of your clothes and furniture being covered in dog hair. The only downside is that the curly coat is the most high-maintenance, as it can tangle and mat very easily. 

Then there’s the wavy combination coat that’s one of the most preferred options. Even when some wavy-coated Chow Doodles might inherit the shedding undercoat, they usually shed much less than straight-coated Chow Doodles and purebred Chow Chows. Another great thing about the wavy coat is that although thick and luscious, they usually aren’t as prone to matting, either. 

The important thing to remember with Chow Doodles, or any other Doodle breed for that matter, is that these dogs need to be groomed regularly. We’ll cover this topic a bit later on in this guide. 

Chow Doodle Pictures (Puppy & Adult)

We can spend hours and hours explaining how a Chow Doodle pup looks like, but there’s nothing like seeking all that cuteness with your very own eyes:

White Chow Doodle	@chowdoodledoo
Apricot Chow Doodle	@poppychowpoo

Chow Doodle Size

The Chow Doodle is generally a medium-sized dog with a muscular build. Their weight can range between 25 and 70 pounds, and their height between 12 and 25 inches, depending on the size of the Poodle used in the mix. 

So, how big will a Chow Doodle get exactly and what can you expect with different sizes of this crossbreed? Let’s take a closer look:

	Mini Chow Doodle	Standard Chow Doodle
Weight	25-45 pounds	40-70 pounds
Height	12-20 inches	17-25 inches
When Full-Grown?	11-13 months	12.5-16 months

*A dog’s height is measured from their withers, which is the highest part of their shoulder blades.

Needless to say, the size of a Chow Doodle will mostly be determined by the size of its parents. The purebred Chow Chow can also vary dramatically in size, as their weight ranges anywhere from 45 and up to 70 pounds. Their usual height sits between 17 and 20 inches at the shoulder. 

For the Chow Chow-Poodle mix, breeders would use either Standard or Miniature Poodles. Standard Poodles are quite similar in size, albeit much slimmer in appearance. The Standard Poodle can weigh between 38 and 70 pounds with a height of 24 to 27 inches. 

Meanwhile, the Miniature Poodle is a much smaller-sized pup that only weighs between 10 and 20 pounds. They stand around 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Still, the Mini Chow Doodle is even more rare to find than the Standard Chow Doodle. But if you do enough digging and find a good reputable breeder, then you’ll be one of the few lucky ones to witness this adorable mini-sized Dood. 

Variations & Generations

Not only do Chow Doodles come in different size variations, there’s actually a whole science behind breeding them. With purebred dogs, the breeding process is very simple – cross two health and DNA tested breeding dogs and we get a litter of puppies. 

However, with hybrid breeds, there are numerous different ways to breed a litter of puppies. For crossbreeds like the Chow Doodle, these different variations are categorized as generations. 

We have the very first generation, which is referred to as the F1 Chow Doodle, that we get by crossing a purebred Chow Chow with a purebred Poodle. Currently, this variation is the most common simply because Chow Doodles are very rare at this point. 

Then there are other generations, like the F1b, or first-generation backcross Chow Doodle that we get when we breed an F1 Chow Doodle back to a Poodle. As you can now imagine, these F1b Chow Doodles will likely inherit most of their traits from the Poodle. 

That being said, predicting the outcome with Doodles is never simple, as it all boils down to their genetics. And that’s where those generations come in super handy. They will give us a rough estimate about the outcome and help us predict the Chow Doodle’s traits like their size, coat type, and even personality. 

Let’s now have a look at all the possible Chow Doodle generations and how their genetic makeup can vary in each one:

	1st Parent	2nd Parent	% Chow Chow*	% Poodle*
F1 Chow Doodle (first-generation)	Chow Chow	Poodle	50%	50%
F1B Chow Doodle (first-generation backcross)	F1 Chow Doodle	Poodle	25%	75%
F1BB Chow Doodle (first-generation backcross backcross)	F1B Chow Doodle	Poodle	12.5%	87.5%
F2 Chow Doodle (second-generation)	F1 Chow Doodle	F1 Chow Doodle	50%	50%
F2B Chow Doodle (second-generation backcross)	F1 Chow Doodle	F1B Chow Doodle	37.5%	62.5%
F2B Chow Doodle (alternate cross)	F2 Chow Doodle	Poodle	25%	75%
F3 / Multigen Chow Doodle	F1B Chow Doodle or higher	F1B Chow Doodle or higher	Varies	Varies

*These are generic calculations only – genetics are rarely mathematically accurate.

Personality & Temperament

The Chow Doodle is an intelligent, loyal, calm, and loving dog. But much like the Chow Chow, the Chow Doodle tends to be a bit passive and have an independent streak. In fact, many people even liken them to cats! 

Both Chow Chows and Poodles are highly intelligent breeds. It doesn’t surprise us that the Chow Doodle also shines with its smarts. They usually form very strong bonds with their family members, but they can be wary of strangers and protective of their loved ones. 

One of the most important questions we often get asked is if Chow Doodles are aggressive? With proper socialization and desensitization from an early age, this shouldn’t be much of a problem. However, due to their Chow Chow heritage, they may become territorial when other dogs are around. 

Nonetheless, as there’s also the Poodle in this mix, the Chow Doodle will likely also have a playful side to them. If a Chow Doodle takes more after the Poodle parent, they may even be more silly and goofy rather than aloof. 

Another thing to note with Chow Doodles is that they can be prone to separation anxiety. Even though the purebred Chow Chow is quite independent, this breed does enjoy spending time with its loved ones that they’ve formed strong bonds with. Likewise, the Poodle is an affectionate and social dog that adores its human family above all else.

For this reason, the Chow Doodle shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. Otherwise, they may resort to unwanted and destructive behaviors, such as excessive digging and barking, destroying furniture, or peeing and pooping inside the house. 

Chow Doodle Health

Chow Doodles are at risk of certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions like cataracts, PRA, glaucoma, and entropion, luxating patella, diabetes, and epilepsy. 

These and other health problems that Chow Doodles are at risk of are generally hereditary conditions. Of course, feeding your dog a healthy diet in the right amount will greatly affect their quality of life and lifespan. Likewise, daily exercise and preventing stressful situations will also help your pup live a healthy and happy life. 

Additionally, Chow Doodles may often have allergies and sensitivities that tend to manifest as digestive issues or skin irritations and coat health problems. They’re also prone to ear infections due to the restricted airflow in their floppy ears. That’s why proper ear hygiene is vital for all Doodle breeds. 

Fortunately, the more serious genetic illnesses can be prevented to some extent with ethical breeding practices. Reputable breeders only use health screened breeding dogs in their programs. They’ll never use parent dogs that either haven’t been tested or cleared from certain genetic conditions that both Chow Chows and Poodles are prone to. 

What’s more, the interesting thing about crossbreeds is that they’re thought to benefit from something called hybrid vigor. This means that Doodles and other hybrid crosses tend to inherit superior genetics thanks to their more diverse genetic makeup. Essentially, they’re less likely to inherit conditions that are very common in either purebred Poodles or Chow Chows. However, hybrid vigor tends to diminish with each consecutive generation, so it’s more prevalent in first-generation Chow Doodles. 

Overall, we can expect a Chow Doodle to live a long, healthy, and happy life. The average Chow Doodle lifespan ranges between 10 to 15 years. As always, smaller dogs tend to outlive larger ones. 

Exercise & Training

Chow Doodles are intelligent dogs and they can also be quite eager to please. However, thanks to the stubborn Chow Chow genes, they might require a more intensive approach when it comes to training. You should only utilize positive reinforcement training methods. But, you might have to be a bit more patient and consistent with the Chow Doodle. Especially during the adolescence life stage. 

In terms of their exercise requirements, Chow Doodles usually do well on about 60 minutes of exercise each day. As the Chow Chow is a moderately active breed, and the Poodle is an even more active breed, it’s safe to say that these Doods are no couch potatoes. Daily walks and some light jogging, playing fetch and other fun games will be a good way to make sure your pup won’t resort to destructive behaviors or become overweight. 

By the way, excess body weight can also contribute to numerous health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, diabetes, and heart conditions! 

That being said, physical exercise isn’t the only thing you should focus on. Thanks to their high levels of intelligence, you should also make sure that your Chow Doodle gets plenty of mental stimulation. Think of fun puzzle toys, chew toys, interactive games, daily training sessions, and even playing fetch. All of these will put your pup’s smart lil’ brain to good use and prevent destructive behaviors.

You should get your new puppy adjusted to a daily schedule from the moment you bring them home. Get them started on potty training, crate training, and obedience training as soon as possible, as this will help enforce good behaviors early on. Likewise, make sure you safely socialize your puppy with people of all ages and skin colors, and introduce them to other pets once they’ve been fully vaccinated. 

Consider Getting Help From Professionals

Understandably, it can be hard to keep track of everything you should teach your new puppy. Leash training, potty training, preventing destructive behaviors – there’s so much to consider with dogs! We know first-hand how hard it can get, especially if you slip just once and accidentally reward an undesired behavior. 

What we and many other dog owners and breeders have found helpful is the Online Puppy School by Baxter & Bella. Although traditional dog training classes do have many benefits, having some additional resources that you can follow on your own will make a huge difference. 

This online puppy school will teach you how you can successfully raise your puppy into a well-rounded and well-behaved adult. Even if you’ve got an adult Dood, this program will help you tackle many issues that dog owners often struggle with.

What we love about this program is that you will be the one training your pup. Not only is this a great way for you to understand how you influence your puppy with your behavior, it’s also going to help you form a very strong bond with your furbaby. 

Chow Doodle Coat Care & Grooming

Chow Doodles need to be brushed and groomed regularly to keep their thick coats from becoming matted. Since some Chow Doodles may inherit a shedding undercoat, that’s also something to keep in mind when setting up your Dood’s grooming routine. 

As we discussed earlier, Chow Doodles may inherit either curly, wavy, or straight coats. As a general rule of thumb, the curlier the coat, the more you have to groom it. Curly-coated Chow Doodles are usually single-coated, but they’re also the most high-maintenance of them all. Their thick and textured curls can easily become tangled. And if you don’t brush them regularly, you’re soon dealing with matted fur. 

To prevent this from happening, Chow Doodles should be brushed daily with a good quality dog brush and a metal or stainless steel comb. We also recommend you consider purchasing a specially formulated dog detangler spray that will make your brushing sessions much easier. 

Although wavy and straight-coated Chow Doodles can be brushed a bit less, about 3-4 times a week, their undercoat may start to cause problems. If the loose dog hair stays put inside the coat, it can also lead to matting. In addition to that, daily brushing is an excellent way to minimize shedding as well. 

Other activities that any Chow Doodle owner should schedule include regular bathing with a dog shampoo and dog conditioner. Make sure you opt for a shampoo that’s formulated for dogs, as human products can be very harmful for our pets. Some people wash their Doods about every few months when it’s time for a haircut, whereas others have to bathe their dogs weekly. It all depends on your pup’s activity levels, skin and coat health, and how quickly they get dirty. 

When it comes to those intricate hairdos that you can try out on your Chow Poo, then about every 6 to 8 weeks should be enough to keep them looking beautiful and feeling fab. Moreover, make sure to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after every swim and shower, and use a dog ear cleaner on a weekly basis to prevent ear infections. To prevent overgrown nails and injuries, trim their nails every week and also regularly brush their teeth to prevent dental problems.  

Learn How To Groom Your Chow Poo At Home

Amongst other things, Chow Doodles need to have their hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. That’s just something that comes with the responsibility of adopting a Doodle. All of those trips to a professional grooming salon are not cheap. A great solution is to start grooming your Chow Dood at home yourself!

For this very reason, we created our How To Groom A Doodle At Home online course that will teach you exactly how to give your Chow Poo haircuts at home. For just a one-time fee, you’ll get lifetime access to this course and all of its future updates. It includes over 75 minutes of video grooming demonstrations and everything else you should know, including all the equipment you’ll be needing, safety precautions, and tips on brushing, bathing, and blow drying. 

Where Can You Get Chow Doodle Puppies?

Tracking down a reputable breeder that specializes in Chow Doodle puppies can be difficult, but not impossible. In the US, adopting a Chow Doodle puppy from a reputable breeder will cost about $1,500 to $4,000. 

If you’re seriously considering adopting a Chow Doodle puppy, make sure you opt for an ethical breeder or adopt from a shelter or rescue. Ethical Doodle breeders follow responsible breeding practices that include health and genetic testing, providing all the necessary care for their breeding dogs and puppies, as well as giving them a safe and nurturing environment where to spend their first weeks on this earth.  

Be sure to keep an eye on our Doodle Breeder Directory that we update with reputable Chow Doodle breeders all across the US and other countries. 

Chow Doodle: FAQ