Are Chow Chows Dangerous?

In 1998, a woman wrote to Ann Landers in response to a reader’s letter about a 3-year-old who was attacked by his grandmother’s Chow Chow. The boy needed 60 stitches and was almost rendered blind. The woman said that her parents had a Chow when she was little as well but got rid of it shortly thereafter upon seeing how quickly it turned on her and her young siblings. The woman wrote, “That grandmother is no loving grandma if her potential killer is more important than the safety of her grandchildren.”

People who have spent time around Chow Chows and heard stories like these will most likely give you a resounding “Yes” to the question of whether Chow Chows are dangerous or not.

Intro to Chow Chows

While Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Pitbulls have a more athletic, aggressive look, Chow Chows are soft and cuddly with wrinkled faces. Some even consider Chows to be elegant, attractive, and dignified. However, to look at a Chow’s posture, you will observe a confident, strong-minded, powerful breed, regardless of how “cute and fluffy” they may appear.

Chows are known for being loyal as well, which, on the surface, seems like a positive characteristic; however, in the discussion of aggressive behavior, a loyal dog is one that may be more apt to defend its owner by attacking. Nevertheless, loyalty is a trait Chows have been well-known for generation after generation. Likewise, Chows are considered an intelligent breed. But this is another quality that can have a dark side. Smart dogs are more likely to escape enclosures, which, when combined with strong-mindedness, can mean disaster for neighborhood children.

Chows Are One of the Oldest Dog Breeds

The Chow dates back to 206 BC and originates in China. During the Tang Dynasty, one of the emperors supposedly owned 5,000 Chows. Over the course of history, Chow Chows have worked hunting, hauling, and guarding. It is not a sporting breed but nevertheless does have a natural sense for tracking animals and predatory hunting. The Chow genetics, not surprisingly, are quite similar to a wolf. Again, don’t let their giant furry sweaters fool you.

Unique Facts About Chow Chows

Did you know…

• According to ancient records, hunters needed to control their Chows with an antiquated harness-type contraption of body and neck straps.
• Chow Chows have blue- and black-colored tongues.
• That, yes, their name actually relates to “chowing down” on food. The Guangdong and Guangxi provinces in China are known for raising Chow Chows for meat. The black Chows are considered the most nutritious. It is believed their name originates from the Cantonese word for “edible.”
• From the seventh century BC and onward, Chows were used to attack wolves and leopards.
• In ancient times, when Chinese farmers would slaughter their Chows, they strangled them so as not to damage their fur. Their skins were dried, frozen, and cured.

Chow Chow Temperament

In addition to being intelligent, loyal, and strong-willed, Chow Chows are also known for being clean and odor-free. As a somewhat meticulous dog, it may seem like they are a good fit for being housebroken. Unfortunately, they are extremely stand-offish, particularly with strangers. Yes, Chows can be caring and show affection to their caretakers, but children who live with Chows face increased risks. Although Chow Chows do not bite or attack nearly as many people as Pitbulls, they are still considered dangerous. These are the Chow Chow traits that have earned them a risky reputation:

• They are often disobedient.
• Chows can be notoriously hard to train.
• Weighing between 45-70 pounds, they can easily overpower young children and other small animals in violent displays.
• They frequently exhibit unprovoked aggression.
• Chows possess very strong jaws.
• Any other small pets you may have in your home are at increased risk when a Chow Chow is present—it’s not just your children that are in jeopardy.
• Their loyal natures lead them to be somewhat over-protective of their owners.
• They do not trust new, unknown people who may approach them—they are not social dogs.
• Again, they simply have dominating personalities, as you can see

Male vs. Female Aggression in Chows

Usually, the more primitive types of dog breeds, like Chows, are ill-tempered. Male and female Chows do, however, display different temperaments. The male tends to be more aggressive and defiant due to their increased testosterone. They will try to assume dominance, which can often motivate aggressive behavior. Chows are typically aggressive with other Chows of the same sex, so when two male Chows encounter one another, a vicious fight is not unlikely. Even two female Chows can attack and fight. Never get between two Chows of the same sex at the dog park.

Female Chows are smaller, typically one inch shorter, and 5-10 pounds lighter. Females tend to stay focused, while males are known for being easily distracted. The females are definitely more affectionate towards their caretakers and easier to train. After giving birth or while in heat, of course, female Chows may display more aggressive behavior.

Reasons for Aggressive Behavior in Chows

What is the root cause of aggression in Chow Chows? Is it their breeding? Their temperaments? It boils down to three main reasons outlined below:

• Bred to Be Aggressive – Having been bred as guard dogs and hunting helpers, Chows are instinctively aggressive. You must understand, for example, that hunting dogs are praised for biting down hard on a bird or rabbit so the prey doesn’t escape. These hunted animals are often wounded and not killed outright at first. Because of this, hunting dogs are taught to bite down extra hard and to shake whatever it is they are biting. In violently shaking a rabbit, for example, the dog can break its neck or knock it unconscious and further subdue it, which is highly valued on a hunt. Unfortunately, when the dog, centuries later, bites on a stranger, a child, or your house cat, they are going to resort to their breeding and instincts – in other words, they aren’t going to nip or take a little chomp and run off. A Chow Chow will bite down as hard as possible and, as it has been trained over generations to do, shake what’s in its jaw violently side-to-side. This can be the difference between 10 stitches and 100 stitches.
• Dominant Nature – Dominance is a trait certain animals have to be on top of the pecking order. Animals that tend to travel in large groups, such as a school of fish, don’t have any sort of structure like a “queen bee,” if you will—there is no leader, no pecking order. However, Chow Chows are a breed that very much has a need to establish dominance. This means that Chow Chows of the same sex are, as stated above, likely to fight if they come across each other’s paths. Everyone wants to be the leader of the pack, and a Chow who isn’t the leader will regularly challenge the leader. This dominant tendency means Chows do not share space well with others. They disregard commands and prefer making their own independent decisions. Chows do not do well in highly-structured atmospheres because of their rebellious natures. It would be highly unlikely, for example, to see a Chow Chow working as a seeing-eye dog.
• When Hurting – Yes, any dog that is injured, giving birth, or sick is naturally going to be more likely to growl and bite. However, Chows become especially aggressive if they are having any kind of discomfort or pain. If you encounter a wounded Chow, perhaps hit by a car or with something stuck in its paw, hold yourself back from trying to aid or comfort the dog. Never swarm around a hurting Chow Chow—that is a recipe for disaster. Remember, this is not a social dog breed.

Lack of Sufficient Exercise and Activity

Many people don’t realize that dogs are nomadic and are used to jogging as far as 100 miles in one day to scrounge around for food. Dogs roam – this is just a universal truth. Therefore, one of the largest underlying causes of dog attacks is not receiving the proper amount of exercise and stimulation. Chow owners may find it challenging to walk their dogs because Chows can display aggression toward other dogs passing by and often overpower the owner if they so choose.

Unfortunately, it’s dogs like these that require exercise and stimulation the most. Just like people, Chows need exercise to improve their moods. Chow Chows should be in harnesses, not neck collars, on walks, and a muzzle is recommended if the owner lives in an urban area and needs to walk their Chow in close proximity to other people on narrow sidewalks.

Because Chow Chows are not jumpy, hyperactive dogs, many owners underestimate their need for exercise. However, Chow Chows should be exercised for one whole hour every single day. And letting your dog meander around the block is not sufficient—they require strenuous exercise like running or hiking up a steep incline with challenging terrain.

Chow Chows are not built for running, unfortunately (sheering may help), nor do they generally enjoy swimming. So you can see another thing contributing to these dogs attacking and showing aggression is the fact that exercising them properly is very tricky. Most dogs (somewhere around half) already don’t get sufficient exercise; when you combine that with a Chow Chow’s temperament and need for domination, it can be deadly.

Lack of a Proper Living Environment

Another key factor in the question of whether Chow Chows are dangerous or not is based on their living environment. A dog’s atmosphere significantly impacts whether or not their behavior is going to result in a vicious attack. A Chow Chow that does not get the proper amount of activity or has enough space is more likely to lash out. It’s unlikely that a Chow is going to jump out of a well-fenced yard, but they are known for being escape artists who can learn to open gates and have the motivation to dig under a fence. A Chow not receiving enough stimulation and just left to his or her own devices in the backyard will cause trouble.

Chow Chows Attacks Are Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance

The insurance industry has definitely answered the question as to whether Chows are dangerous with a “Yes.” According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurers paid over one billion dollars to dog bite victims in 2021. Dog bites are a prevailing concern for public health and for homeowners insurance policies. In that respect, the 12 most lethal breeds of dogs are blacklisted from coverage under homeowner’s policies:

• Chow Chows
• Akitas
• Siberian Huskies
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Staffordshire Terriers
• Presa Canarios
• German Shepherds
• Doberman Pinschers
• Wolf breeds
• Pitbulls
• Rottweilers
• Great Danes

How does a dog get banned from insurance coverage by homeowners? It’s pretty straightforward: bite frequency. Bite rates are determined based on crime reports and insurance claims.

Babies and Children Face the Greatest Risk of Chow Chow Attack

Imagine that during your sister’s break-up from her live-in boyfriend, she finds she’ll no longer be able to live in a place where she can keep her Chow Chow, Teddy. Out of the kindness of your heart, you decide, despite being pregnant, to take the dog in. Months pass, and the dog adjusts pleasantly to your home and gets along well with your children.

The time comes for you to bring your new baby home from the hospital, so, in your diligence, you keep the Chow in his kennel outside during that transition period. Just 12 days after your new bundle of joy arrives, you step away to use the bathroom for just a minute. In that time, the Chow jumps out of his kennel, runs into the house, and violently attacks the newborn, who is in a carrier on the ground. Neither your husband nor your son, who were sitting right there as the incident played out, could stop the Chow or prevent the tragic death. On top of that, both you and your husband get arrested for manslaughter.

Sadly, this very real nightmare did happen to 27-year-old Abigail Ellis in 2020 in England. Children are most likely to be killed by Chows—the younger the child, the more at risk they are. Furthermore, more than 50% of Chow attacks involve the caretaker’s family. Despite baby Elon being surrounded by family, 67% of children bitten by Chows were not with their parents during the attack. The bottom line is that it is crucial as a parent to safeguard your children as much as possible from unpredictable Chow Chows. Was Abigail Ellis responsible for her baby’s death simply by allowing a dangerous breed of dog into her home months before having a baby, despite the fact that she had the dog locked outside the house?

If You Get Attacked by a Chow Chow

As discussed above, a Chow’s bite can be devastatingly destructive and even deadly. If a Chow has decided to establish dominance over you, and they are extra antsy from being under-stimulated and under-exercised, that is not going to be a pretty situation. If you are ever bit or chased down by a Chow, try to remember the following crucial tips:

• A Chow’s vulnerable areas are going to be the same as a human’s. If you can hit or kick the dog in its eyes, nose, or groin, do so.
• Try to shield yourself with a book, purse, briefcase, or backpack. This can help a lot in minimizing the damage. Try to keep whatever you can between you and the Chow at all times—anything helps.
• Make yourself look as big and scary as possible. Open your umbrella in the Chow’s face. Flap your coat or arms. Growl loudly and narrow your eyes. Stomp the ground forcefully.
• Never turn your back on the Chow, especially if the dog is chasing after you, trying to catch you. If, when you encounter the Chow, you are both still, do not start running.
• If you stumble or fall, stand up immediately. Do not try to use your Jui Jitsu or wrestling skills on the dog. Avoid letting the dog get on top of your chest at all costs. This is literally the worst possible position to be in with a hostile, riled-up Chow. If you do end up on the ground at any point, cover your face and neck as best as possible.
• If there is anything nearby that you can throw at the Chow or use as a weapon, don’t hesitate to do it.

What To Do After a Chow Chow Bite

It is imperative to seek immediate medical care if bitten by a Chow. For less severe bites requiring fewer than five stitches, it’s recommended to visit urgent care. For bites that may require more than five stitches, head to the emergency room. Dog bites pose a risk of infection, and it’s essential to report them to the proper authorities for public safety. If you find yourself in a civil or criminal case against the dog’s owner, you’ll need comprehensive medical records as evidence.

In addition to seeking medical attention, report the bite to the police promptly. Dogs that have bitten someone typically undergo a mandatory quarantine period. This quarantine helps authorities determine if the dog was carrying any diseases and aims to prevent future attacks. Provide both the police and medical staff with as many details as possible about the incident. Even the smallest detail could expedite locating the dog and potentially prevent another attack.

Documenting Your Chow Chow Dog Bite Injuries

Statistics show that Chow Chow bite cases typically settle for about $50,000. Not all cases are typical, but clearly, this shows that these are not “nuisance” cases frivolously clogging up the court system. Dog bites cause extremely serious injuries that often leave jagged, permanent scars on visible parts of the body like the face and arms and require numerous reconstructive surgeries.

For example, Filipino-American actress Antoinette Taus, who was violently attacked by a Chow Chow in 2019, said that the dog tore up her arm so badly that she could see her tendon and a big chunk of bloody tissue was just hanging out. So before you dismiss the bite as nothing and decide it’s uncouth or petty to pursue a dog bite lawsuit, just remember that your lawsuit could help prevent a newborn’s death or end an actress’ career.

Lawsuits play a key role in policing society for breaches and negligence that can be just as lethal as felonies. We urge you to take your case seriously since you don’t know if you might still be in pain or require medical treatment a year from now (or longer). To best document your Chow Chow bite:

• Call 911 as soon as possible.
• Get a copy of the medical report at the ER.
• Ensure a police report is made and get a copy of it.
• Take photos and videos. You can ask witnesses to say what they saw as you record a video of them talking. Talk to people living in the attack area and see what they know.
• As soon as you can, start keeping a record of everything going on with the attack. In a journal or a notes app, document your version of what happened during the attack, how it made you feel, your pain and injuries, etc. Note phone calls to doctors, medications, nightmares, loss of wages, depression, or anything like that.
• Diligently follow your doctor’s orders to keep the wounds clean and properly cared for. A quarter of dog bites become infected, so do everything you can to prevent that. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions, or it can jeopardize your claim.
• Save all of your medical records, bills, receipts, related correspondence, and other evidence securely in a file or folder.

Call The New Jersey Bite Lawyer Today!

David J. Cowhey stands as a leading dog bite liability attorney in New Jersey, representing the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer firm. He is deeply dedicated to ensuring the most favorable outcome for your claim, striving for compensation that addresses all your losses and promotes optimal recovery. We stand by you, ready to assist. Don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at (866) 259-4377 for further details today.