Don’t be the last to hear about the extraordinary hybrid dog that’s been making a name in the dog world lately — the Australian Shepherd Chow mix!
Coming from two distinct origins, this seemingly new designer pooch maintains a predictable nature with well-known traits, such as being sweet, friendly, and lively, making them suitable as family dogs.
Getting to know the Australian Shepherd Chow mix would require thoroughly bonding with it. The rest will be learned through this article that guides you about its appearance, temperament, and everything beyond!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 17 – 23 inches |
| Weight: | 40 – 70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, cream, red, blue, cinnamon, merle |
| Temperament: | Dignified, intelligent, hardworking, high-spirited, independent |
| Suitable for: | Experienced owners; families with older children |
What Is an Australian Shepherd Chow Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Chow mix is developed through crossbreeding the Australian Shepherd with the Chow Chow. This mix exhibits a playful, cheerful disposition and an occasionally laid-back personality. It is usually a bit brawny and fuzzy all over.
Its appearance can take after more on either of its parents. Interestingly, it’s unknown why breeders created this new four-legged companion.
This is because its parents are significantly different in looks and temperament, yet surprisingly enough, the offspring turns out to be a perfect combination.
The bear-like appearance and dynamic personality of the Australian Shepherd Chow allure many people into its realm, making it make a name for itself.
Since this isn’t a purebred dog, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize it as an official breed. Yet, this dog can still participate in AKC events, such as rallies, agility, and obedience.
You can also have it registered in organizations established for mixed-breed canines. Among those are the Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (MBDCA) and the National Hybrid Registry (NHR).
Australian Shepherd Chow Mix Origin and History
The history of the Australian Shepherd Chow mix is a mystery, just like most other mixed-breed dogs out there.
However, looking at its parents’ individual histories can somehow explain the roots of the Australian Shepherd Chow mix.
Hailing from the United States, the Australian Shepherd became prominent in the 1840s, during the Gold Rush era. This dog is a descendant of the European herding dogs that lived in the Pyrenees mountains.
Hence, there are also claims that the Australian Shepherd might have originated from Spain, as this was initially called the Spanish Shepherd.
The Basque people brought their dogs to Australia, crossed them with Border Collies, and made their way to California.
They were then polished into becoming the Australian Shepherds we know today. Initially gaining popularity as ranch dogs, the Australian Shepherds became an official AKC breed in 1991.
Next up is China’s native dog, Chow Chow, which descended from the Tibetan Mastiffs. Though they’re deemed to be sporting dogs, Chow Chows used to be hunters and temple guardians.
Their popularity boomed through Queen Victoria, and a breed club was established in 1985 in England. Meanwhile, they first arrived in the United States in the 1800s and became a new AKC breed in 1903.
To know precisely the intent of creating the Australian Shepherd Chow mix is impossible.
Knowing how intensely eager to please the Australian Shepherd and how strong-willed the Chow Chow is, we can assume that breeders wanted to have a dog that has both traits that aren’t in the extremes.
Australian Shepherd Chow Mix Appearance
The appearance of the Australian Shepherd Chow mix is difficult to predict. With two different parent breeds, this hybrid dog can look more like its other parent or somewhere in between.
Commonly, this mix typically resembles an Australian Shepherd but with a heftier coat from the Chow Chow. This would then vary if the short-haired Australian Shepherd was used for crossbreeding.
This is noticeable around the face and the neck. It may come in color combinations, such as black or cream, like the Chow Chow, or red, such as the Australian Shepherd.
Its ears are short and upright, triangular, and set on the top sides of its head, similar to that of a bear. The eyes are dark and set deep, plus it matches the shade of their nose.
The body is streamlined as well. It exhibits a proportionate, nicely-postured physique that speaks confidence.
Get a glimpse of what the Australian Shepherd Chow mix looks like by watching the video below:
Australian Shepherd Chow Mix Size and Weight
The Australian Shepherd Chow mix is 40 to 70 pounds heavy. That’s normally the case unless the Australian Shepherd parent is affected by dwarfism or the miniature Chow Chow is used for breeding.
Once fully grown, it can reach an estimated height of around 17 to 23 inches. Males are genetically predisposed to be larger than females.
You can refer to the ideal height and weight of the Chow Chow and Australian Shepherd to have clearer expectations from this mix’s proportions.
It will take this dog quite longer to mature physically, so you can expect it to reach these measurements once it is 12 months of age.
On another note, don’t be fooled by how fluffy the coat is of the Australian Shepherd Chow mix.
It may appear more prominent and heavier than it does, but it’s not meant to become a large dog. If it exceeds its expected mass, it’s likely on the way to becoming obese.
Australian Shepherd Chow Mix Temperament and Personality
The Australian Shepherd Chow mix is ideal for experienced dog owners or families with older children. It is extremely loyal and has high tendencies to be protective.
What helps keep its overprotectiveness regulated is socialization. Exposure to different people and scents at an early age makes it less likely to react poorly to guests.
Since Australian Shepherds are mostly good with other dogs, this mix could have the same trait, but this still depends on how it’s raised.
All family members should be consistent and firm about the house rules and keep this canine from having the authority. It’s stubborn and independent, so it’s important not to give in to its demands.
This mix may crave less human attention than other dogs. Yet, it also dislikes being alone, just like the Australian Shepherd.
Having someone around can prevent your dog from developing separation anxiety, which can cause it to bark or howl uncontrollably, chew on furniture, or pee in inappropriate areas.
Australian Shepherd Chow Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
As a mixed-breed dog, the Australian Shepherd chow mix is granted a more robust health disposition, which enables it to live between 12 and 15 years.
When complemented with a healthy lifestyle, which includes giving this mixed dog high-quality food, getting it regularly vet-checked, and providing its needed exercise, it can surpass these marks.
However, doing all these only sometimes guarantees a long lifespan. This is because the Australian Shepherd Chow is still prone to various health problems. The usual medical issues they get are common to their parents.
Below lists what Australian Shepherd Chow mixes are at risk of developing at any certain age:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a joint problem that happens during growth. If the head of the femur and the socket in the pelvis grow at unequal rates, a loose joint occurs. This is then followed by degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.
- Allergies: Allergies happen when the immune system becomes hypersensitive to specific allergens, such as the protein found in plants, animals, food, and insects. If the Australian Shepherd Chow mix inherits this from either of its parents, it can develop itchiness on the skin or respiratory issues, such as sneezing, wheezing, or coughing.
- Epilepsy: Australian Shepherd Chow mixes can also suffer from epilepsy. This neurological disorder causes them to have uncontrollable bursts of electrical activity in their brain and seizures, which may last less than a minute or several minutes.
To ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy, you must get it from trusted breeders who do wellness screening tests on their dogs before they’re mated.
You also have to provide it with high-quality food, encourage the dog to be active, and raise it in a loving, nurturing environment. To aid you in any emergency vet bills, enrolling your dog in pet insurance helps.
How to Take Care of Your Chow Chow Australian Shepherd Mix
We have known enough concerning the Chow Chow Australian Shepherd mix’s profile. This time, we will discuss maintaining and caring for this hybrid dog.
Prepared and experienced dog owners who plan to bring this home should consider looking into more details regarding the Australian Shepherd Chow’s diet, grooming, training, and exercise.
It’s made it easy for you as below is a guide that covers all these:
Food and Diet
As with other dogs, your Australian Shepherd Chow mix needs high-quality food. It does well with commercial dog food, homemade, BARF, or vegetarian options, as long as they’re nutrient-packed food.
Some of the ingredients you have to watch out for when going for dog food in cans or bags are fillers, meat by-products, artificial coloring, and preservatives.
For homemade food, you can incorporate protein like boiled chicken, fruits, and vegetables into your dog’s diet, though this would require careful planning.
A pet nutritionist can help you craft a meal plan that ensures your dog won’t lack any vital nutrients.
Cleaning and Grooming
You’re in for longer grooming sessions once the shedding seasons arrive. It’s during spring and fall when the Australian Shepherd mix starts to let go of its old coats in exchange for a new one.
With the Chow Chow’s long, thick, and fluffy coat plus the Australian Shepherd’s medium, lush, wavy coat, the offspring is off to make a huge pile of fur mess; hence, it needs to be brushed weekly or every other day.
Bathing also helps remove loose and excess undercoats. Wash this mix only every 6 to 8 weeks.
Considering its heavy coat, you must ensure it gets dry after cleaning. This keeps it from developing pneumonia if you wash your pooch during a cold season.
Other grooming routines include trimming nails to maintain their proper posture and to keep them from cracking or splitting.
Keep the ears clean from any debris, too. Check for any signs of infection, such as colored discharges and odor.
Finally, brush its teeth twice daily, or three times a week, as this helps prevent oral diseases such as gingivitis.
Training and Exercise
Australian Shepherd Chow mixes are fairly intelligent dogs but aren’t quick to obey. Their parents are highly-independent dogs and have the instinct to decide things independently.
So, to prevent their stubborn streaks from manifesting, the Australian Shepherd mix should be trained early. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage its good behaviors to continue.
Use dog treats or crackers moderately when reinforcing good behavior. Regarding exercise, the Australian Shepherd mix can either be hyperactive like the Australian Shepherd or slightly sluggish like the Chow Chow.
Keep it moving for at least one hour daily to keep it in tip-top shape. A walk in the park can keep the Australian Shepherd Chow mix happy and physically healthy.
How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Chow Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Due to its rarity, there is not much information yet on the price range of an Australian Shepherd Chow mix.
However, basing it on the price of a Chow Chow and the Australian Shepherd, you can expect that this mix can cost you between $400 and $1,800.
It usually falls on the lower end of the price since this mixed breed is still gaining popularity. That is unless the offspring comes from one or two superior lineages.
On top of this one-time fee, there are also recurring costs you need to take note of in owning this fantastic hybrid dog.
Go through the table below, which shows the initial expenses of owning the Australian Shepherd Chow mix:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
The prices set in the table are mere estimates that give you a hint of what the expected cost may be. The amount you need to maintain an Australia varies depending on the prices in your area.
Places to Find Australian Shepherd Chow Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
The Australian Shepherd Chow mix is sure to steal the hearts of many, but this mixed breed is still uncommon. That said, finding a breeder can be hard work.
Yet, if you’re genuinely passionate about getting one for your family, below lists some of the reputable breeders where you can get your Australian Shepherd Chow mix:
- AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace is a trusted source of purebred puppies. You can check its list of legitimate Australian Shepherd and Chow Chow breeders and see if they have any Australian Shepherd Chow mixes available. With their high ethical breeding standards, you’re assured that the puppy you’re getting is healthy and well-socialized.
- Greenfield Puppies – This website promotes healthy puppies bred under ethical breeding conditions. They advertise a variety of mixed breeds, which may include the Australian Shepherd Chow mix. All of their puppies are dewormed, vaccinated, and vet-checked before you can ultimately bring them home.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is also a good source of healthy Australian Shepherd Chow puppies. The breeders are incentivized to encourage them to go above and beyond in producing healthy puppies by providing health guarantees and improving their breeding practices.
If you haven’t found your ideal Australian Shepherd Chow mix at this point, you can also try your hand at dog adoption.
Here are the best dog rescues where you can adopt an Australian Shepherd Chow mix:
- Aussie Rescue So Cal Inc. – Aussie Rescue So Cal Inc. works with several volunteers who help homeless dogs in Southern California find their forever homes. They also maintain a network with other shelters focusing on Australian Shepherds and Aussie mixes. Make an appointment and see if they have any available Australian Shepherd Chow mix for you to adopt.
- Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet has a search tool that allows you to encode your location and preferred dog to adopt, including their sex and age. With just a few clicks, hundreds of available dogs from different rescues are displayed on your screen. Each dog has a profile with basic details, including its backstory and personality.
- Chow Chow Rescue of Central New York – Chow Chow Rescue is a non-profit organization established in 2001. Volunteers in foster homes take care of their rescued dogs, which means they don’t have a physical facility that houses the Chow Chows. All dogs are up-to-date with vaccinations, heartworm tested, and spayed or neutered before adoption.
You may also drive around the neighborhood for free puppies or check out social networking sites for listings.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Chow Chow Australian Shepherd Mix
Chow Chow Australian Shepherd mixes have their advantages and disadvantages. Spend some time contemplating whether they’re the right fit for your family by weighing the pros and cons.
Here are the pros of owning the Australian Shepherd Chow mix:
- Protective: Australian Shepherd Chows are naturally wary of strangers. It takes time for them to warm up; hence they’re sensitive to social cues. Hence, they can serve as good watchdogs for your family.
- Distinct appearance: Australian Shepherd Chow mixes have unique appearances thanks to the diverse genes they inherit from their parent breeds. Some have merle coats, Chow Chow’s lion mane, and floppy ears.
- Loyal dogs: The Australian Shepherd Chow mix creates a strong bond with its owner. If you spend the most time with it, you’ll eventually become its favorite person.
Meanwhile, here are the cons of owning an Australian Shepherd Chow mix:
- High maintenance: The quality of their coat makes them longer to groom. They’re also prone to matting and tangling, which means they have to be brushed more often.
- Stubborn: Though Australian Shepherd Chows are undeniably brilliant, they tend to be notoriously stubborn. They like to obey no one but themselves when untrained.
- Limited Sourcing: Given the rarity of the breed, it is harder to look for one compared to other more popular mixes. However, you can review the suggested places for sale above to chance upon one.
Hopefully, this list has helped you determine if this hybrid dog suits you. This is a lifetime responsibility, so bringing home a new dog should be a serious commitment you’re willing to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian Shepherd Chow Mixes Good Dogs?
Australian Shepherd Chow mixes are naturally good dogs. Reinforcing them through proper training and socialization at an early age helps reaffirm their good behavior, making them friendlier.
They must also release their pent-up energy regularly to prevent them from showing destructive behaviors.
Do Australian Shepherd Chow Mixes Shed?
Australian Shepherd Chow mixes shed heavily all year round. This gets intense during spring when they must let go of their winter jackets in exchange for lighter ones.
It’s also the same when the fall season comes. Their summer coats must be let go and replaced by thicker fur.
Are Australian Shepherd Chow Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Australian Shepherd Chow mixes are not hypoallergenic dogs. They regularly shed their coats in massive amounts, which means more dander.
If they love to groom themselves, their saliva is spread onto the area as well. The salivated fur can cause reactions when it comes in contact with a hypersensitive family member.
Final Thoughts
The Chow Chow Australian Shepherd mix is the right dog for you if you’re heavily into its looks and can keep up with its grooming, diet, and lifestyle.
This is a lively dog that offers companionship. Still, it needs periods where it can be independent and have its own space.
Training this mix requires patience, but it’s worth it as it can be an intelligent, disciplined canine. Experience is an advantage in ensuring this pooch doesn’t take control of the household.
Do these qualities sound like the Australian Shepherd Chow mix is the best choice for your family? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
