How Much Does a Chow Chow Cost? (2024 Updated)

If you’re contemplating whether to get a Chow Chow or not, your mind is likely flooded with two questions: “How much does a Chow Chow cost?” and “What are the expenses associated with owning a Chow Chow?”

After all, it is not every day that you decide to bring a dog into your home. It is a big decision — and plenty of people are confused about how much money goes into owning a dog in general, let alone one as unique as a Chow Chow.

Luckily, this Chow Chow price guide is here to answer all of your questions. You will also find a breakdown of what it costs to own a Chow puppy so you can be sure you are ready to make this commitment. Let’s get started!

How Much Does a Chow Chow Puppy Cost?

Generally, Chow Chows cost between $700 and $8,000. This wide price range is due to the fact that there are two kinds of Chow Chow puppies: show-quality and pet-quality. Naturally, show dogs will cost more than pet-quality ones since they descend from champion lines.

To be specific, though, show-quality Chow Chows are more expensive because they have been bred for their appearance, meaning their physical features are more uniform and handsomely shaped, having the primary features of the breed, such as their signature blue tongues.

Most of the time, buying these canines from reputable breeders will cost you $3,000 to $8,000. This price is inclusive of everything from registration fees and microchipping to shots and spaying/neutering costs.

On the other hand, non-show Chow Chows may be less expensive since they have been bred for various reasons, including companionship. A reputable breeder may charge between $700 and $2,500 for one of these dogs.

Note, however, that although they also come with American Kennel Club (AKC) papers, they are not selectively bred to have the features that are well-prized in dog shows.

The following table summarizes Chow Chow puppy prices:

Additionally, Chow Chow prices may also be affected by their gender, age, color, and location.

Even if the Chow Chow price ranges given above may seem like a lot, it is vital to remember that you are getting a dog guaranteed to be sound and well-bred.

This is far better than purchasing from puppy mills or backyard breeders, who advertise their canines as rare show dogs just to charge absurd prices.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Chow Chow From a Shelter?

Other than buying a Chow Chow from professional dog breeders and spending thousands of dollars, you can find an adult dog or even a healthy Chow pup at animal shelters for about $150 to $600.

Having volunteered in many rescue organizations, I have personally experienced how these groups provide spay or neuter services, microchip implants, heartworm testing, and other preventative measures that are incorporated into the adoption fee.

On top of this, I have also participated in rehabilitation activities and potty training for adult Chow Chows and even their mixes being accepted in shelters. Usually, they are also rehomed with training instructions that make their acquisition easier for their new adoptive parents.

All in all, adopting a Chow Chow is a rewarding experience. By saving an animal’s life and providing it with a loving home, you receive unconditional love in return for years to come.

First-Time Expenses of Chow Chow Ownership

Before you take the plunge into Chow Chow ownership, you will want to know what kind of first-time expenses are in store for you and your family. Doing so can help ensure that you are prepared and can budget accordingly.

The following is a list of initial expenses you may encounter when owning a Chow Chow pup:

• Dog Food and Treats: Two of the most common expenses associated with owning a dog are dog food and treats. Expect to pay around $70 to $110 for the first few batches of these essentials, depending on your brand choice.
• Bowls: Of course, bowls are an important part of owning a Chow Chow. You will need at least one bowl for food and one for water, but more is always better. Set aside $10 to $30 for a durable stainless steel or ceramic bowl.
• Toys: As an independent-minded dog breed, it is only natural that Chow Chows will need a lot of toys to keep them occupied. They will also chew on anything they can get their teeth on — including your furniture. To fix such issues, prepare to spend $30 to $60 on high-quality toys.
• Beds: Similar to other dogs, Chow Chow puppies need a bed for sleep and relaxation. The best option is to buy a large one that will last for many years. The average price of a bed ranges from $40 to $200 depending on its size, quality, and brand.
• Collars and Leashes: Since leash training is important for Chow Chows, you will need to purchase a high-quality set of collars and leashes for your new puppy. You can find these at any pet store or online, which can cost anywhere between $15 and $50.
• Crates and Carriers: Another important thing to remember is that Chow Chows need crates and carriers when traveling. They also require crate training, so make sure you have time for that during the first few months of your puppy’s life. Crates and carriers for your Chow Chow cost about $50 to $370.
• Grooming Essentials: Like other fluffy dog breeds, the Chow Chow requires regular grooming at home. To perform this, you will have to spend approximately $50 to $160 on grooming essentials, including scissors, nail clippers, a comb, a stiff-bristled brush, shampoo, and conditioner.
• Initial Vet Visits: If you are a new Chow parent, the first thing you should do is bring your pet to the vet. You need to get it checked out to make sure it is healthy and ready for its new home. Vet visits can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on where you live.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: While most puppies have the initial vaccine shots at about eight weeks of age, a few Chow Chows sometimes need to wait until they are older to receive their first round of vaccines. Bear in mind that the average cost of these injections ranges between $50 and $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: As with any other dog, Chow Chows must be given regular deworming, heartworm prevention medication, and flea and tick treatments. Otherwise, they may develop serious health problems. Such prescriptions will run you between $40 and $300.
• Neutering or Spaying: If you want to save your Chow Chow puppy from unwanted pregnancies and health concerns, you will need to spay or neuter your dog. This procedure can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, which will depend on your location and your chosen veterinarian.
• Microchipping: Given that medical and emergency databases are now accessible by scanning a pet’s microchip, it is imperative that you get your Chow Chow microchipped. The price of this procedure varies between $40 and $60 and can be performed at any vet’s clinic or animal shelter.
• Dog License: For $10 to $20, you can register your Chow Chow puppy with the county. This is necessary in order to ensure that your dog gets all the legal rights it deserves as a member of your family. In other words, if you do not license your pet, it may be taken away from you by animal control.
• Other Essentials: You should be aware that there are other necessary items that need to be purchased when you get your Chow Chow. These items include poop bags, wet wipes, potty pads, poop scoopers, and many other pet accessories. Prepare a budget of about $20 to $50 for such essentials. 

It is important to note that these are just mere estimates. The actual costs may vary depending on the age, gender, and health condition of your Chow Chow. Your lifestyle will have an impact on these calculations as well.

This table summarizes all the initial expenses associated with Chow Chow ownership:

As you can see, the Chow Chow price is just the beginning of what it will cost for this breed to be a part of your life. Fortunately, these initial expenses are not all recurring — you will only have to buy most of these once.

Annual Cost of Owning a Chow Chow

Apart from one-time purchases, Chow Chow fur parents will also have to spend money on their four-legged friend’s annual upkeep and maintenance. It is no wonder, as this breed requires a lot of care and grooming.

In fact, from first-year medical expenses to yearly dog food costs and supplies, the annual price of owning a Chow Chow can be quite high. This means that you will have to budget for your new pet’s needs every year.

Here is a summary of the annual expenses required to care for a Chow Chow:

Keep in mind, however, that this annual cost range is based on averages and may not reflect your situation. Regardless, this should give you an idea of what you can expect when it comes to yearly expenses for this breed.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

In addition to the Chow Chow price, initial costs, and annual expenses, there are other expenditures to consider when you are looking at getting a Chow Chow. After all, it is important to be financially prepared at all times.

The following is a list of other potential expenses that may be associated with owning Chow Chows:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Chow Chows are prone to all sorts of health issues, from elbow and hip dysplasia to bloat and diabetes. If you want to be sure that your large dog is covered in case of emergency, then you should set aside $1,000 to $5,000 for unforeseen vet expenses.
• Dog Walking Services: For anyone who doesn’t have the time or the energy to walk their Chow Chow, availing of pet walking services is an option. A good dog walker should charge you between $20 and $30 per hour.
• Prescription Food: Due to their tendency to develop hypothyroidism and pancreatitis, Chow Chows require a special diet. If your pet is diagnosed with either of these conditions, it should be fed prescription food, which may cost around $200 to $350.
• Professional Training Classes: While training is sometimes included in a Chow Chow puppy’s price, keep in mind that it is only temporary. If you wish to continue these classes, you will have to pay for them on your own, costing around $200 to $600.
• Dental Services: As the only dog breed with a total of 44 teeth, Chow Chows are the pooches that need dental services most often. Prepare to spend $170 to $350 per dental visit.
• Dog Boarding Services: In any case that you need to be away from home for long periods and cannot take your Chow Chow with you, you may need to board it at a kennel or dog boarding service. The average cost for boarding a pup is about $25 to $50 per night.
• Grooming Costs: Most dogs have grooming requirements, and Chow Chows are no exception. Brushing their coat will help keep it soft and shiny, but you will also need to pay for nail trimming as needed. If you want to keep your pet well-groomed, prepare to spend $100 to $120 per month.

Watch this clip to see how professional grooming can transform a Chow Chow:

In a nutshell, do not consider only the initial cost of your Chow Chow puppy. Remember that you will be responsible for feeding it, training it, and taking care of its medical needs throughout its life.

Best Places to Find Chow Chow Puppies for Sale and Adoption

For aspiring dog owners, the task of finding a reputable Chow Chow breeder can be daunting. In many cases, you may find yourself looking at websites that are not only unprofessional but also downright scammy.

What’s more, puppy mills and backyard breeders are still very much in business, so it is important to know what to look for when you are searching for Chow Chow puppies for sale.

To help you get started, here are some of the best places where you can buy Chow Chow puppies:

• American Kennel Club Marketplace – The American Kennel Club maintains a marketplace for Chow Chow breeders who are members of the organization. If you are in the market for a healthy dog, this site should be able to help you find a breeder who has your best interests at heart.
• The Chow Chow Club, Inc. (TCCC)’s Breed Directory – Connected with the AKC and other major kennel clubs, the TCCC is a vital resource for anyone who wants to buy Chow Chow puppies. This organization offers a directory containing breeders from all over the country, so it is easy to find one near you.
• FlamingStar Chow Chows (FCC) – With the FCC’s AKC Silver Breeder of Merit award, you know that this breeder is committed to producing high-quality Chow Chow puppies. It has an impressive list of titles and achievements under its belt, including Best in Show awards at the AKC National Owner‐Handled Series (NOHS).

On the other hand, if you’re willing to adopt rescued adult and senior dogs, you can always check out your local shelters and rescues. Doing so will allow you to save a Chow Chow while also getting a great addition to your family.

Below is a list of places where you may be able to locate Chow Chows for adoption:

• Chow Chow Rescue of Central New York (CCRCNY) – Chow Chow Rescue of Central New York has been helping Chow Chows find loving homes since 2001. For an adoption fee of only $500, these canines will come with a lifetime warranty that includes free spaying/neutering, microchipping, and an initial health exam at the vet’s office.
• Houston Chow Chow Connection (HCCC) – Established in 2013, Houston Chow Chow Connection is a non-profit rescue organization dedicated to saving pups from high-kill shelters and also from owner surrenders. Their adoptable Chow Chows cost roughly $300 to $450.
• Chow Chow Rescue Society – Since its inception in 2016, Chow Chow Rescue Society has been working tirelessly to find homes for Chow Chows in need. They have a strict adoption process, including an interview with the applicant, an approved home visit, and a fee of $350 to $450 for each dog.

If none of the sites and organizations above were able to provide you with what you were looking for, try to ask your family, relatives, friends, and, most importantly, local vets. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

Simply put, ask around. The more people who know about your search for an ideal puppy or adult pooch companion, the better chances there are of finding one through word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals.

Money-Saving Tips for Chow Chow Owners

Basically, buying a Chow Chow is not an inexpensive venture. Moreover, whether it was purchased or adopted, potential pet owners should be prepared to spend a lot of money on the dog’s health care and upkeep.

For this reason, it is only necessary to search for ways to keep costs low while still providing your furry companion with everything they need.

For your convenience, the following is a list of money-saving tips for an aspiring Chow Chow owner:

• Invest in pet insurance. Since Chow Chows are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, joint pain, and other health issues, it is critical to be prepared for the cost of vet care. You will want to invest in pet insurance as soon as possible to help cover any unexpected expenses that could arise from your puppy’s health.
• Groom your Chow Chow at home. Given that both the soft-coated and rough-coated Chow Chows require frequent grooming, it is important that you learn how to do this yourself. This will save you from having to hire professional groomers and prevent you from paying too much money.
• Be on the lookout for bargains at pet stores. Before your Chow Chow puppy arrives, check out the pet store in your area to see if they are having a sale. You may be able to get some excellent deals on food, dog beds, and toys that will help you save some cash.
• Train your Chow Chow puppy yourself. Instead of investing in private lessons, you can save money by training your Chow Chow on your own. Teach your dog to obey commands and follow tricks at a very young age, so it will grow up accustomed to learning new things.
• Schedule regular health exams for your Chow Chow. The fact that the Chow Chow’s lifespan is relatively short means that it is important to catch any health problems early on. As with other dog breeds, ensure your Chow Chow is up to date on all vaccines, flea prevention medication, and wellness checks. This will save you money in the long run.

Overall, these tips are just a few of the many ways that will help you save money on your Chow Chow’s care. With proper research and planning, you can ensure that your pooch lives a long and healthy life without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

As with other big dogs like the Siberian Husky, Labrador Retriever, and Bernese Mountain Dog, the Chow Chow dog breed is more expensive than many other options. No surprise here, considering their unique qualities.

Further, the cost of maintaining Chow Chows can add up quickly; from how much food they eat to the amount of grooming they require, owning one of these purebred dogs can be hefty.

That said, if you’re considering adding a Chow Chow to your family, be prepared for a big-time commitment. Not only does it require time and money, but also tons of patience.

At the end of the day, though, if you can give it the care and attention it deserves, you’ll find yourself with a lifelong companion.

So, now that you know a lot about the topic of Chow Chow cost and expenses, let us know in the comments if you’re bringing one home!