The French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix – The Ultimate Simplified Guide

French  Chows are affectionate and kind members of a home as well as good companions, despite their ferocious defense of territory or loved ones.

They’re usually not extremely excitable or destructive, and they perform well in flats. They, like any other dog, require regular exercise but not as much as other active breeds, early instruction, and positive reinforcement. 

The combination is perfect as a lovely family friend. Physical characteristics of both breeds may clearly be seen, resulting in a snub-nosed dog with luscious hair, a petite stature, and a pleasant demeanor.

If you socialize the Frenchie Chow mix as a puppy, they will be pleasant with people. They won’t be as protective as a Chow, but she’ll be a bit more distrustful than a French Bulldog. Individuals with hybrids will have more severe temperaments than those with an equal blend.

Here is a quick overview of the French Chow Chow:

Other Names	The French Chow Chow – French Bulldog Chow
Weight	30 – 50 Pounds
Height	10 – 14 inches
Lifespan	8 – 12 years
Colors	Black –  brindle – fawn – red – cream – white with black or red patches.
Health	3/10
Grooming Needs	7/10
Exercise Needs	4/10
Shedding	7/10
Kid Friendliness	7/10
Pet-friendliness	5/10
Protectiveness	8/10
Good for apartments	Yes
Average puppy cost	900 – 1000 USD

French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix Characteristics 

Size: 10 – 14 inches 

Weight: 30 – 50 Pounds 

Colors: Black –  brindle – fawn – red – cream – white with black or red patches.

Coat Type: a thick undercoat with a somewhat short outer coat

Small, compact dogs with a short tail that the dog may carry high are the most common French Chow Dogs. Some have bobtails, while others have tails with a little curl. They get this from their French Bulldog side, and you can learn everything about French Bulldogs tails and their types here.

Expect a dog that is 14 inches tall and weighs 30 to 50 pounds.

The hybrid will have a huge, square head and a short, not quite as wide snout as a purebred French Bulldog. The majority of French Chow Dogs have bat ears and straight hocks.

Your puppy’s ears might not stand up until he or she has done teething. There are some things you can do to help, check here how to make your Frenchie’s ears stand up.

The tongues of several chow mixes are blue or have black spots.

French Chow Dogs come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, fawn, red, and cream. White with black or red patches is an unusual hybrid.

Parent Breeds

The Chow Chow Breed

The Chow Chow is a canine with a striking appearance. They have a thick mane of hair that distinguishes them from other, more common dogs. They have a reputation for being aggressive, yet a well-bred and reared Chow is not aggressive.

He is noted for being stately and aloof, as well as possessing nobility. He is renowned for being a devoted, sturdy, and quiet type. Because of his strength, he reacts well to positive reinforcement and does not respond well to harsh treatment. It is critical that you properly socialize them. 

A protective and territorial breed that will provide a clear warning to anybody approaching without his owner’s permission.

Their blue-black tongue and straight back legs give them a stiff, choppy, or stilted stride. He won’t be a terrific runner with these tight legs, so a good long stroll is the best way to keep him in shape.

Chow Chow is believed to have originated in Siberia or Mongolia’s high steppe areas. In China, Mongolia, and Tibet, they were later utilized as temple guardians. Chow Chows were developed to be all-around working dogs that could be used for herding, hunting, pulling, and guarding.

The French Bulldog Breed

French Bulldogs originated in Nottingham, England as small or toy bulldogs.

Bulldogs were front and center in the blood sport of taking bulls by the nose. Although it may have started as a practical method of controlling livestock, public outcry certainly attracted attention to the cruelty to both bulls and dogs.

Bulldogs acquired a low-to-the-ground physique, large broad jaws, and shorter muzzles. These dogs were also strong, fast, and athletic. They quickly found a new audience; workers and small business owners in Paris.

As Brits moved across the channel to find better jobs in France, they took their new small bulldogs with them, and the dogs became very popular there. They were small, elegant, and still quite protective and could do what the larger dogs could do.

They also became the new favorite dogs with “ladies of the night” who felt much safer with these small dogs around.

Bulldogs lost part of their athleticism as they were bred for marketable characteristics such as shorter legs, a wide-based posture, a hefty physique, and a large flat face.

Temperament 

French Chow chows aren’t known for being extroverted or sociable canines. They are wary of strangers and might be violent towards other dogs. This is in keeping with their background as home and livestock protection dogs. 

Socialization with other dogs, pets, and people begins at a young age is crucial to make them friendly with people and dogs. If their alarm barking is not managed, they can become nuisance barkers.

They get along nicely with other pets as long as they’ve been properly socialized. They’ll be more ready to learn if training depends on positive reinforcement.

They are bright dogs, but they can be difficult to teach due to their independence and stubbornness. They need a tough, patient trainer with a lot of imagination to achieve well in contests. They are protective of their owners and must be trained to moderate this behavior.

Health and lifespan 

The Chow Chow crossed with the French Bulldog dog breed has an average lifetime of 8 to 12 years and may be prone to health issues such as:

Hemivertebrae

Hemivertebrae is a congenital condition in dogs in which one of the vertebrae is wedged and undeveloped.

This irregularity in the vertebrae can create a compressed spinal cord in the dog, resulting in excruciating agony. In severe circumstances, the dog may be unable to walk at all.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

The French Chow Chow shape makes him susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, sometimes known as a slipped disc.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a progressive, age-related degenerative condition that damages the dog’s spinal cord over time. The shock-absorbing discs between your dog’s vertebrae eventually harden until they can no longer cushion the vertebrae normally, resulting in IVDD.

This issue comes from their Frenchie side, and it usually shows up with the French Bulldog limping at first before progressing as the dog starts to find even the easiest movements hard, but thankfully, it is treatable and manageable.

Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia affects 19% and 30% of Chow Chows and French Bulldogs, respectively.

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a disorder that develops in dogs as they mature, resulting in hip joint instability or laxity. Hip joint laxity is linked to clinical symptoms such as hip discomfort, limb dysfunction, and progressive joint alterations.

Torsion of the stomach

Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) syndrome, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists. It is more common in deep-chested breeds.

Elongated soft palate

Elongated soft palate is a congenital genetic condition that causes breathing and feeding problems in dogs and cats. When the soft palate extends over the top of the epiglottis and/or the center of the tonsillar crypts, it is called elongated.

Stenotic flares

The following are some of the signs that dogs with stenotic nares will exhibit: Breathing that is noisy, especially during inhalation. Intolerance to exercise. Cyanosis is a condition in which the gums turn blue owing to a lack of oxygen.

Distichiasis

In dogs, distichiasis, or the appearance of additional eyelashes, is a disorder in which hairs develop in an odd location on the eyelid. Hairs usually emerge from the meibomian glands on the lid of the eyelid.

persistent pupillary membrane (PPM), and cataracts

Dwarfism, or achondroplasia, is a condition in which the legs are shorter than the back. It is linked to spinal instability and vertebral degeneration.

Problems with the eyes

Inward rolling of the eyelids

Entropion is a condition in which one of the eyelids slides inward. As a result of this inward rolling, the hair on the surface of the eyelid rubs against the cornea, causing discomfort, corneal ulcers, perforations, or pigmentation that can obstruct vision.

Juvenile cataracts

Cataracts are opacities in the lens or the capsule that surrounds it. Juvenile cataracts are what they’re called. It’s not always a genetic factor if your puppy gets cataracts after birth, although certain breeds are prone.

Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma occurs when the intraocular pressure rises as a result of an eye illness or damage. In dogs, this is the most prevalent cause of glaucoma.

A luxating patella 

When the dog patella (kneecap), which typically lies in the groove of the femur (thighbone), slips out of alignment, it is known as luxating patella. Your dog may feel intermittent hind limb “skipping,” lameness, or a locking up of the leg at an abnormal angle if the patella luxates.

Cystinuria

The presence of cystine stones in the kidney, bladder, or ureter in dogs indicates cystinuria. The failure of the kidneys to reabsorb amino acids results in the production of cystine crystals and occasionally stones in the urine, which can cause urethral obstruction.

Urinary stones occur in about 4% of both the French Bulldog and the Chow Chow. 

Brachycephalic Syndrome 

They are a brachycephalic breed with a snout that is truncated.

A brachycephalic syndrome is a group of upper airway anomalies that cause a dog’s breathing to be partially obstructed. Several diseases are usually present at the same time in this illness.

Nutritional Needs 

A combination like this, which is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, should start taking fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin supplements as soon as feasible.

Raw Food Diet is a fantastic diet to check into. A raw food diet will be especially beneficial to those with Wolf ancestry.

Overfeeding any dog is not a smart idea since it can aggravate health issues such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

With nutrition being an important element of growth. Regardless of the conditions, the following factors should be addressed when preparing a French Chow:

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Visiting the veterinarian on a regular basis.
• Short walks are good for moderate yet everyday activity.

Grooming Needs & Shedding

French Chows have exceptionally dense double coats. Their hair is significantly shorter than that of a rough-coated dog, and they lack the ruff around the neck and tail feathering.

They shed a lot, especially throughout the changing seasons, and you must brush them for hours many times a week.

Your French Chow dog will most likely have short but thick hair that will require brushing to keep the undercoat from becoming unruly. Brushing on a regular basis may help reduce the presence of loose hairs, providing the illusion of less shedding.

Some owners may scissor trim cowlicks and stray tufts to level out the coat and round the hair around the ears.

Exercise Needs 

With their obvious small muzzles and brachycephalic characteristics; French chow chows should not be overly active at any given moment. 

A half-hour of exercise to 40 minutes maximum is usually more than enough for a French chow, with light strolling, some running, and some playing being the length of his travels.

Heat and cold are tolerated well by neither French Bulldogs nor chow chows, and they are especially susceptible to the consequences of heatstroke.

To teach your French Chow chow, you will need to devote a significant amount of time. You may spend the time you save on obedience and social skills development instead of exercise as this mixed breed takes after their parents in stubbornness and being obstinate.

One thing to watch out for is stairs, as stairs can be quite dangerous for French Chows Chows and you will need to train them on how to use them in a way that they don’t injure themselves doing it. You can learn how to train your Frenchies to use the stairs here.

Training 

Chows and Frenchies are both difficult to train which contributes to this mix to be a bit uneasy to teach some obedience. 

French Chow Chows are independent dogs that must be respected if they are to listen or collaborate with you and don’t really give into orders yet can do well with positive reinforcement.

French Chow Chows take a lot of repetitions for every instruction, even if they have a dominant owner, their stubbornness might contribute to them being a bit obstinate and rebellious.

French Chow Chows are one of the few mixed breeds that don’t need much activity. Half an hour to 40 minutes of daily walking is sufficient for them as they are not that much of an active breed with lots of energy. 

Their brachycephalic characteristics coming from their french bulldog side and conformation also prevent them from becoming highly athletic as they tend to run out of breath easily.

As Family Dogs 

The Chow Chow is loyal and devoted to their family and friends, yet they are wary of outsiders. They are very guarded and typically stick to one or two people. They’re bright, but they’re also obstinate, which may make training with them difficult. 

They respect their family and loved ones and regard those who look after them. They can be hostile against other dogs of the same sex.

They’re noted for being exceptionally tidy, and many people have compared them to cats in this regard. They have a sophisticated and aristocratic appearance. They are normally fairly calm canines that are also quite adaptive.

They are good children’s dogs since they like playing with them. If they are monitored by an adult, that will be ideal.

They enjoy laying down and relaxing more than playing games and chasing balls, but they do not require much exercise by nature.

Although they adapt well to apartment life, they do not enjoy being alone for lengthy periods of time. They won’t be able to stand both extreme hot and cold temperatures especially hot, thus air conditioning will be preferable.

As Guard Dogs 

Chow Chows are incredibly protective and make excellent guard dogs, but French Bulldogs are not good guard dogs but can be terrific watchdogs. As a result, envision a hybrid of these breeds’ traits.

While the French Chow Chow can be territorial and bark to tell you that someone is at the door, they are not unduly violent. They are devoted to a single family member and form strong bonds with them.

They’re usually accepting of other pets and strangers if they’ve been reared and socialized with them. If not, if another animal or stranger approaches, the owner should be careful. They have strong personalities and demand an owner that is firm and consistent in his or her approach to training and socializing.

Where to find Frenchie Chows?  

You may find and get a french chow chow anywhere from Puppy Mills, Backyard Breeders to reputable breeders like the American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace; but I always recommend checking multiple local shelters first.

Local shelters are brimming with dogs of various kinds, so check all of the shelters in your region before looking for breeders, as shelter pets are in desperate need of a loving home.

Aside from that, you may hunt for trustworthy breeders who have this mixed breed; keep in mind, however, that pups should always come with a health guarantee from the breeder. If they refuse, look for another breeder and disregard that breeder. A competent breeder will also be open and honest about the breed’s health problems and how often they occur.

All About the  French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix in a nutshell 

The French Bulldog Chow Chow mix is a medium-sized hybrid of a french bulldog and a chow chow; this mixed breed is prone to a lot of health issues, has a laid-back yet a bit stubborn personality, and isn’t too active or in need of lots of exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the  French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix A Good Family Dog? 

The French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix is a good Family Dog, they are often attached to one person yet loving towards all whom they are familiar with; French chow chows have a protective personality, making them good guard dogs and also good with kids and other pets if familiar with.

Is the French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix easy to train? 

The French Bulldog Chow Chow mix is an intelligent dog yet can be stubborn and obstinate, They are autonomous canines that must be respected if they are to listen or work with you, and while they don’t always follow directions, they may be trained to do so with positive reinforcement.

Is the  French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix good with kids? 

The French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix is good with kids, but It will be best if they are supervised by an adult. They hold their family and loved ones in high regard, as well as those who care for them. The Chow Chow is dedicated to his or her family and friends, yet they are suspicious of strangers.

How much is the French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix? 

The French Bulldog Chow Chow mix costs around 900 – 1000 US Dollars; this breed comes with a bit high price tag, yet an amazing personality and characteristics; french chows are the perfect combination of a loving, sociable, laid back, and protective dog.

Is the  French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix smart? 

The French Bulldog Chow Chow Mix is a smart hybrid that possesses intelligence yet with a bit of resistance and stubbornnes. They are easy to train when they are dealt with positive reinforcement, not orders. This breed also demands respect and cooperation from their pet parents. 

Helpful Resources 

The French Bulldog – AKC

French Bulldog History and Characteristics

Can French Bulldogs Mate with Other Dogs?

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