Chow Chow Health Problems: What Every Owner Should Know

Chow Chow health problems deserve attention from the first months at home because this ancient Chinese breed carries some of the highest documented orthopaedic and ocular risks in veterinary registry data. OFA elbow screening ranks Chow Chows first among all evaluated breeds, with a 53% abnormal rate across 1,768 evaluations — and a Swedish cohort reported 65.2% prevalence in 448 dogs. Hip dysplasia affects roughly one in five tested individuals, while ACVO data links entropion to heavy facial skin folds in around 26% of examined dogs and persistent pupillary membranes in roughly one in three. Alopecia X commonly appears between three and six years. None of these conditions affect every Chow, yet they outline the organ systems deserving consistent monitoring across Chow Chow lifespan. Chow Chow common diseases referenced below inform this DVM-reviewed BreedRisk overview.

Most Common Health Conditions in Chow Chows

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a developmental condition where the three bones forming the elbow joint do not fit together correctly, causing cartilage damage and progressive arthritis. OFA registry data shows a 53% abnormal rate in Chow Chows based on 1,768 evaluations — the highest rank among all breeds screened. Engdahl et al. (2026) reported 65.2% prevalence in 448 Swedish Chow Chows. Front-leg lameness, stiffness after rest, and reluctance to exercise often appear before 12 months of age. Early radiographic evaluation and weight management during growth are central to long-term comfort.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, causing looseness, cartilage wear, and secondary arthritis over time. OFA hip screening of 6,448 Chow Chows reports a 22% abnormal rate, with clinical concern most often between one and four years of age. Signs include stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and a swaying or bunny-hopping gait. OFA certification radiographs at 24 months support breeding decisions and early management planning.

Entropion

Entropion occurs when the eyelid margin rolls inward, causing eyelashes and facial hair to rub against the cornea. ACVO Blue Book data reports 26.2% prevalence in Chow Chows based on 1,517 examinations (1993–2019), with 14.4% in the recent sample (2020–2024). The conformational defect is linked to the weight of skin covering the head and face. Excessive tearing, squinting, and corneal cloudiness may appear from puppyhood through two years of age and warrant prompt ophthalmic assessment.

Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Persistent pupillary membranes are remnants of fetal blood vessels in the eye that normally disappear shortly after birth. ACVO registry data reports 34.1% prevalence in Chow Chows from historical examinations, with 26.1% in the recent sample (2020–2024). Most cases are mild, but severe strands can cause small opacities on the lens or cornea. Puppy eye checks in the first year help distinguish harmless remnants from vision-affecting disease.

Alopecia X

Alopecia X is a hormonal condition causing progressive, symmetrical hair loss on the neck, trunk, and tail, often with gradual skin darkening. Chow Chows are among the breeds most commonly affected according to case series literature. The condition is non-itchy and not painful, with clinical onset typically between three and six years of age. The earliest sign is often failure to regrow coat after clipping or seasonal shedding, rather than scratching or inflammation.

Health Risks by Age for Chow Chows

Based on OFA orthopaedic screening, ACVO registry data, and peer-reviewed studies cited on this page.

Symptoms to Watch For

Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice any of the following signs in your Chow Chow.

• Front-leg lameness, stiffness after rest, or reluctance to run during puppyhood — may indicate elbow dysplasia.
• Stiffness after exercise, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or a swaying gait in young adults — may indicate hip dysplasia.
• Excessive tearing, squinting, rubbing at the eyes, or visible inward-rolling eyelids — may indicate entropion.
• Visible strands across the pupil or small cloudy spots on the lens in puppies — may indicate persistent pupillary membranes.
• Symmetrical hair loss on the trunk or tail with skin darkening, without itching, between three and six years — may indicate alopecia X.
• Failure to regrow coat after clipping or seasonal shed — an early sign of alopecia X in predisposed breeds.

Chow Chow Breed Profile

• Breed group: Non-Sporting
• Life span: 8 – 12 years
• Weight: 20 – 32 kg (44 – 70 lbs)
• Height: 43 – 51 cm (17 – 20 in)
• Temperament: Independent, Loyal, Quiet, Aloof, Dignified
• Bred for: Hunting, guarding, and hauling
• Origin: China

Frequently Asked Questions