Sadly, it is a well known fact that Chow Chows are incredibly INBRED. Breeders blaming a sparse gene pool to begin with when the breed made it’s appearance here in the UK in the 1800’s, however, that could be said of humans too. The only difference being that dogs have “evolved” at a greater rate and only with Man’s interference.

In the last 400 years alone, “dogs” have evolved far too quickly. Much faster than nature intended.

Chows appear to be mainly “line bred”, which is a way breeders of every breed tend to cover up INBREEDING.

In this day and age there really is just NO NEED FOR IT. 

Pairing’s like Grand father to Grand daughter or Grand Mother to Grand son are considered normal in MANY dog breeding circles, but NOT here with US!

Inbreeding or line breeding, whichever way you want to look at it, has COMPOUNDED A LOT OF HEALTH ISSUES OVER THE YEARS. 

It was good to see the Chow Chow Breed Council adding EPI and BLOAT to their mission statements in 2009. 

Only 2 conditions, but it’s a start.

There have been over 36 reported conditions over the years to various bodies, and that is 36 far too many.

EPI is a DEFINITE genetic condition which really needs investigating within the chow chow breed. Let’s hope something is done.

There was a time, there was A LOT of information listed here on various conditions but no more. Too many bad breeders out there that are STILL DENYING they even exist and STILL COMPOUNDING the problems through IN/LINE BREEDING

Therefore, IF you have a health issue with your chow chow, then I suggest you get in touch with the Breed Council’s Health Coordinator - Mrs Pauline Lock.

Mrs Lock is an extremely nice lady and please do not go blaming her for any conditions you want advice on. REMEMBER, she is there to help, not to condemn and she is EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE about our breed too!