Finding a blue Chow Chow puppy feels a bit like spotting a unicorn in a lion’s mane. They're striking. That slate-gray, velvety coat against the trademark scowl is enough to make anyone stop mid-scroll on Instagram. But honestly, there is so much misinformation floating around about the "blue" gene that it’s easy to get scammed or, worse, end up with a dog whose health you weren't prepared for.
Blue isn't actually blue.
It’s a diluted black. If you look at the genetics behind the breed, the blue Chow Chow puppy carries a recessive dilute gene ($dd$) that washes out what would have otherwise been a standard black coat. It’s the same genetic quirk that gives us Weimaraners or "Blue" Great Danes. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes blue as one of the five official breed colors, it’s still considered relatively rare compared to the sea of red and cinnamon Chows you usually see at the park.
The Truth About That "Rare" Blue Coat
Let’s get one thing straight: "rare" is often a marketing trap. Unscrupulous backyard breeders love to slap a premium price tag on a blue Chow Chow puppy simply because they can. You’ll see them listed for $4,000 or even $6,000, with the breeder claiming they’re "exotic."
They aren't exotic.
They are just a color variant. A well-bred blue puppy should cost roughly the same as a well-bred black or red puppy. If a breeder is charging double specifically for the color, that’s a massive red flag. It usually means they’re breeding for aesthetics over temperament or health, which is a recipe for disaster with a breed as complex as the Chow.
The color itself can vary wildly. Some look like dark charcoal, while others have a distinct silvery-blue sheen. As they age, many blues develop "rusting"—a brownish tint that appears if they spend too much time in the sun or as their adult coat comes in. It doesn't mean they're "fake" blues; it's just how the pigment reacts to the environment.
The Tongue Isn't Always Purple at Birth
People obsess over the blue-black tongue. It’s the Chow’s calling card. But if you’re looking at a three-week-old blue Chow Chow puppy and its tongue is pink, don’t panic. Chows are actually born with pink tongues. The pigment starts to fill in as they grow, usually becoming fully dark by the time they’re six to ten weeks old.
In blues, that tongue might be a slightly lighter shade of purple than what you’d see on a black Chow, but it should still be solid. A spotted tongue is a disqualification in the show ring, though it doesn't change their status as a pet.
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Health Issues Most People Ignore
You need to know about Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). It’s a genetic skin condition that specifically affects "dilute" colors like blue and fawn. Not every blue Chow will get it, but it’s a risk you don't have with the reds or blacks.
CDA can cause the hair to become brittle, break off, and eventually lead to permanent hair loss in patches. It usually starts showing up between six months and three years of age. It isn't life-threatening, but it can lead to itchy skin and secondary infections. If you’re looking for a "perfect" looking dog for their whole life, the blue coat comes with this inherent gamble.
Then there’s the standard Chow stuff. Entropion is a big one.
This is where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. It’s painful. It causes constant tearing and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Because Chows have such deep-set eyes and heavy wrinkles, they are poster children for this condition. Dr. James Shuler, a noted veterinarian with decades of experience in brachycephalic and heavy-coated breeds, often points out that corrective surgery for entropion is one of the most common procedures for this breed.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is rampant in the breed.
- Thyroid issues: Can lead to weight gain and lethargy.
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat): Their deep chests make them susceptible. This is a medical emergency.
If your breeder hasn't done OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing on the parents, walk away. Immediately. A "pretty" blue coat won't matter when your dog needs a $5,000 hip replacement at two years old.
Personality: Not a Golden Retriever in a Fluffy Suit
A blue Chow Chow puppy is basically a cat in a bear suit. They are aloof. They are discerning. They don't give away their affection for free.
If you want a dog that’s going to jump on every stranger at the door and lick their face, get a Lab. A Chow will likely stand in the corner, give the stranger a side-eye, and decide if they’re worth the effort of moving. This is an ancient guardian breed. They were bred to hunt and protect Chinese palaces. That DNA doesn't just disappear because they live in a suburban house now.
Socialization is not optional.
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You have to get that puppy out into the world. They need to see umbrellas, bicycles, tall men in hats, and screaming kids. If a blue Chow isn't socialized between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks, their natural suspicion of strangers can turn into aggression. It’s not that they’re "mean," it’s that they take their job as a protector very seriously. You have to teach them that the mailman isn't a threat to the kingdom.
Training the "Untrainable"
They aren't stupid. In fact, they’re incredibly smart. They just don't see the point in doing what you ask if there isn't something in it for them.
Traditional "do it because I said so" training fails miserably with Chows. They’ll just stare at you. Use positive reinforcement, but keep it interesting. They get bored easily. Also, housebreaking a blue Chow Chow puppy is surprisingly easy—they are naturally very clean dogs and often "get it" faster than almost any other breed. They hate being dirty.
Grooming is a Full-Time Job
Owning a blue Chow means living in a cloud of grey fur. They have a double coat: a thick, wooly undercoat and a coarser outer coat.
You need to brush them at least three times a week. If you don't, the fur near the skin will mat. Once those mats start, they trap moisture and bacteria, leading to "hot spots"—nasty, oozing skin infections that require vet intervention.
And the shedding? It’s biblical. Twice a year, they "blow" their coat. You will fill up trash bags with fur. If you have allergies or a pristine white sofa, a blue Chow is probably your worst nightmare.
Pro tip: Don't shave them. People think they’re doing the dog a favor in the summer, but the coat actually acts as insulation against the heat and protects their pale skin from sunburn. Shaving a Chow can also ruin the coat texture forever; it often grows back patchy and "fuzzier," making it even more prone to matting.
What to Look for in a Breeder
Don't buy from a pet store. Just don't. Those puppies almost exclusively come from puppy mills where health testing is non-existent.
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A reputable breeder will ask you more questions than you ask them. They’ll want to know about your fence, your work schedule, and your experience with stubborn breeds. They should be able to show you the mother (the dam) and provide documentation for:
- OFA Hip and Elbow clearances.
- CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exams.
- Heart evaluations.
Ask specifically about the history of skin issues in their blue lines. A transparent breeder will admit that while they haven't had issues, they are aware of the risks of CDA and breed to minimize it.
Is a Blue Chow Chow Puppy Right for You?
Honestly, most people shouldn't own a Chow. They require a confident owner who understands animal behavior and doesn't mind a dog that is more of a "partner" than a "servant."
But if you appreciate the stoic, lion-like presence of the breed, and you’re prepared for the grooming and the medical risks, a blue Chow is one of the most majestic companions you could ever have. They are intensely loyal to their "person." Once you’ve earned the respect of a Chow, you have it for life.
Just remember that they are heavy. A male can easily hit 70 pounds. They are strong. And because of their flat faces, they overheat very quickly. You can’t take them for a five-mile run in the July heat. They are indoor dogs who need air conditioning and a cool floor to lay on.
Summary of Actionable Steps
Before you put down a deposit on that blue Chow Chow puppy you saw online, do this:
- Visit the breeder in person. If they insist on meeting in a parking lot or shipping the dog without you seeing where it was raised, cancel the deal.
- Check the eyes. Look at the parents. Do they have excessively watery eyes or squinting? That’s a sign of genetic entropion.
- Budget for the "Chow Tax." This includes high-quality food to prevent skin issues, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, and pet insurance (which is mandatory for this breed given their health risks).
- Test your patience. Find a local trainer who has experience with primitive breeds or livestock guardians. Avoid "dominance-based" trainers; you cannot out-muscle a Chow, you have to out-think them.
- Prepare your home. Get a high-velocity dryer and a sturdy slicker brush. You’re going to need them.
Owning a blue Chow isn't about the status symbol or the cool color. It’s about committing to a dignified, ancient breed that requires a specific kind of lifestyle to thrive. If you can provide that, you'll have a stunning, loyal protector by your side for the next 12 to 15 years.