Are Chow Chows Dangerous?

Exploring The Danger of Chow Chow in the American Home

Rottweilers, Dobermans, and pit bulls have a more athletic, muscular physique than the soft and cuddly Chow Chow, with its fluffy fur and wrinkled faces. However, despite their cuddly aesthetics, Chow Chows are known as an aggressive breed prone to biting when they sense a perceived threat to their owner. 

Their strong-minded nature and intelligence also mean Chow Chows escape from yards often. When Chow Chows encounter children, the child might approach the fluffy dog and attempt to touch its fur, which is when some of the most devastating Chow Chow attacks occur. 

Let’s explore the temperament of the Chow Chow and how to protect yourself and your family in the event of an attack.

Chow Chow Temperament

As a meticulously clean dog, it may seem like Chow Chows are a good fit for being housebroken. Unfortunately, they are extremely stand-offish, particularly with strangers.  Chows can be caring and show affection to their caretakers, but children in the household face increased risks. While Chow Chows do not bite or attack nearly as many people as pit bulls, they are still considered dangerous. These are the Chow Chow traits that have earned them a risky reputation:

• They are often disobedient.
• Chows can be notoriously hard to train.
• Weighing 45-to-70 pounds, they can easily overpower young children and other small animals in violent displays.
• They frequently exhibit unprovoked aggression.
• Chows possess strong jaws.
• Their loyal natures lead them to be somewhat over-protective of their owners.
• They do not trust new, unknown people who may approach them—they are not social dogs.

Chow Chow Attacks Are Not Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance

The insurance industry has answered the question as to whether Chows are dangerous with a resounding “Yes.” According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurers paid over 1.1 billion dollars to dog attack victims in 2023. Dog bites are a growing public health concern and homeowners’ insurance policies have adapted to the new reality. The 12 most lethal breeds of dogs are blacklisted from coverage under homeowner’s policies:

• Chow Chows
• Akitas
• Siberian Huskies
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Staffordshire Terriers
• Presa Canarios
• German Shepherds
• Doberman Pinschers
• Wolf breeds
• Pitbulls
• Rottweilers
• Great Danes

The insurance industry determines the most dangerous breeds by bite frequency. Crime data and insurance industry research show the 12 breeds on the list are associated with frequent bites.

Babies and Children Face the Greatest Risk of Chow Chow Attack

There have been countless examples of Chow Chows injuring children, especially young babies, within family homes around the globe. One of the most shocking recent cases involved a vicious Chow Chow attack on a newborn in Doncaster, UK, which resulted in the newborn’s death and the stepfather sentenced to four years in jail for his “inability to control the dog”. 

Another sad example of the danger associated with keeping Chow Chows and young children in the same home is the case of Geoffrey M. Smart, a one-and-a-half-year-old boy killed by a pet Chow Chow, as he and the babysitter played in the backyard in Edmond, Oklahoma. Geoffrey’s babysitter tried in vain to release the child from the Chow Chow’s grip during the vicious attack. 

The data is abundantly clear. Children are the most likely victims of fatal Chow attacks—the younger the child, the higher the risk. More than 50% of Chow attacks involve the caretaker’s family. 67% of children bitten by Chows were not with their parents. This highlights the unpredictable nature of Chow Chows and the importance of vigilance in preventing the animal from spending time around babies and young children. 

How to Protect Yourself During a Chow Chow Attack

If you are ever attacked or chased down by a Chow, try to remember the following:

• A Chow’s vulnerable areas are the same as a human’s. If you can hit or kick the dog in its eyes, nose, or groin, do so.
• Shield yourself with a book, purse, briefcase, or backpack. Shielding can help minimize the damage. 
• Keep whatever obstacles you can between you and the Chow – anything helps.
• Make yourself look as big and scary as possible. Open your umbrella in the Chow’s face. Flap your coat or arms. Growl loudly and narrow your eyes. Stomp the ground forcefully.
• Never turn your back on the Chow, especially if the dog is chasing after you, trying to catch you. If, when you encounter the Chow, you are both still, do not start running.
• If you stumble or fall, stand up immediately. Do not try to use your Jiu-Jitsu or wrestling skills on the dog. Avoid letting the dog get on top of your chest at all costs. If you end up on the ground at any point, cover your face and neck as best as possible.
• If there is anything nearby that you can throw at the Chow or use as a weapon, don’t hesitate.

What To Do After a Chow Chow Bite

• Seek immediate medical care if bitten by a Chow. For less severe bites requiring fewer than five stitches, visit urgent care. For bites that require more than five stitches, go to the emergency room. 
• Dog bites pose a risk of infection, and it’s essential to report the dog bite to the proper authorities for public safety. If you find yourself in a civil or criminal case against the dog’s owner, you’ll need comprehensive medical records as evidence.
• After seeking medical attention, report the bite to the police. Dogs that have bitten someone typically undergo a mandatory quarantine period. Quarantine helps authorities determine if the dog carries any diseases and aims to prevent future attacks. Provide police and medical staff with as many details as possible about the incident. The smallest detail could expedite locating the dog and potentially prevent another attack.

Documenting Your Chow Chow Dog Bite Injuries

To best document your Chow Chow bite:

• Call 911 as soon as possible.
• Get a copy of the medical report at the ER.
• Secure a copy of the police report.
• Take photos and videos. Ask witnesses to say what they saw as you record a video of them talking. Talk to people living in the attack area and see what they know.
• Start keeping a record of everything going on with the attack. In a journal or a notes app, document your version of what happened during the attack, how it made you feel, your pain and injuries, etc. Note phone calls to doctors, medications, nightmares, loss of wages, depression, or anything like that.
• Diligently follow your doctor’s orders to keep the wounds clean and protected. A quarter of dog bites become infected, so do everything you can to prevent that. 
• Save your medical records, bills, receipts, related correspondence, and other evidence securely in a file or folder.

Call The New Jersey Bite Lawyer Today!

David J. Cowhey is the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer with the most six-figure settlements of any dog bite attorney in the state. In his 40 years serving New Jersey dog bite victims, he has won many cases involving Chow Chow attacks. He’s known by clients for his deep dedication and relentless pursuit of justice. Don’t hesitate to contact the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer about your case or call David Cowhey’s N.J. offices at (866) 259-4377 for urgent case analysis.