Chow Chow dogs are known for their unique and charming appearance, and their coat colors and patterns are a big part of what makes them so special. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes five standard colors for Chow Chows,1 there are also some rare and eye-catching colors you might come across.
These rare colors and patterns can arise from genetic mixing, mutations, or specific genes, making some less common than the standard ones. For instance, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes white and fawn.2
So, what are these distinctive shades and patterns of Chow Chows?
1. Black
- Standard Coat Color: Yes
Black Chow Chows have a solid, deep, jet-black coat, which can be striking. Some may have a blue or brown tint in certain lighting, particularly as they age.
Black is one of the most traditional and striking colors for this breed. Their black fur can also appear glossy, giving them a regal and mysterious look.
This color can show variations in shading due to lighting, often making their dense double coat look richer in texture.
2. Red
- Standard Coat Color: Yes
The coat of red Chow Chows ranges from light golden-red to a deep mahogany. Some red Chows might also have darker shading on their mane or around their face.
Red is perhaps the most iconic and popular Chow Chow color. The varying tones of red give these dogs a “lion-like” appearance, especially when paired with their dense mane.
This color is frequently associated with the breed’s historical depictions in art and culture, as it’s often the color most people imagine when thinking of a Chow Chow.
3. Cream
- Standard Coat Color: Yes
Cream Chow Chows have a pale, almost off-white coat that can range from ivory to a light beige. Their coat often appears fluffy and cloud-like.
Cream Chow Chows are incredibly adorable. Their lighter coats make them look like soft, fluffy bears.
Their noses are usually dark, contrasting beautifully with the pale fur. Cream Chows can also have a subtle darker or tan tint around their ears and tail.
4. Cinnamon
- Standard Coat Color: Yes
The cinnamon Chow Chow’s coat is light brown with a hint of red or fawn, almost like a warm, light spice. It has a diluted pigmentation that results in a soft, velvety appearance.
Cinnamon is a softer, lighter version of the red Chow Chow, with its subtle reddish-brown hue making it stand out. This color is less common but highly appreciated by fans of the breed.
Their noses and lips often have a matching tone, ranging from brown to liver-colored.
5. Blue
- Standard Coat Color: Yes
The Blue Chow Chows have a slate-gray or steely blue coat, which is the result of diluted black pigmentation. This color can range from light grayish-blue to darker shades.
Blue is a rare and highly sought-after color. It gives the Chow Chow a distinctive, cool look that enhances their uniqueness.
Despite the name, “blue” dogs tend to have a more grayish hue, with their noses, lips, and eyelids also showing a dark bluish-gray tint.
6. White
- Standard Coat Color: No
White Chow Chows have a bright, snowy coat that is quite stunning. It’s typically pure white without any cream or beige shading, making them stand out.
White Chow Chows are incredibly rare and often confused with the cream variety, though they are distinct. Their pure white coat gives them a unique and elegant look, almost like a fluffy Arctic dog.
However, white is not considered a standard color in many breed registries.
7. Fawn
- Standard Coat Color: No
Fawn Chow Chows have a light beige or tan coat that falls somewhere between cream and cinnamon. This color is sometimes referred to as a lighter cinnamon or dilute red.
Fawn Chow Chows are rare, and while not recognized as a standard color, they have a soft, almost velvety appearance. The lighter shades in their coat can have subtle undertones of pinkish or reddish hues.
Their noses and lips typically match their coat, often having a lighter or liver-colored tint. While this color isn’t officially accepted in all breed standards, it’s a beautiful and eye-catching variation.
8. Merle
- Standard Coat Color: No
Merle Chow Chows have a coat pattern that features a mix of darker and lighter patches, giving them a mottled or speckled look. The merle gene causes dilution in parts of the coat, resulting in this distinct appearance.
Merle is one of the rarest and most controversial Chow Chow coat colors. It’s often associated with other breeds like Australian Shepherds or Dachshunds (ref) but can occasionally appear in Chow Chows. (ref)
The merle pattern typically appears as a blend of black, blue, or red patches with lighter spots. Merle coloring has a striking, one-of-a-kind look that turns heads wherever they go.
No matter the color or pattern, every Chow Chow has a look that captures attention and showcases their special qualities.
Source:
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.