Are Chow Chows Dangerous?

Chow Chows are a beloved and popular breed, known by many for their fluffy, thick fur coats. Just like any other dog breed, if they have the proper training, Chow Chows can be good dogs and loyal companions. But every dog is different and has its triggers. In certain situations, Chow Chows have been known to attack humans or other dogs. Some experts categorize them among dangerous breeds due to their strong guarding instincts and history of aggressive behavior.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chow Chow breed, what to do after a dog attack, and the legal process involved in dog bite injury litigation.

History of the Chow Chow Breed

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Chow Chows are among the oldest dog breeds in existence. Artifacts from China's Han Dynasty around 206 BC depict what appear to be early Chow Chows. These dogs were once companions of Chinese nobles, but they also served practical roles as haulers, hunters, and guard dogs.

Over time, Chow Chows made their way west. Queen Victoria famously owned one in the late 1800s, which helped popularize the breed in Europe. Today, they’ve found their place as family dogs in many households. However, due to their strong personalities, prospective Chow Chow owners should work closely with a reputable breeder and prioritize socialization and training from the start—especially when introducing them to family members, children, or other pets.

Chow Chow Bite Statistics

According to experts, Chow Chows are a unique breed that can be difficult to train. They may not enjoy socialization with other animals and can be especially wary of strangers or children. While Chow Chows can absolutely be good dogs, they require experienced handling. When mishandled or provoked, they can become an aggressive dog, especially if not properly trained or socialized early in life.

According to PetHelpful, there were 58 reported attacks involving this breed that resulted in personal injury between 1982 and 2013. Of those, 37 victims were children. Seven deaths were reported, along with 39 cases of maiming. These numbers don’t mean every Chow is dangerous, but they do highlight the importance of understanding the potential for aggressive behavior in certain environments—especially in untrained Chow mix dogs.

The Risk of Infection from a Chow Chow Bite

Some dog bites can become infected, especially if not treated promptly. This is true for any breed of dog. It is important for dog owners to closely monitor bite wounds—whether the injury was caused by a familiar pet or a less socialized animal.

After a Chow Chow dog bite or bite from any type of dog, it’s critical to examine the affected area for early signs of infection. Symptoms may include:

• Pus at the site of the wound: Pus is a protein-rich fluid containing dead white blood cells. It’s part of the body’s immune response to fight infection.
• Loss of sensation or feeling: In some cases, dog bites can damage nerves or surrounding tissue. This trauma may result in neurapraxia, which causes numbness and temporary paralysis near the wound.
• Swollen lymph nodes: These are part of the immune system and are commonly found in the neck, underarms, and groin. Swelling in these areas may signal that the body is actively fighting an infection.
• Feeling tired and sluggish: A sense of fatigue or malaise often accompanies infection. The body uses significant energy to heal, which can leave victims feeling drained. In some cases, sweating or chills may also occur.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog—especially a Chow Chow, which is sometimes classified among dangerous breeds due to their independent nature—it’s important to seek medical attention and consult a healthcare professional to prevent complications.

Types of Infections from a Dog Bite

A dog attack from any breed—including less commonly socialized Chow Chow puppies—can result in a range of bacterial or viral infections. While some dogs are naturally more stand-offish, early socialization and proper dog training can reduce bite risk. Still, even a bite from a family dog can lead to serious health issues.

Here are the most common infections linked to dog bites:

• Rabies: Though rare in domesticated dogs in the U.S., rabies is one of the most serious infections that can follow a dog bite. It attacks the central nervous system. Initial symptoms include low-grade fevers, fatigue, and headaches. As it progresses, the victim may experience anxiety, nausea, partial paralysis, or even death if not treated.
• Staph and Streptococcus infections: These bacterial infections can develop quickly and are typically marked by oozing blisters, red streaking, and swelling. Left untreated, they may enter the bloodstream, leading to widespread complications.
• Cellulitis: Caused by bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida—commonly found in the mouths of many dog breeds—cellulitis can lead to redness, swelling, and tenderness at the site of the bite. Infections from Chow Chow dogs or other mixed breed animals may progress to joint inflammation, bone involvement, and deep tissue damage if not addressed.

It’s worth noting that the American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Chow Chow owners and all dog owners to work with a responsible breeder and trusted groomer, and to closely supervise pets around family members, especially small children.

Prompt medical attention and wound cleaning can help reduce the risk of these infections, but in some cases, hospitalization and antibiotics are necessary. If you’re unsure whether the bite is healing properly, don’t wait—consult your doctor or a local law firm that handles personal injury cases for additional guidance.

Treating Chow Chow Bites

Treatment for a Chow Chow dog bite generally follows the same medical protocols as other dog bite wounds, but careful attention is often needed due to the severity or location of the injury. Here’s what the typical process may involve:

• Initial Assessment by a Physician
  The first step in treating a dog bite is a thorough wound assessment by a healthcare provider. The doctor will evaluate the injury’s depth, location, and severity. They will also gather key patient information, such as current medications, tetanus vaccination status, allergies, and any other relevant medical history. The bite area will be documented and classified according to standard medical guidelines.

• Wound Cleaning and Infection Prevention
  Once the wound is assessed, the physician will begin a process called intensive irrigation to flush out bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. In cases where tissue has been damaged, the doctor may need to remove dead or contaminated tissue. However, this must be done with precision—especially for facial bites—as removing too much tissue can affect wound closure and permanently alter the appearance of the injured area.

• Antibiotics and Risk Management
  Patients at higher risk of infection, or those bitten in sensitive areas (such as the hands, face, or joints), may be prescribed oral or intravenous antibiotics. Certain injuries—such as puncture wounds or crush injuries—carry a greater infection risk than minor tears or scratches and are treated more aggressively.

• Hospitalization for Severe Infections
  In some cases, especially when signs of infection progress rapidly, outpatient care may not be enough. The patient may need to be admitted to a hospital for intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring. If the bite results in a significant facial injury, specialists such as a plastic surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon may be consulted for reconstructive treatment.

• At-Home Treatment for Minor Wounds
  If the bite is not deep or severe enough to warrant a hospital visit, home care may be recommended. This includes washing the area with clean water at least twice per day, applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and covering the wound with a sterile, nonstick bandage. Even with mild wounds, follow-up care is important to ensure healing and prevent infection.
• Further Treatment and Follow-Up
  In more serious cases, the doctor may recommend additional procedures. This could include deep cleaning the wound in a clinical setting, carefully removing any lingering damaged tissue, and closing the injury with sutures if appropriate. Antibiotics may still be prescribed at this stage to prevent infection from developing.

Illinois Dog Bite Laws

If you are a dog bite victim in Illinois, it is useful to have a basic understanding of Illinois' dog bite laws if you are interested in recovering financial compensation. But ultimately, this process is best done in collaboration with a local personal injury lawyer.

Illinois is a state known for its "strict liability" when it comes to determining the fault in dog bite attacks. The dog's owner will likely be held responsible for any injuries sustained by the plaintiff as long as they were legally present on the premises where the bite took place. Even if the owner of the dog took reasonable precautions during the incident, they are likely to be held responsible for any injuries sustained by the plaintiff.

Illinois's strict liability dog bite laws are similar to those in other states that use a one-bite rule. The state's laws provide that a dog owner can be held responsible for the injuries sustained by a victim of a dog bite. However, the victim has to have been allowed to be on the homeowner’s premises legally and not provoke the animal. The plaintiff could lose their right to seek monetary compensation for personal injuries resulting from the dog's actions if they were trespassing or antagonizing the dog.

Seeking Professional Legal Guidance

If you are interested in learning more about the type of dogs that are considered some of the most dangerous dog breeds, such as the Rottweiler, the Pit Bull Terrier, and the German Shepherd, check out our blog for more dog-bite-focused posts. If you are the victim of a Chow Chow attack, know that the experienced attorneys at Palermo Law Group have been representing dog-bite victims in Oak Brook and the greater Chicago area for over 25 years. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Palermo Law Group today for a free consultation.