Frequently asked questions and important information
Deposit Information
A $300 deposit is required to reserve a puppy. This deposit holds the puppy exclusively for you and is applied toward the final purchase price. Because placing a deposit removes a puppy from availability and reflects a commitment from both parties, deposits are non-refundable.
In the unlikely event that a placement cannot move forward due to circumstances on our end, the deposit will be returned in full. We accept Zelle for deposit payments.
Before submitting a deposit, please contact us directly to confirm availability and ensure all details are clear. This helps make the process smooth and ensures the right fit for both the puppy and your family.
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Pricing
Puppies from CKC registered “Pet-Only” (no breeding) litters are priced between $1,900 and $6000, depending on sex, temperament, availability, Kennel Club choice and coat color rarity.
*UKC Registration may be available
Krystal Chow Bears • Transparent Pricing
Ranked by genetic rarity, with registry recognition shown for quick reference.
Legend
✔Standard (accepted for conformation)
🐾Designer non-standard (Registerable, not shown)
✖Not recognized by that registry
| Coat Color | % of Chow Population | Companion Price | AKC | CKC | UKC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilac | <1% | $3,200 | ✖ | 🐾 | 🐾 |
| Blue | ~2–4% | $2,600 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crème | ~5–8% | $2,400 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Chocolate | ~8–12% | $2,200 | ✖ | 🐾 | 🐾 |
| Black (Chocolate Carrier) | ~15–20% | $1,900 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Note: Registry recognition applies to conformation showing only and does not reflect health, temperament, or suitability as a companion.
Breeders please contact me for litter collaborations.
Breeding Rights available for purchase per contract
Care and Veterinary Care
While in our care, puppies receive routine, age appropriate veterinary attention and daily hands on care. This includes regular health checks, scheduled deworming, and initial vaccinations according to their age. Puppies are monitored closely for growth, behavior, and overall well being, and any concerns are addressed promptly. We prioritize a clean, calm environment, consistent feeding, fresh water, and proper rest to support healthy development before puppies transition to their new homes.
Waiting list
If you’re certain about wanting a Chow puppy and have paid a $300 non-refundable deposit, you’ll be informed when the puppies are born. You’ll then have the opportunity to choose your puppy based on the order of deposits received. If there isn’t a puppy you want from a particular litter, you can transfer your deposit to the next available litter.
Travel/Delivery options
Delivery may be available within a six hour driving radius for a $500 to $700 fee. Delivery fees must be paid in full, along with adoption price via Zelle or Cash App at least forty eight hours prior to the scheduled delivery date.
If delivery arrangements are not confirmed and paid within this timeframe, the buyer will need to arrange pickup in Iowa Park, Texas.
Travel Printable
Below is a printable for taking your new puppy home.
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Do You Offer Discounts for Travel Distance or Transportation Costs?
At Krystal Chow Bears, our pricing reflects the daily care, nutrition, veterinary support, socialization, and time each puppy receives while in our care. For this reason, we do not offer price reductions based on buyer travel distance or transportation expenses.
In rare cases, pricing adjustments may be considered if there is a placement challenge or a factor that makes a puppy less than ideal for standard placement.
Our pricing is set to support the quality of care, health standards, and ongoing guidance we provide, and to ensure we can maintain consistent standards of care and breeder support for every puppy and family.
If you have questions about travel planning or delivery options, we’re always happy to help guide you through that process.
Why Do You Require Spay or Neuter Agreements?
Most family puppies are placed with spay or neuter agreements to protect their health and the future of the breed.
Spay and neuter agreements help prevent accidental or unplanned breeding and support responsible dog ownership. These agreements reduce health and behavioral risks associated with uncontrolled breeding and help ensure that puppies are not bred without proper health testing, genetic planning, and long-term placement considerations.
We reserve breeding rights for homes and programs that meet our ethical standards and share our commitment to health, temperament, and thoughtful breeding practices.
This approach helps protect both the individual dog and the Chow Chow breed as a whole.
What Is Right of First Refusal?
If you’re ever unable to keep your dog, we ask that you contact us first before rehoming.
Right of First Refusal means that if, at any point in your dog’s life, you can no longer keep them, you agree to contact Krystal Chow Bears before placing them with another person, surrendering them to a shelter, or transferring ownership.
This allows us to step in and either welcome the dog back into our care or help find a carefully screened new home. Our goal is to ensure that every dog we place always has a safe, familiar, and responsible path forward, no matter what life circumstances may change.
This policy is not about control. It is about lifelong responsibility and ensuring our dogs are never placed in uncertain or unsafe situations.
Health & Testing
Our breeding dogs are carefully selected for temperament, structure, and overall health. Appropriate health testing is completed or planned in accordance with breed standards, and we are always transparent about what testing has been performed. Our puppies are sold as companions unless otherwise specified
Contract Highlights for Buyers
We believe in clear communication and thoughtful placement. This section provides a simple, easy to understand overview of our most important contract policies so there are no surprises and everyone starts on the same page.
About the Chow Chow Breed
Chow Chows are a distinctive and ancient breed known for loyalty, independence, and strong bonds with their families. They do best with calm leadership, respectful handling, and consistent structure. This breed is sensitive to environment and benefits from early socialization and indoor, climate controlled living.
Deposits and Payment
A $300 non refundable deposit is required to reserve a puppy and remove them from availability. The remaining balance is due at pickup or 48 hours before arranged transport. We accept cash or Zelle only.
Deposits are non refundable because once a puppy is reserved, we turn away other interested families.
Pickup Timing and Holding Policy
Puppies are ready to go home at 8 weeks of age. We ask that puppies be picked up within 10 days of being ready or by the agreed pickup date.
If pickup is delayed, room and board is $40 per day starting on day 11. This covers food, housing, care, and continued socialization.
If a puppy is not picked up, communication stops, or fees are unpaid within 20 days, the puppy may be placed with another family.
Health and Veterinary Care
Our puppies are healthy to the best of our knowledge and receive age appropriate vaccinations and deworming. We require buyers to schedule a veterinary exam within 72 hours of pickup.
This early visit helps ensure your puppy starts life in their new home healthy and supported.
Parvovirus and Public Exposure Risk
Young puppies are extremely vulnerable to parvovirus, a serious and often fatal disease that can live in soil and on surfaces for long periods of time.
Until fully vaccinated, puppies should avoid high risk areas including dog parks, pet stores, veterinary clinic floors, groomers, training facilities, apartment common areas, public sidewalks, and any location frequented by unknown dogs.
Avoiding these environments during early puppyhood can prevent serious illness.
Spay and Neuter Policy
Pet puppies are expected to be spayed or neutered by 18 months of age. Proof is required.
Families who wish to retain breeding rights may do so by purchasing Breeding Rights as indicated in the contract.
Chow Chow Specific Safety and Care
Chow Chows are sensitive to heat and must live indoors with proper climate control. Overheating can occur quickly and may be fatal.
They are also vulnerable to joint injury from slick flooring, stairs, and excessive jumping while growing. Supervised exercise and appropriate surfaces are important.
Rehoming and Lifetime Support
If circumstances change and you can no longer keep your Chow, we ask that you contact us first. We are always willing to help.
We strongly discourage shelter placement and do not allow placement in kill shelters. Our puppies are a lifelong responsibility and we remain part of their support system.
These policies exist to protect our puppies and support long term success for both the dog and the family. If this approach aligns with your expectations, you are likely a good fit for a Krystal Chow Bears puppy.
The Chow Chow Breed Standard
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Our Chow Chow Gallery
Important Information
Common Chow Questions
Questions to ask on your new puppy journey
Are Chow Chows good family dogs?
Chow Chows can make excellent family companions when raised with proper socialization and boundaries. They tend to do best in homes where children are respectful and interactions are supervised. Chows are not typically tolerant of rough handling, so they are better suited to families who understand canine boundaries.
How big do Chow Chows get?
Adult Chow Chows are considered medium-sized dogs. Most weigh between 45–70 lbs, depending on sex, structure, and lineage. They typically stand around 17–20 inches at the shoulder. Males are generally larger and more substantial than females.
Do Chow Chows shed a lot?
Yes, Chow Chows are heavy shedders due to their dense double coat. They shed lightly year-round and experience heavier seasonal shedding, often referred to as “blowing coat.” Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy.
How much grooming do Chow Chows need?
Chow Chows require consistent grooming to maintain coat and skin health. Regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons, is essential. While they are naturally clean dogs with little odor, neglecting grooming can lead to matting and skin issues.
Are Chow Chows high energy dogs?
No. Chow Chows are moderate to low energy compared to many breeds. They enjoy daily walks and light activity but do not require intense exercise. They are well suited to calmer households and can adapt well to city or suburban living.
Are Chow Chows easy to train?
Chow Chows are intelligent but independent thinkers. They respond best to calm, consistent training rather than harsh or repetitive methods. Early socialization and structure are important, but owners should expect a thoughtful learner rather than a dog eager to please at all times.
What is the difference between open-faced and “smooshed” Chow Chows?
This refers to muzzle length and facial structure.
- Open-faced Chows have a more moderate muzzle, better airflow, and often fewer eye and breathing concerns.
- More extreme or “smooshed” faces may have shorter muzzles and heavier skin, which can increase the risk of eye issues or breathing discomfort.
Many breeders prioritize moderation to support long-term health and comfort.
Are Chow Chows good with other pets?
With proper introductions and early exposure, Chow Chows can coexist well with other pets. They tend to do best when raised alongside other animals rather than introduced later in life. Temperament and socialization play a significant role.
Do Chow Chows bark a lot?
Chow Chows are generally quiet dogs. They are alert and protective and tend to bark only when something is genuinely out of the ordinary, making them good natural watchdogs without excessive noise.
Are Chow Chows good for first-time dog owners?
Chow Chows are not always ideal for first-time owners unless the owner is willing to learn the breed’s unique needs. They thrive with confident, consistent leadership and owners who respect independence rather than expecting constant affection.
How long do Chow Chows live?
The average lifespan of a Chow Chow is 10–12 years, though many live longer with proper care, nutrition, and veterinary support.
When can Chow Chow puppies go home?
Puppies typically go home between 8–10 weeks of age, depending on development and readiness. This allows time for early socialization, routine development, and transition support before placement
What kind of home is best for a Chow Chow?
Chow Chows do best in homes that provide:
- Structure and routine
- Calm leadership
- Respect for boundaries
- Consistent care and grooming
They are well suited for quieter households and families who appreciate a loyal, composed companion.
Are Chow Chows affectionate?
Chow Chows show affection differently than some breeds. They are loyal and devoted but not typically clingy. Many owners describe them as “one-family dogs” who bond deeply with their people.
What should I consider before choosing a Chow Chow?
Prospective owners should consider:
- Grooming commitment
- Temperament and independence
- Early socialization needs
- Respect for personal space
- Long-term responsibility
A Chow Chow is a rewarding companion for the right home but is not a breed for everyone.
Are Chow Chows affected by breed-specific legislation or housing restrictions?
Yes, in some areas Chow Chows may be restricted by certain homeowners associations, landlords, or insurance policies. These restrictions are usually based on outdated statistics or misconceptions about the breed rather than the behavior of individual dogs. Because Chow Chows are naturally protective and reserved, they can be misunderstood when not properly socialized or when owners are unfamiliar with the breed’s needs.
We strongly encourage prospective owners to check local housing rules, insurance policies, and HOA guidelines before committing to a puppy. Responsible ownership, early socialization, and proper training play a significant role in preventing issues and helping Chow Chows thrive in approved environments.
Are Chow Chows aggressive or dangerous?
Chow Chows are not inherently aggressive, but they are a protective and independent breed that requires respectful handling and clear boundaries. Problems often arise when a Chow is placed in a home that does not understand the breed’s temperament or when early socialization is lacking.
Chow Chows tend to be reserved with strangers and do not always tolerate rough handling, which has contributed to misconceptions about the breed. When raised responsibly, properly socialized, and matched with the right home, Chow Chows are calm, loyal companions with stable temperaments.
CKC Registration & Breeding Rights
A clear explanation of what is included with every puppy and what breeding rights mean.
✔ Do all puppies come with CKC registration?
Yes. Every puppy placed by Krystal Chow Bears includes CKC registration paperwork at no additional cost. Registration papers are never withheld, delayed, or sold separately.
✔ Why are some puppies priced differently?
Pricing reflects placement type and intended use not registration status.
All puppies are CKC registered. Breeding rights are a separate contractual agreement.
✔ Companion vs. Breeder Placement
- Companion (Pet) Placement
Puppy is placed as a family companion with CKC registration and a non-breeding agreement. - Breeder Placement
Puppy is placed with CKC registration and written breeding permission, subject to approval and an additional breeder agreement.
The difference in price reflects permission to breed, not access to registration paperwork.
✔ Are CKC papers ever “extra”?
No. CKC registration documentation is always included with every puppy. Breeding rights are a business and ethical decision, not a paperwork fee.
✔ Why does the breeder limit breeding rights?
Responsible breeders limit breeding rights to protect:
- The health and integrity of the breed
- The long-term welfare of the dogs
- Ethical placement and accountability
This approach is standard among reputable breeding programs and aligns with CKC’s Breeder Code of Ethics.
All puppies are CKC registered.
Breeding rights are separate and require approval and an additional contract.
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