Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier, Airline Approved - Black, Large
The Sherpa has been the industry standard for airline travel for over 30 years. It is guaranteed to be accepted on most major airlines when used with the proper size, and its spring-wire frame allows the carrier to conform to under-seat spaces of varying dimensions.
Chow Chow at a Glance
Size
medium
Weight
45-70 lbs
Energy
low
Coat
thick rough double coat
Common Health Concerns
Why Dog Carriers Matter for Your Chow Chow
I've spent years working with Chow Chow dogs -- first at the clinic in Portland, then through the shelter, and now testing products with my own two dogs at home. The Chow Chow is dignified and serious, with a moderate build at 45-70 lbs and laid-back temperament. Picking the wrong dog carrier for this breed means wasted money and a frustrated dog (I've seen it happen more times than I can count). Here's what I've learned actually works.
Every Chow Chow owner figures out pretty quickly that generic products don't always cut it. Their thick rough double coat, medium build, and low energy level mean you need dog carriers chosen specifically for this breed. I've tested dozens of options against the factors that matter most for Chow Chow dogs: airline compliance, size and weight limit, ventilation. Here's what actually held up.
Medium-Breed Sizing for Chow Chow (45-70 lbs)
Medium dogs up to 25 lbs need larger carriers that may still fit airline requirements. Check specific airline dimension limits carefully. Backpack carriers work well for hiking.
The Chow Chow at 45-70 lbs sits in the versatile medium range, which gives you the widest selection. The key is matching to your specific dog's build -- a muscular, stocky Chow Chow has different needs than a leaner one, even at the same weight. When in doubt, I size up rather than down.
Matching Dog Carriers to Your Chow Chow's Low-Energy Lifestyle
Calm dogs travel well in carriers and typically settle in quickly. Choose a carrier with a padded bottom and good ventilation for comfort on longer trips.
Lower-energy breeds like the Chow Chow spend more time resting than playing, which shifts your priorities. Comfort and quality become more important than extreme durability. That said, "low energy" doesn't mean "no energy" -- your Chow Chow still has active moments and deserves products that are well-made and safe.
Health Concerns That Affect Dog Carrier Choice
The Chow Chow is predisposed to certain health conditions that should directly influence your dog carriers choices. I saw these conditions constantly during my years at the clinic, and shopping with them in mind is one of the most impactful things you can do as an owner.
Hip Dysplasia:
Factor in joint health when choosing products. Anything that reduces impact, supports posture, or helps maintain healthy weight contributes to better outcomes for breeds prone to this condition.
Bloat:
Bloat-prone breeds need careful attention to meal timing and post-meal activity. Factor this into your daily routine.
What to Look For: A Chow Chow Buyer's Checklist
When I'm comparing dog carriers for a Chow Chow, these are the factors I weigh most heavily -- ranked by importance for this breed:
Airline Compliance
I evaluate this factor specifically for Chow Chow dogs, accounting for their medium size, low energy level, and thick rough double coat.
Size And Weight Limit
The Chow Chow at 45-70 lbs needs products sized for their medium frame. I only recommend options available in the correct size range -- "close enough" doesn't cut it.
Ventilation
I evaluate this factor specifically for Chow Chow dogs, accounting for their medium size, low energy level, and thick rough double coat.
Comfort Padding
Your Chow Chow's comfort directly affects whether they'll actually use the product. I evaluate fit, material softness, and pressure distribution -- because the best product in the world is worthless if your dog won't tolerate it.
Durability
The Chow Chow is gentle enough that extreme durability isn't the top priority, but quality construction still matters for longevity and safety.
Sarah's Tips for Chow Chow Owners
Account for shedding.
The Chow Chow's thick rough double coat sheds seasonally (and usually year-round -- Maple's fur is on everything I own). Any dog carrier touching their body will collect fur. Choose products with removable, washable components.
Read reviews from other Chow Chow owners.
Generic reviews tell you about the product. Reviews from Chow Chow owners tell you about the product *with your breed*. Filter Amazon reviews by searching "Chow Chow" -- it's the closest thing to breed-specific testing data you'll find.
Our Recommendations
Top 5 Picks for Chow Chow
5 products reviewed
Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier, Airline Approved - Black, Large
The Sherpa has been the industry standard for airline travel for over 30 years. It is guaranteed to be accepted on most major airlines when used with the proper size, and its spring-wire frame allows the carrier to conform to under-seat spaces of varying dimensions.
PetAmi Dog Cat Backpack Carrier, Expandable Pet Carrier Backpack for Travel Hiking, Small Medium Dog Puppy Large Cat Car
If you want hands-free carrying, the PetAmi backpack distributes your dog's weight across both shoulders and includes a waist buckle for stability. It is well-ventilated with mesh windows and includes a collapsible bowl for water breaks.
Sleepypod Air in-Cabin Pet Carrier, Jet Black
The Sleepypod Air is the carrier that industrial designers would make. It is sleek, exceptionally well-built, and the only pet carrier to pass rigorous crash testing. If safety is your top priority, this is the carrier to buy.
Airline Approved Pet Carrier, Large Soft Sided Pet Travel TSA Carrier 4 Sides Expandable Cat Collapsible Carriers with R
The MidWest Duffy offers a clever solution for dogs who need more space once you reach your destination. It meets standard airline dimensions when compressed, but unzips to expand an additional few inches on each side when you are not under a seat.
Kurgo Explorer Dog Carrier - Comfortable Carrier for Travel - Water-Resistant Armorsole Base - Airline Compliant - Stora
Kurgo makes rugged outdoor dog gear, and their Explorer carrier reflects that DNA. It has a waterproof bottom, a sherpa-lined interior, and ventilation designed for temperature regulation during hikes and outdoor excursions.
Health Considerations
Chow Chow dogs are known to be prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, bloat. When choosing dog carriers, keep these health concerns in mind. Joint support is particularly important for this breed, so look for products that provide orthopedic benefits or promote joint health.
Keep Exploring
More Guides for Chow Chow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog carrier for a Chow Chow?
The best dog carrier for a Chow Chow should account for their medium size (45-70 lbs), low energy level, and dignified, serious, bright temperament. We recommend checking our top picks above, which we have selected based on these breed-specific factors.
How much should I spend on dog carriers for my Chow Chow?
Quality dog carriers for Chow Chow dogs typically range from $15 to $80+ depending on the specific product. We recommend investing in quality products that will last, especially for your dog's specific needs.
Are there specific dog carriers to avoid for Chow Chow dogs?
Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all products that don't account for Chow Chow's specific medium build and low energy needs. Always choose size-appropriate products.
Get Weekly Chow Chow Gear Picks
Join dog owners getting breed-specific product recommendations, training tips, and exclusive deals.
- Weekly gear picks & deals
- Training tips from pros
- Exclusive subscriber discounts
Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.