Chow Chow

Chow Chow History

The history of the Chow Chow goes back to ancient times. The leonine features of the breed were found in a hunting scene on a Chinese bas-relief two thousand years old. The breed has been used as guard dogs on junks, work dogs pulling carts, and as a source of fur. Until recently the breed was also used for food. Nineteenth century sailors returning from China with shipload of oriental goods brought some of these attractive animals to Europe. Robust, noble, and fierce, they acquired the name Chow Chow from an English slang expression for Chinese curios or knick knacks. The Chow Chow was very popular in the United States toward the end of the nineteenth century in Europe and during the first years of the twentieth century. Still today, his proud and lordly appearance is admired in dog shows around the world.

Chow Chow Description

The Chow Chow excels as a guard dog, wolf hunter, draft animal, and as a pet. They have abundant thick rough coats, which may be black, tan, a metallic blue, or ivory. They have dark, almond-shaped eyes, erect ears, and strong teeth. Another interesting bit of trivia is they are the only breed with purple gums and palate.

Chow Chows are described as "patient and understanding with their master and their master's children, and show little interest in other people".