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Chow Chow Facts
- Group
- Non Sporting
- Affiliations
- UKC, CKC, AKC
- Height
- 17" - 20"
- Weight
- 50-75 lbs.
- Lifespan
- 12 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
lang gou, xiong gou, chow
Origin
The Chow Chow was developed in China.
Date Of Origin
It is believed that the Chow Chow is more than 2,000 years old. Recently there was a bas-relief discovered from the Han dynasty (about 150 B.C.) that depicted a Chow Chow hunting.
History
Some experts believe that the Chow Chow is one of the founding breeds of dogs and is the parent breed for Samoyeds, Keeshonds, and several other similar breeds. Others claim that the Chow Chow is the result of a cross between the old mastiff of Tibet and the Samoyed. The theory is refuted because the Chow Chow has a black tongue where as the dogs it supposedly descended from do not. The importation of Chows into England began about 1880 and the breed started toward its present popularity after Queen Victoria took an interest in this "Wild Dog of China," as it was called when on display in the London Zoo. The first specialty club was formed in England in 1895. The breed was exhibited for the first time in the United States in 1890. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1903. The Chow Chow Club of America was admitted as an AKC member club in 1906.
Description
The chow chow is a medium sized, sturdy dog. It has a square body and large, broad head with a short muzzle. It has prick ears with rounded tips and a scowling expression. The eyes are dark brown, almond shaped, and deeply set, giving the dog limited peripheral vision. Its tongue is bluish black and its nose is large and black, except in blue chows when it is slate colored. The tail is set high and curled over the back. It is double coated and the outer coat can be smooth or ruff. The smooth coat is short and dense. The ruff coat is longer and abundant. There is a ruff around the head and neck and the tail is plumed. It may be red, black, blue or cream.
Temperament
The chow chow is a dignified and aloof dog. It is intelligent but can be detached and is especially reserved with strangers. It is loyal and protective with its family. With socialization and training it can be quite good with children but often does poorly with other animals.
Uses
The chow chow is a companion dog, adapted to tranquil people. It seems that thousands of years ago it was used for hunting.
Health Concerns
Anesthesia sensitivity, cancer, entropion, heat sensitivity, hip dysplasia, knee problems.
Additional Information
The name Chow-Chow has little basis for its origin in China; it is believed that the expression evolved from pidgin-English terms for knick-knacks brought over from the Orient in the 18th century.
Sources
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
Simon & Schusters Guide to Dogs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster inc, 1980
Website: http://www.simonandschuster.com
Author: Elizabeth Meriwether Schuler
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
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