The Chow Chow is a very old dog breed that originated in northern China. Chow Chows were first categorized as working dogs; however, nowadays, they serve more as companions and show dogs. Also simply referred to as the Chow, this dog breed is also known as “Songshi Quan,” which translates to a “puffy-lion dog.”
Chows are considered ancient breeds, with the oldest known dog fossils having an extremely similar structure to Chows. Dated as far back as 206 BC, Chinese pottery had pictures resembling Chow Chows. Chinese used the dog for various tasks like hunting wolves, herding, carting and sledding pullers, guarding boats and protecting the home of their owners.
It is believed that the breed is related to the Chinese Shar-Pei. The Chow Chows may likewise be connected with Keeshond, Samoyed, Norwegian elkhound and the Pomeranian breeds.
Physical wise, Chow Chow is a massive dog.
Head – large, broad, a huge ruff behind it that gives the dog the impression of a lion
Skull – flat
Muzzle – broad, deep
Nose – black, large, with open nostrils
Ears – small, erect, triangular with a round tip
Eyes – almond-shape, deep-set, dark-color
Teeth – scissors bite
Tongue – blue-black (one of the breed’s most distinctive features)
Chest – broad, deep
Legs – almost straight hind legs (another distinctive feature)
Tail – set high, carried close to the back
Chow Chows’ coat is dense and furry and comes in either a smooth or rough variety. The breed’s color is usually solid black, red, blue and cream, but sometimes with a combination of tan and gray.
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