Origin:
The ancient Chinese Chow Chow dates back to the Han Dynasty about 150 BC, though some historians theorize that the breed may be even older. It was originally used as a hunting dog and one Chinese emperor about the 7th century AD was said to have had a kennel of 2,500 pairs of hunting dogs of the Chow variety. Later jobs included herding, carting and guarding. The breed's name did not come from the Chinese but rather from pidgin English when ship captains used the term "chow chow" to describe various bits of bric-a-brac instead of listing each cargo item separating. Since the dogs were often included in the miscellaneous assortment, the name came to be attached to this regal breed with its blue-black tongue.
Temperament:
The Chow Chow is proud, independent, very loyal to its family and rather suspicious of strangers. It maintains a dignified, scowling expression. The Chow Chow is a natural watchdog.
Activity Level:
Though not an overly active dog, regular outdoor activity is a daily requirement.
Height/Weight:
The average adult will range from 17-21 in (43-53 cm) at the withers and weigh up to 55 lb (25 kg).
Coat:
There are two coat types in the breed. The most familiar is the luxurious, offstanding coat with the profuse lion-like ruff about the head and neck. The smooth-coated Chow Chow has a hard, dense, short outer coat and lacks the heavy ruff and leg feathering of the rough coat. Both coats carry a soft undercoat.
Colour:
The solid colours acceptable in this breed are red, tawny, black, blue, cream or white. Lighter shadings are permitted on parts of the body.
Grooming:
A natural breed, the Chow Chow requires only regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep the undercoat free of mats.
