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Chow Chows are included in the medium to large dog breeds and are Chinese in origin. They are considered a non-sporting breed today but were used for hunting purposes a couple of thousand years ago. Chow Chow dogs have a sturdy build and their appearance resembles a lion. They have thick furry all across their body and the fur is particularly thick around their neck and face. All this fur around their face and neck gives it a mane-like appearance. Its tail is thick and also has feathery fur on it. Today, these furry canines are tamed as domestic pets only. They have a short snout, and their eyes look heavy-lidded because of the fur around them. If you notice closely, their eyes have a distinctive almond-like shape and their nose is either brown or black.
This unique and fascinating dog is of Chinese origin and is steeped in oriental mystery. Chow Chows have retained their individuality and distinctive appearance since 150 BC and early records show it was used by the Emperors as guard dogs and hunters. The Chow Chow as we know it first appeared in England in 1781, but they did not gain prominence until a century later. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this medium-sized dog is its blue-black tongue – a feature it shares with the bear.
Chow Chows can be easily identified simply based on their appearance. No other dog breed has such a thickly furry neck and face. Its face is broad and atop its head sit triangular ears. Its face and the expressions they give are bear-like. What sets this dog breed apart is their blue tongue. Yes, their tongue is blue. These dogs are born with pink tongues but they turn blue when Chow Chows become 8–10 weeks old. A Chow Chow’s coat mainly comes in five common colours -
A Chow Chow’s coat displays no distinct markings. But their coats can come in two textures, namely rough and smooth. The rough coat is thick and feels like wool whereas the smooth coat is denser and shorter. Their walk might seem a little stiff but their stride is not lazy. They also can remain alone when their owners are off to work but they do not like being left outside.
If you want to adopt a purebred Chow Chow or want to know how to identify one, here are some of its classic characteristics -
Chow Chows will not bark unnecessarily. If you are looking to adopt a dog you could cuddle and snuggle up against, then Chow Chow is not for you. These dogs like to be in their own space and because of these qualities, Chow Chows are often compared to cats. Their detached nature makes many people assume that they are arrogant and aggressive. But they are quite stubborn and will immediately voice their discomfort or dislikes. They will mix better with other pets if you raise them as puppies in their company. They do get along well with children too but a household with older children would be more suitable for Chow Chows.
Here’s some more information on Chow Chows that you should know if you are thinking of adopting one:
The Chow Chow dog breed is considered to be one of the world’s oldest breeds.
A Chow Chow’s origin is traced back to China and dates back to 206 B.C. In Asia, these dogs were used as guards of the temples. Today, this dog breed finds its name in the non-sporting category but 2000 years ago, they were used for hunting purposes.
Well, how this breed got the name ‘Chow Chow’ is an interesting story. The English merchants brought shipments of unknown cargo in the 1700s and they called it ‘chow chow’. These dogs were at times a part of the cargo and that is how the name stuck. Queen Victoria also helped in popularizing the breed and in 1895, a breed club was formed in England.
Martha Stewart, Stephen James, Calvin Coolidge, Clark Gable, Dorothy Lamour and King Zog of Albania are some of the famous owners of Chow Chows.
Want to get details about different dog breeds before you adopt a dog? Read up on the history, characteristics, and temperament of each breed on our website.
Chow Chows can get along with other pets if you train them to mix with them from an early age.
Yes, Chow Chows are good family dog and they tend to be very protective of their owners.
Yes, Chow Chow dogs can be left alone at home if you are going to work. They handle being alone very well.
Chow Chows must be groomed and bathed on a regular basis. Irrespective of the type of their coats, you must make sure that your Chow Chow dog is frequently washed and take care of.
You will rarely hear a Chow Chow barking because they are quiet and shy.