Chow Chow

Chow Chow, or Chow, is a breed of dog originating from China, where it is referred to as Songshi Quan (鬆獅犬 Pinyin: sōngshī quǎn), which literally means "puffy-lion dog". The breed has also been called the Tang Quan, "Dog of the Tang Empire".

Appearance

The Chow Chow is a stocky dog with broad skull and small, rounded ears. The breed has a very dense coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick around the neck, giving the distinctive ruff or mane. The coat may be one of several colours including reddish-brown (described as "red"), black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Not all these colour varieties are recognised as valid in all countries. Individuals with patchy or particoloured coats are considered to be outside the breed standard. Chow Chows are unusual in having a blue-black tongue and very straight hind legs that result in a rather stilted gait.

Temperament

While now commonly kept as a companion dog, the Chow Chow has a reputation for being a willful and independent breed that is sometimes difficult to train. They can be very aloof and wary of strangers. They often do not get along well with other dogs.

Health

Like many heavy-set dogs, the Chow Chow may be prone to hip dysplasia. They may also be susceptible to entropion, an eye irritation caused by an eyelid abnormality. Their average lifespan is about 15 years.

History

Chow Chow is a unique type of dog, thought to be one of the oldest recognizable breeds. A bas-relief from 150 BC (during the Han Dynasty) includes a hunting dog similar in appearance to the Chow Chow. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog.^* Chow Chows were originally bred as a general-purpose working dog for herding, hunting, guarding and for eating its meat.

Trivia

Arcanine and Growlithe, two Pokemon of the fire type resemble the Chow Chow with their fluffy tails that sit on their back.

In American Psycho, a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, serial killer Patrick Bateman buys a chow for his girlfriend, then subsequently drowns it.

External links

Clubs, Associations, and Societies
- The Chow Chow Club, Inc.
- National Chow Chow Club The breed club in the United Kingdom
- The Royal Belgian Chow Chow Club
- Chow Chow Fanciers of Canada