Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a dog breed that developed in China approximately 4,000 years ago. The Chow Chow, of Mongolian origin, was introduced to England by British merchant ships along with exotic goods. An individual was even given to the Prince of Wales. The origin of the name "Chow Chow" probably comes from the Mandarin inscription meaning "miscellaneous goods" that was marked on boxes containing the first dogs of this breed imported from China to England. Deriving the word from a reduplication of the term "chow," which means "food," because this breed of dog was cooked in China, is incorrect since the term to describe this dog in Mandarin is "sōngshī quǎn," which means "fluffy-lion dog." The Chow Chow is believed to have been used as a hunting dog by the emperors of China. The origins of the Chow Chow are attributed to China, where it was used as a guard dog and also for hunting. Arriving in England in the early 19th century, the breed only became known from the 1920s onward, notably at the Crufts dog show in 1925. In France, the first traces of the Chow Chow's presence date from the 19th century. However, this dog remained relatively rare until the 1920s, when the Chow-Chow Club of France was created, under the impetus of Renée Maréchal. Following this, the Chow Chow became very popular in Paris high society, then democratized during the war. The Chow-Chow Club of France was dissolved in 1952 and replaced by the French Chow-Chow Club, which remains the official club of the breed today.

The Chow Chow is very expansive with those it loves, but it can appear indifferent most of the time. It tires relatively quickly during games or effort. Like many Asian dogs, it is a good watchdog, barks little and always for good reason; it is naturally calm but with character and can show aggression, particularly toward other dogs. It should therefore be trained intelligently, with gentleness but firmness, from an early age. The Chow Chow is a companion dog that suits calm people well. It can live very well in an apartment if it exercises daily physical activity.

The Chow Chow is a compact breed with a short loin, leonine aspect and well-structured. The Chow Chow has no rear angulation, which gives it a "stiff" gait. The height ranges from 48 to 56 cm for the male and 46 to 51 cm for the female. The chest is broad and deep. The very full tail is carried hanging over the back. The Chow Chow's head is broad and its flat skull recalls that of a bear. The muzzle is short like in the Shar Pei. The nose is black, but for light-colored specimens, a lighter-colored nose is allowed. The eyes are small, almond-shaped and dark. The triangular ears, with rounded tips, are turned forward and slightly convergent. The tongue, palate, gums and lips must imperatively be blue or purplish, which is typical of the breed (pink gums are allowed in cream). The coat is long, thick, abundant with a woolly undercoat. The short-haired variety is little known to the general public. In the long coat, an ample collar of fur gives the Chow Chow a leonine appearance. The coat should not be so abundant as to hinder movement or cause distress in warm weather. The colors allowed are black, red, blue, fawn, cream and white, always in a solid shade. The culottes and the underside of the tail are frequently a lighter color.

Its lifespan is between 10 and 14 years for a healthy Chow Chow. It needs frequent brushing (daily if possible), particularly during shedding periods. Brushing is also necessary for the short-haired variety but requires much less time.