Chow Dog Breed

A Chow dog breed is perhaps the most ancient breed in the world. The body structure of these dogs is similar to the fossils that date back to several million years ago. The Chow Chow was developed in China as a multi-purpose breed. These dogs were efficient hunters, personal protectors, and guards. They pulled carts and were used for fur and meat that was a delicacy in ancient and even present day China.

A Chow dog breed was introduced to England in the 19th century. The name of the breed is probably derived from a pidgin word meaning any stuff brought from the Far East. In the West, this breed became popular as a family pet, watchdog and guard. It’s prized both for its unusual appearance and wonderful personality.

As for the appearance, the Chow dog breed resembles much of a Sun Bear that is found in Asia. These bears have very deep wrinkles on the muzzle, small sunken eyes, and small round ears. Other distinctive features of the Chow Chow are the bluish black tongue, straight hind legs, curved tail carried over the back, and dense furry coat. This breed comes in two coat varieties: rough and smooth. These dogs have a large ruff that creates a lion-like appearance. The common coat colors for the Chow Chow are solid black, red, cinnamon, cream, and blue. Tan, gray, and white coats are rare. Darker or lighter shading is accepted, but spots are a serious fault.

As for the temperament, these dogs are very calm, self-assured, and confident. The Chow Chow is very dominant by nature; it requires a firm and strong-willed owner and consistent obedience training. If the owner cannot stay in the alpha position, the Chow Chow will be difficult to live with, because a large and strong dog is too protective, territorial, aggressive, manipulating, and obstinate. A well-trained Chow Chow is loyal, devoted to the family and aloof but not aggressive with strangers. A strong instinct to be dominating can be explained by a long history of the Chow dog breed when a working dog didn’t have a single master and had to stand its ground.