| Chow Chow |
Coat:
Origin:
Height:
Color:
Guard Ability:
Life Span:
Weight:
Learning rate:
Obedience:
Temperament:
Watch Ability:
Activity level:
18-22 inches
High
Low
12-15 Years
Dense outercoat, soft undercoat
High
China
Black, red, blue, fawn and cream
Low
Alert, independent
45-75 pounds
High
Chow Chow, or Chow, is a breed of dog
originating from Mongolia and Northern
China, where it is referred to as Songshi
Quan (Pinyin: sōngshī quǎn), which literally
means "puffy-lion-dog."
originating from Mongolia and Northern
China, where it is referred to as Songshi
Quan (Pinyin: sōngshī quǎn), which literally
means "puffy-lion-dog."
Appearance
The 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 colors including
reddish-brown (described as "red"), black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Chows are
distinguished by their unusual blue-black/purple tongue and very straight hind legs,
resulting in a rather stilted gait.
Temperament
While commonly kept as a companion dog, the Chow has a reputation for being a
willful and independent breed that is sometimes difficult to train. They may be very aloof
and wary of strangers. They often do not get along well with other dogs unless properly
socialized. Chows are extremely loyal to their own family, though they may be less
friendly to strangers.
History
The Chow is a unique breed of dog thought to be one of the oldest recognizable
breeds. Research indicates it is one of the first primitive breeds to evolve from the wolf.
Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog that probably
originated in the high steppe regions of Siberia or Mongolia, and much later used as
temple guards in China, Mongolia and Tibet.
The 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 colors including
reddish-brown (described as "red"), black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Chows are
distinguished by their unusual blue-black/purple tongue and very straight hind legs,
resulting in a rather stilted gait.
Temperament
While commonly kept as a companion dog, the Chow has a reputation for being a
willful and independent breed that is sometimes difficult to train. They may be very aloof
and wary of strangers. They often do not get along well with other dogs unless properly
socialized. Chows are extremely loyal to their own family, though they may be less
friendly to strangers.
History
The Chow is a unique breed of dog thought to be one of the oldest recognizable
breeds. Research indicates it is one of the first primitive breeds to evolve from the wolf.
Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog that probably
originated in the high steppe regions of Siberia or Mongolia, and much later used as
temple guards in China, Mongolia and Tibet.
