Chow Chow

HISTORY- There were legends from he 11th century B.C. that when invaders came to China big lion- like dogs with black tongues attacked the enemy and brought them down for the barbarians to kill. Later on the barbarians offered some of these war dogs as tribute. Agreement among many historians said that the dogs were large, strong, and had red, profuse coats.

Chow chows arrival in China was the most primitive species before a basic breed. They are the oldest breed on earth. The Chow is an ancestor of the spitz- type dog (prick ears, double- coats, tails curled over backs, and wedge shaped muzzles). This breed of dog and bear eventually migrated to Asia. The dogs eventually multiplied in Mongolia and then attacked China.

No other animal, except for polar bears, have a bluish black tongue. The breed is 2,000 years old. Ancient pottery and sculptures have proof that in China the chow chow was a very versatile hunting dog. Dog flesh was a favorite dish in China so the dogs were brought up to work and also for meat. The long haired Chows fur was used for clothing.

Chow chows were finally smuggled into England by sailors in the late 18th century. The British thought this dog was interesting and they tried to feed it meat but they were vegetarians. The dogs were sent to zoos and labeled "The Wild Dogs of China". Queen Victoria received a puppy Chow as a gift and she loved it so much that she got a second one.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE- The Chow chow has a scowling, serious face. The dog has a bluish, black tongue and mouth. The Chow has a thick coat with a lion- like ruff around its head. It had a medium body but it looks bigger because of its huge coat. The Chow was once used to hunt tigers and bears but now it is in the non- sporting group.

Head, expression, and ears- The head is carried proudly and large compared to the body but it is not top heavy. The Chow's large head attracts attention. The dog carries his head like royalty, so it shouldn't be so big as to droop.

The head also shouldn't be smaller than the body. The look of the Chow seems mean and independent but that is just its appearance, not its attitude. The dog looks like it is scowling. The ears are small, sort of thick, and triangles. The tips are round and carried stiff slightly forward. They are wide apart on the inner corner on top of the skull. The ear will flop forward it the dog makes an unwanted move.

Mouth, tongue, and forequarters-The edges of the lips are black, most of the inside of the mouth and gums are black. A solid black mouth is a good dog. The top of the tongue should be blue- black. The Chow has a set of strong, muscular shoulders. The shoulder blades are close together. They don't have a long reach in forelegs.

The length of the upper arm should be less than the length of the shoulder blade. The elbows' joints are set back along the chest and wall and the elbows do not turn in or out.