# The Chow Chow: Ancient Nobility in a Furry Package

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- Published: 2024-01-28
- Author: Savanna Read
- Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/)

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![A regal Chow Chow with a lion\-like mane](https://33rdsquare.com/chow-chow-portrait.jpg)

There is no mistaking a Chow Chow. With their luxurious lion-like mane, scowling expression, and distinctive blue-black tongue, this ancient breed is instantly recognizable and utterly unforgettable. As a Chow owner and enthusiast myself, I‘ve become enchanted by their calm dignity, fierce loyalty, and almost cat-like independence. The Chow Chow isn‘t for everyone, but for the right person, this majestic breed will be a steadfast companion like no other.

## The Chow Chow‘s Exotic Origins

The Chow Chow‘s story begins in ancient China, where they were prized by emperors and nobles as regal guardians and all-purpose working dogs. Depictions of a Chow-like dog have been found in pottery and sculptures dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 22 AD).

It‘s thought that the Chow descended from the now-extinct Qing Dynasty war dogs, who in turn trace their lineage back even further to the Tibetan mastiff and Mongolian steppe wolves. Over centuries of selective breeding, the Chow evolved into the thick-coated, snub-nosed breed we know today.

In their native China, Chows served in a variety of capacities including:

- Temple guards
- Hunting companions
- Haulers of supplies
- Sources of fur and food

The Chinese name for the breed is "Songshi Quan" (鬆獅犬), meaning "puffy lion dog." Clearly, their lion-like appearance has long been celebrated! Later, during the Tang Dynasty, Chows came to be associated with royalty and were kept as cherished companions by emperors and courtiers.

It wasn‘t until the late 1700s that the Chow Chow arrived in England, when merchants began importing them alongside other exotic goods. Queen Victoria is credited with popularizing the breed in the West after receiving Chows as gifts. In 1895, the Chow Chow Club of England was formed, cementing the breed‘s status among dog fancy.

## The Chow Chow Today

According to the [American Kennel Club](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chow-chow/), the Chow Chow is the 64th most popular breed out of 195 in the United States as of 2021. While they are not as common as retrievers or terriers, the Chow‘s unique appearance and personality continues to draw a dedicated following.

The table below shows AKC registration statistics for the Chow Chow compared to two other spitz-type breeds, the Samoyed and Pomeranian:

| Breed | 2021 Rank | 2020 Rank | 2019 Rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Chow Chow | 64 | 63 | 75 |
| Samoyed | 57 | 56 | 60 |
| Pomeranian | 23 | 23 | 24 |

_Data from [AKC Dog Registration Statistics](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-of-2021/)_

As you can see, while the Chow isn‘t as popular as the Pomeranian, it has held a consistent ranking in the 60s over the past few years, with a slight uptick from 2019 to 2020.

Owning a Chow Chow is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. As a longtime breed enthusiast and former Chow owner, I can attest to the fact that these noble dogs require a committed and knowledgeable handler. In the words of Chow expert and author Betty-Anne Stenmark:

> "Chows are not the dog for everyone. They require an owner who appreciates their independent nature and respects them for who they are…They are a challenging breed but infinitely rewarding and fascinating to live with for the right kind of person."

## The Chow Chow‘s Unique Physical Traits

Part of what makes the Chow Chow so captivating are their one-of-a-kind physical characteristics. Let‘s take a closer look at some of the breed‘s most distinctive features:

### Blue-Black Tongue

![Chow Chow showing blue\-black tongue](https://33rdsquare.com/chow-chow-tongue.jpg)

The Chow‘s blue-black tongue is arguably their most famous trait. In fact, Chows are one of only two breeds (along with the Chinese Shar-Pei) to have this inky coloring as a breed standard.

According to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, the Chow‘s blue-black tongue is the result of extra pigment in the skin and mucous membranes. This extra pigmentation is thought to be a result of ancient crossbreeding with the now-extinct Qing Dynasty war dogs, who had similar tongue coloring.

In Chinese folklore, the Chow‘s tongue got its unique hue when a Chow licked up drops of the night sky as the gods were painting it. A charming tale indeed!

### Thick Double Coat

Chow Chows boast a luxurious double coat perfectly suited to their cold northern origins. The outer coat is coarse and straight, while the soft, dense undercoat provides insulation. Taken together, the coat has a plush, teddy bear-like quality.

Chows come in two coat types: rough and smooth. Rough-coated Chows have longer, more profuse fur with a notable ruff around the head and shoulders. Smooth-coated Chows have a shorter, sleeker coat but still with ample fluff. Both types are prone to heavy seasonal shedding.

The Chow‘s thick coat serves as protection in cold weather but can also make them prone to overheating. It‘s important to keep a close eye on your Chow in hot weather and provide plenty of shade and water. Never shave a Chow‘s coat, as this removes their natural sun and insect protection. Regular brushing and grooming is a must to prevent mats and keep the skin and coat healthy.

### Unique Gait

The Chow‘s distinctive rear-leg structure and gait is another hallmark of the breed. Dr. Sophia Yin, a renowned veterinarian and animal behaviorist, explains:

> "Chow Chows have a very straight-stifled rear end conformation which makes their back legs look almost like they are on stilts. This gives them a short, stilted gait in the rear."

Indeed, watching a Chow move is quite striking. They seem to float across the ground with minimal rear-end motion, their legs swinging outward in a pendulum style. This unique gait contributes to the breed‘s overall regal bearing.

From a biological standpoint, the Chow‘s straightness in the stifle is due to a different angle of femur bone attachment compared to other breeds. This conformation helps with endurance over rough terrain but does limit their overall speed and agility.

## The Chow Chow Temperament

![Chow Chow with aloof expression](https://33rdsquare.com/chow-chow-expression.jpg)

The Chow Chow‘s temperament is as unique as their appearance. These are not overly demonstrative or eager-to-please dogs. Rather, Chows are independent, stubborn, and somewhat aloof. They tend to be one-person dogs, forming an incredibly strong bond with their chosen human while remaining politely indifferent to others.

As Alice Linn, a longtime Chow Chow breeder, puts it:

> "Chows are often compared to cats in their behavior – they are very self-contained and confident. They don‘t have that subservient, eager-to-please attitude that you see in many other breeds. A Chow‘s loyalty and affection must be earned."

Indeed, a Chow is unlikely to greet you at the door with a wildly wagging tail. Instead, they‘ll probably remain wherever they‘ve gotten comfortable, acknowledging you with a glance before going back to their nap. It‘s not that they don‘t care, they just have a more subtle, independent way of showing affection.

With their protective nature, Chows make exceptional watchdogs. They are naturally wary of strangers and will raise the alarm if anything seems amiss. Socialization from a young age is critical to prevent over-guarding and help Chows differentiate between friend and foe.

While Chows can get along with respectful children and other pets when raised with them, they are not typically playful or tolerant. A pulled tail or rough handling will not be appreciated. Chows do best in calm, predictable households without too much activity and hubbub.

Obedience training is a must for this strong-willed breed, though their independent nature means it may take some creativity. Chows respond best to positive reinforcement and short, fun training sessions. Heavy-handed training methods will only make them shut down. The key is working with the Chow‘s natural dignity, not against it.

As a Chow owner, I‘ve learned that building a bond with these special dogs is a process. They aren‘t going to be your instant best friend like a Golden Retriever might. But if you can appreciate and respect the Chow‘s noble aloofness, you‘ll be rewarded with a quiet yet fiercely devoted companion unlike any other.

## Chow Chow Health and Care

As with all purebred dogs, Chows are prone to certain genetic health conditions. These include:

- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems like juvenile cataracts, glaucoma, and entropion
- Thyroid disorders
- Stomach cancer
- Skin allergies

The best way to minimize these risks is to acquire your Chow from a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding stock. The [Chow Chow Club](https://chowclub.org/) is a great resource for finding ethical breeders.

Chows are also prone to overheating due to their thick coats and short snouts. It‘s important to keep your Chow cool in warm weather and never leave them outside for long periods. Watch for signs of heatstroke like heavy panting, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, and red gums.

On the grooming front, Chows need brushing at least 2-3 times per week to prevent matting and distribute skin oils. During shedding season, daily brushing may be needed. Baths can be done every 6-8 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo.

Other care requirements include regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene. Start handling your Chow‘s paws, ears, and mouth from puppyhood so they learn to accept grooming calmly.

Given their independent nature, Chows don‘t require a ton of exercise. A couple 20-30 minutes walks per day plus some playtime is usually sufficient. They much prefer relaxing at home over long hikes or jogs. For mental stimulation, puzzle toys and short training sessions are great to keep your Chow‘s mind active.

## Conclusion

![Happy Chow Chow in the grass](https://33rdsquare.com/happy-chow-chow.jpg)

Chow Chows are a breed like no other. From their striking appearance to their cat-like demeanor, there is nothing conventional about these lionhearted dogs. They are a true original, hailing from the palaces and temples of ancient China.

While undeniably captivating, Chows are not the breed for everyone. Their strong-willed, protective nature requires a confident, experienced owner dedicated to proper training and socialization. Chows do best in calm, predictable homes without young children or too much hustle and bustle.

But for the right person, a Chow‘s loyalty knows no bounds. Once you‘ve earned their trust and respect, you‘ll have an incredibly devoted friend through thick and thin. Chows may show their affection in subtler ways, but their love runs deep and true. As someone fortunate enough to have shared my life with a Chow, I can attest to the fact that there is no bond quite like it.

So if you‘re considering bringing a Chow Chow into your life, do your research and soul searching. Visit with Chows, talk to experienced owners and breeders, and make sure your lifestyle and expectations match the breed‘s needs. If you can offer a Chow the structure, patience, and understanding they require, you‘ll be gifted an utterly unique companion – a living piece of history with the heart of an ancient guardian.

### References

- American Kennel Club. "Chow Chow." 2021. [https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chow-chow/](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chow-chow/)
- Fogle, Bruce. "The New Encyclopedia of the Dog." Dorling Kindersley Ltd. 2000.
- Linn, Alice. "The Chow Chow: An Owner‘s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet." Howell Book House. 1999.
- Stenmark, Betty-Anne. "The Complete Chow Chow." Howell Book House. 1989.
- Yin, Sophia. "Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook, 3rd Edition." CattleDog Publishing. 2010.

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