Chow chow

Chow chow puppies, resembling bear cubs, require little effort. One owner says, “They are quiet and not mischievous. They don’t insist on being played with. Adult dogs are the same. They are really fuss free.”

This breed’s history is reputated to go back 3000 years, but concrete information is available only from about 150 B.C. Theories about its origin tend to emphasize the breed’s use as a food source, but they also were known to work as hound dogs, sled dogs, and guard dogs. Several theories persist about the origin of their breed name.

The saintly, unperturbed nature of dogs of this breed is matched by their loyalty to their owners, although they are never given to fawning. One owner says, “Even if other dogs try to pick a fight, these dogs ignore them.” However, they are fearless and highly protective, although they rarely bark.

When mature, they gain quite a bit of weight and grow featherings around their neck like a lion’s mane. Black chow chows look like hairy bears, and, with their blue-black tongues, their appearance is striking.

Their straight, stiltlike hind legs make them slow, rather clumsy manners, supposedly a legacy of their use as stock. They do enjoy exercise, however, although they are sensitive to heat.

Brushing every other day is sufficient, except during the shedding season. Also, dogs with deep-set eyes may have trouble with ingrown eyelashes.

Origin: China
Size: (male) Height 19-22 inches; weight 49-67 pounds
(female) Height 18-20 inches; weight 36-56 pounds
Coat: Rough and dense; undercoat is woolly. Colors include red, cream, fawn, black, and blue.