Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is an ancient Chinese spitz breed recognized by pottery artifacts dating back to the Han Dynasty between 206 BC and 220 AD. Native handlers historically employed the dog for hunting, guarding monasteries, and hauling heavy sledges across northern provinces. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale places the breed in Group 5, covering Spitz and primitive types.

British merchant vessels carried the dogs to European ports during the late eighteenth century, culminating in the establishment of the British Chow Chow Club in 1895. The physical standard specifies a squarely proportioned frame with upright posture. Height at the withers measures between 48 and 56 centimeters (19 to 22 inches) for adult males and between 46 and 51 centimeters (18 to 20 inches) for females, with weights ranging from 20 to 32 kilograms (44 to 71 pounds). Anatomical hallmarks include an entirely blue-black tongue and gums, small thick ears tilted forward, and straight hocks that generate a characteristic stilted, pendulum-like hind gait.

Breed registries recognize two coat varieties: rough and smooth. The rough coat is profuse, straight, and off-standing with a harsh outer texture and woolly undercoat, forming an abundant mane around the neck; the smooth variety is short, uniform, and plush. Permitted solid shades comprise red, black, blue, fawn, cream, and white, showing lighter shading on the tail and thighs without patchy markings. Breed standards describe the temperament as calm, aloof, independent, and discerning, displaying unwavering loyalty toward household owners alongside reserved circumspection when encountering unfamiliar humans.

The dense double pelage renders the breed exceptionally vulnerable to thermal distress, demanding air-conditioned shelter during summer months and avoiding intense midday physical exertion. Common health concerns involve entropion of the eyelids, hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and autoimmune skin allergies. The straight pelvic limbs place extra biomechanical stress on cranial cruciate ligaments. Grooming calls for diligent brushing several times per week using slicker brushes and metal combs to prevent matting, alongside regular moisture inspections inside skin folds around the muzzle to stop dermatitis development.