Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a spitz-type breed from northern China — sturdy and square, with a lion-like ruff, a scowling expression and a blue-black tongue.

History

It is one of the older recognisable breeds, kept in China for centuries as a guardian, hunter and hauler, and its dense double coat and deep-set eyes are hallmarks of that ancient northern stock. The blue-black tongue it shares with few other breeds is a curiosity of its own.

Temperament

The breed is known for being dignified, aloof and independent — devoted to its own household but reserved with strangers, and famously cat-like in its self-possession. That temperament makes early socialising essential.

Care and training

It needs moderate exercise and firm, patient, reward-based training that respects a stubborn, proud dog. The heavy double coat needs frequent brushing and sheds seasonally, and the deep coat makes heat a hazard.

Health

Known tendencies include hip and elbow dysplasia and entropion, an eyelid fault common in heavy-headed breeds. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.