GNU Free Documentation License Jurriaan Schulman

Chow Chow, or Chow, is a breed of dog originating from China, where it is referred to as Songshi Quan (鬆獅犬 ), which literally means "puffy-lion dog." The breed has also been called the Tang Quan, "Dog of the Tang Empire."

 

Appearance

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The Chow is a stocky dog with broad skull and small, rounded ears. The breed has a very dense coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick around the neck, giving the distinctive ruff or mane. The coat may be one of several colours including reddish-brown (described as "red"), black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Not all these colour varieties are recognized as valid in all countries. Individuals with patchy or multicoloured coats are considered to be outside the breed standard. Chows are distinguished by their unusual blue-black/purple tongue and very straight hind legs, resulting in a rather stilted gait.

Temperament

While commonly kept as a companion dog, the Chow has a reputation for being a wilful and independent breed that is sometimes difficult to train. They can be very aloof and wary of strangers. They often do not get along well with other dogs unless properly socialized. Chows are extremely loyal to their own family, though they may be less friendly to strangers.

Health

Like many heavy-set dogs, the Chow may be prone to hip dysplasia. They may also be susceptible to entropion, an eye irritation caused by an eyelid abnormality. Their average lifespan is about 15 years.

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History

The Chow is a unique type of dog, thought to be one of the oldest recognizable breeds. A bas-relief from 150 BC (during the Han Dynasty) includes a hunting dog similar in appearance to the Chow. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog that probably originated in Siberia or Mongolia, used as temple guards.[1] Later Chow Chows were bred as a general-purpose working dog for herding, hunting and guarding. Chows are also known to be one of the many dogs in China fattened up and eaten by peasants living in sparse, rural lands.

Trivia

• Arcanine and Growlithe, two Pokémon of the fire type resemble the Chow Chow with their fluffy tails that sit on their back.

• In American Psycho, a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, serial killer Patrick Bateman buys a chow for his girlfriend, then subsequently drowns it.

• In another novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Glamorama, one of the Victor Ward's girlfriends, Allison, owns two Chows named Mr. and Mrs. Chow. When Victor enters Allison's apartment without her there, the chows defend their territory and proceed to attack him.

• Martha Stewart owns several chows, which are frequently seen on Martha's shows and public appearances.

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