What is Chow Chow and Everything You Need to Understand

The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2,000 years ago.

Its name "Chow Chow" is derived from the Chinese word "chou", which means "edible", likely due to the breed's original purpose as a food dog.

The Chow Chow is known for its distinctive physical appearance, with a thick double coat and a blue-black tongue.

It's also a relatively small breed, weighing between 55-75 pounds.

Chow Chows are often described as loyal and protective of their families, but can be wary of strangers.

This makes them great watchdogs, but may require time and patience to socialize.

The Chow Chow's origin story is a fascinating one. The breed has been around for a long time, with some research suggesting it originated from other indigenous dogs in central China about 8,300 years ago.

The ancient breed evolved and developed unique features, such as its dark tongue, coat of fur, and stronger build. The Chow Chow's distinctive appearance has been mentioned in Chinese legends, with one legend describing large war dogs from Central Asia that resembled black-tongued lions.

One Chinese ruler was said to own 5,000 Chows, which is a testament to the breed's popularity in ancient times. The Chinese also used Chows to pull dog sleds through swampy terrain, a fact that was noted by Marco Polo.

The English name "Chow Chow" is of uncertain origin, but some believe it may come from Pidgin English. The breed's name is also thought to derive from the pidgin English term "chow", which means "miscellaneous" and was used to describe the various cargo aboard ships from China in the late 18th century.

Chow Chows are a sturdy breed with a broad chest and muscular legs, making them a great companion. They stand between 17-22 inches tall, with males weighing between 55-70 pounds and females weighing between 45-60 pounds.

Their coat is a distinctive feature, with two types: rough and smooth. The rough coat is dense and coarse, while the smooth coat is less common and has a shorter texture. Chow Chows come in a variety of colors, including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.

A Chow Chow's eyes are typically deep-set and almond-shaped, while their tongue is a unique blue-black color, a characteristic shared with the Shar Pei breed. Their hind legs are straight, resulting in a rather stilted gait.

The Chow Chow is a unique breed with some fascinating physical characteristics. They typically stand between 17 and 20 inches tall.

Their weight range is quite broad, spanning from 45 to 70 pounds. This can make for a substantial companion, to say the least.

Their lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 8 to 12 years. This means they'll be with you for a significant portion of your life, but not as long as some other breeds.

Here's a quick rundown of some key stats:

Chow Chows are a sturdy breed, standing between 17-22 inches tall at the shoulder. Males typically weigh between 55-70 pounds, while females weigh between 45-60 pounds.

Their broad skulls and small, triangular ears make them easily recognizable. The breed's unique feature is its blue-black tongue, which is a dominant trait found in most mixed breed dogs that come from a Chow Chow.

Chow Chows have a distinctive ruff or mane appearance due to their thick fur around the neck. They come in a variety of colors, including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.

Their coats can be either rough or smooth, with the rough coat being the most common. The rough coat is dense and coarse, with a thick undercoat that provides excellent insulation against cold temperatures.

Here is a summary of the breed's height and weight:

Their deep-set eyes and curly tail are also distinctive features of the breed. The nose should be black, but blue-coated Chow Chows can have a solid blue or slate-colored nose.

Chow Chows come in two distinct coat types: rough and smooth coated chows. The rough coat is quite impressive, with a dense and coarse texture that's perfect for cold climates.

The rough coat has a thick undercoat that provides excellent insulation against the cold. This is a great feature for dog owners who live in chilly areas.

One of the most striking features of Chow Chows is their variety of colors. Chow Chows can be found in red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.

Red is the most well-known color of Chow Chows, but they can also be found in other colors like black, blue, and cinnamon.

The Chow Chow is a unique breed with a temperament that's often described as independent and stubborn. They can be difficult to train, but with patience and consistency, they can become well-mannered and obedient companions.

One of the most notable characteristics of Chow Chows is their aloofness towards strangers, which can make them wary of new people and animals. Early socialization is essential to help them develop good manners around new faces.

Chow Chows are not particularly playful as adults, but they do have a strong guarding instinct, making them excellent watchdogs. They'll defend their loved ones when necessary, but they're not high-strung or overly aggressive.

In fact, Chow Chows are often described as loyal and loving companions, forming incredibly strong bonds with their owners. They're devoted to their families and make great family pets, but they're not suited for families with boisterous younger children.

Here are some key personality traits to keep in mind when considering a Chow Chow as a pet:

Overall, Chow Chows are a unique breed that requires patience, consistency, and early socialization. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, they can make wonderful and loving companions.

Chowchow is not just a tasty condiment, but it also has some surprising health benefits.

Chowchow is made from a mixture of vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and onions, which are all rich in vitamins and minerals.

Eating chowchow regularly can help support healthy digestion, thanks to its high fiber content.

The mixture of vegetables in chowchow also provides a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.

Cabbage, a key ingredient in chowchow, contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Carrots, another key ingredient, are high in vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision and immune function.

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Chow Chows are one of the oldest dog breeds, with origins dating back over 2,000 years. They're a sturdily built dog with a thick coat that made them well-suited for various tasks.

Their distinctive blue-black or purple tongue is one of only a few breeds with this unique feature. Some Chow Chows may also sport black, blue, or cinnamon-colored coats.

Chow Chows have been owned by famous figures, including Martha Stewart and Sigmund Freud, who appreciated their independent nature.

The AKC formally recognized the Chow Chow in 1903, marking an important milestone in the breed's history.

This recognition came five years after the French Bulldog was recognized by the AKC in 1898.

The AKC's recognition of the Chow Chow in 1903 was a significant event, but it wasn't the only one that year - four other breeds, the Boxer, Chihuahua, Schipperke, and Standard Schnauzer, were all recognized by the AKC in 1904, just one year later.

Chow Chows are one of the oldest dog breeds, with origins dating back over 2,000 years.

They're built for tough tasks like hunting, guarding, and even pulling sleds, thanks to their sturdy bodies and thick coats.

You might be surprised to know that Chow Chows are one of only a few breeds with a blue-black or purple tongue.

Some Chow Chows may also sport black, blue, or cinnamon-colored coats.

Here's a quick rundown of some key stats about Chow Chows:

Chow Chows have been owned by famous figures, including Martha Stewart and Sigmund Freud, which speaks to their unique appeal.

Their independent nature can make them seem aloof, but with the right owner, they can form strong bonds.