About the Breed
A typical Spitz with the short back, cobby build, pointed and erect ears, and curled tail, it was bred for centuries for its fur and flesh, and is still so bred in Mongolia. The breed has a peculiar bluish-black tongue. It was first mentioned in England in 1789. This attractive breed is now popular in England and the U.S.A. Being aloof and suspicious it is an excellent guard, although devoted to its owners. This ancient Chinese breed has served a variety of purposes since its development many thousands of years ago. Its history is said to date back to the eleventh century BC, and in these early years Chow Chows were kept for hunting purposes. One Chinese emperor is said to have maintained a kennel of 5,000 of these dogs, cared for by 10,000 people! Subsequently, the breed was kept as a source of food, with young dogs being reared solely for this purpose on a diet comprised mainly of grain. The Chow Chow has also been used as a means of transporting goods and pulling sledges, and its fur has been made into clothing.
Chow Chows were first seen in Britain during the latter part of the eighteenth century, and were originally exhibited as wild dogs. They later gained more widespread acceptability when kept by Queen Victoria. Unfortunately, in spite of their close association with people, chow chows are not always the best-tempered of dogs. They can also be very difficult to train, compared with other breeds. Yet the Chow Chow often develops into a loyal companion, preferring to live with an individual person rather than as a family dog.
A good brushing is required to deep its coat in good condition, especially in the case of a long-coated dog. Regular exercise, preferably away from other dogs, is essential as well. As show dogs, Chow Chows often reign supreme, and a member of this breed holds the record out of all breeds for the greatest number of Challenge Certificates ever won.
Height 18 in min (45.5 cm)
Weight 55-60 lb (25-27.2 kg)
Coat type/colour . Coat abundant, dense and with a stand-off ruff, profuse mane and thick undercoat. A smooth-coated variety is seen occasionally. Colour red, black, blue, fawn, cream or white. Head has a flat, broad skull; ears small, erect; body compact; legs straight; tail well plumed and carried over the back.

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