Chow Chow

For the food, see Chow-chow. Chow Chow, or Chow, is a breed of dog originating from China, where it is referred to as Songshi Quan (Pinyin: sōngshī quǎn 鬆獅犬), which literally means "puffy-lion dog." It is believed that the Chow Chow is one of the native dogs used as the model for the Foo dog, the traditional stone guardians found in front of Buddhist temples and palaces.
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Chow-chow is a relish made from a combination of different vegetables: cabbage, carrots, beans, asparagus, cauliflower, and peas which are pickled in a jar and served cold. The name is based on the French word chou for cabbage. Chow-chow is regionally associated with Pennsylvania and the southern United States, though the recipes vary greatly. Pennsylvania chow-chow, best known under the Wos-Wit brand, is generally much sweeter than the southern varieties. Chow-chow is used as a condiment on biscuits and gravy, pintos beans, hot dogs, hamburgers and other foods. Is is similar to and sometimes confused with piccalilli.
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Noun
1. breed of thick-coated medium-sized dogs with fluffy curled tails and distinctive blue-black tongues; believed to have originated in northern China
(synonym) chow
(hypernym) spitz

chow, chow chow, short heavy-set dog of Chinese origin

n. short heavy-set dog of Chinese origin, chow chow

Rough-coated chow chow, showing its black tongue.
Photo: Tara Darling

Height: 17-20 inches.
Weight: 45-70 lbs.
Life Span: 10-12 yrs.
Breed Group: Northern 
Overview
The quiet, independent chow chow is a one-person dog. It is not very demonstrative and can be aggressive, stubborn, and difficult to train. Chows are reserved with strangers and have a tendency to bite; deep-set eyes give these dogs poor peripheral vision, making them more likely to bite if surprised from behind. Early obedience classes and socialization with adults, children, and other animals are very important. The chow will tolerate children when raised with them but will not be playful.
Appearance
The chow chow's coat may be smooth or rough. The abundant outercoat is straight; the undercoat is soft, thick, and woolly. Color is red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream. Tongue is blue-black; feet are small; ears are thick and rounded. The tail curls over the back.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The rough-coated chow needs to be brushed daily; the smooth-coated variety needs to be brushed a few times a week, daily when shedding. The chow is content with short walks for exercise. Origins
Developed in northern China over 2,000 years ago, the chow chow was used for hunting, herding, pulling, protection of the home, and as a source of food and fur.
Special Alerts
Chows require experienced owners prepared for a significant time commitment. Find a breeder who breeds for temperament because chows can be aggressive.
Breed-related health concerns: hip dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, bloat.