The chow-chow is one of the oldest dog breeds, with scientific research indicating a history of approximately 2000 – 3000 years. Several theories have emerged about its original homeland and origin. It is assumed to be of Arctic origin and appeared first in China; historians found references to chow-chows dating back to the 11th century BC. The dogs were described as having a strong physique, coarse fur, and completely straight hind legs. Another theory suggests that the conquering Mongol tribes used huge lion-like dogs with black tongues when they went to war against China.
The true origin of the breed is unknown; some historians believe they descend from ancient Roman mastiff-type dogs, which were crossed with spitz types. Another theory states that their ancestors include the Samoyed, Pomeranian dwarf spitz, Norwegian elkhund, and keeshond or wolfspitz.
Appearance in Europe
The first appearance of the chow-chow outside China dates back to the late 1700s. Sailors returning from the East brought a pair of chows into England by transporting them in the holds of large merchant ships. At that time, “chow-chow” was a slang term used for goods, items, living animals—basically, the whole cargo—carried by ships. And just like a nickname, the term “chow-chow” stuck to the dogs.
Attention dear chow friends and fans!
We warmly welcome everyone to our Facebook community, the Chow-Chow Breeders and Lovers Friendly Circle. Click the yellow link and join our Facebook community, share photos of your beloved dogs with fellow chow enthusiasts, and we are happy to read your kind stories about them. You can ask meaningful advice from the breeders present on the site and share your own experiences with us and other chow fans! We warmly welcome every chow owner and enthusiast with lots of useful and interesting information, articles, and pictures about the breed! Join us!
Character, temperament, behavior
Chow-chows are exceptional household pets, naturally well-mannered, do not destroy things, do not dig, and only bark when they have a reason to. It is one of the easiest breeds to house train.
Due to their hunting instincts, chows do not always get along well with cats; it can also be said that many chows tend to chase cats rather than like them. The chow is a proud breed, it does not stoop to dogs of other breeds, which is perhaps one reason other dog breeds do not like it. Another reason relates to the chow’s scent, as it lacks the typically strong dog odor, so other dogs tend to avoid it.
Color variations
The chow-chow exists in 5 color variations, which are as follows:
- cream
- red
- cinnamon
- blue
- black
There is no such color as “brown,” “gray,” “silver,” or “cream-white” – all of these are merely different interpretations of the officially accepted colors. Regarding the different colored chows, I must mention that none of the colors is more valuable than another; they are all equal, though it is another matter which color variation anyone prefers.
More information about the chow-chow breed:
Broken Hill’s Heart chow-chow kennel
Our communities on Facebook for chow-chow lovers, friends, and fans:
Chow-Chow Breeders and Lovers Friendly Circle
We warmly welcome every chow friend, lover, and enthusiast with lots of useful and interesting information about the chow breed! Join us!
Article author: Ildikó Lázárné Vámosi, breeder of the Broken Hill’s Heart chow-chow kennel & dog article writer and author
The featured image was created by Erzsébet Sebestyénné Enyedi, the breeder of the Szentmiklósi Csillag Fénye chow-chow and pug kennel.
The chows featured in the highlighted image are adult and puppy dogs from the Broken Hill’s Heart chow-chow kennel and the Szentmiklósi Csillag Fénye chow-chow and pug kennel.
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More useful and valuable articles for dog lovers can be viewed on the author's official website.
Find the official website of Ildikó Vámosi, dog article writer and author:
Http://ildikovamosi.hu/
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