In China the chow chow was used for guarding junks and for pulling carts.  Its flesh was eaten and there was a market for its fur.  This very sad history plus the lack of a single master has dampened the personality of this extremely beautiful dog.  It appears introverted, detached, and indifferent. It is, however, a loyal, sincere dog that is very affectionate toward its owner. It is very polite, clean, and patient but will not accept muzzles or leashes gladly.

The images of a chow chow appear in a two thousand year old Chinese bas-relief.  Its popularity in Europe dates back to the second half of the nineteenth century when it was brought to England and one was given to the Prince of Wales, which made it quite popular in that country at the time.

The chow chow has an appearance of  proud bearing. Its head is broad with a flat skull.  The muzzle is broad near the eyes and narrow toward a black nose without becoming pointed. The eyes are small and oblique and dark.  The ears are triangular, erect, and turned forward.  the tongue, palate, gums and lips are purple. Its fur is long and thick with a woolly undercoat.  Its ample collar is what gives it its lion like main look.

Colors are tan, red, cream, blue, black, silver-gray, or rarely white.  It is always unicolored with few markings, if any.

The height for the chow chow varies between  19 to 20 inches and the weight is between 55 to 60 pounds. Its chest size is broad and deep and its tail is thickly covered with hair, carried over its back.

If you want a cute and cuddly companion who looks, acts and sounds like a lion with the temperament of a lamb, you should look into choosing the chow chow for your life long companion.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author