The Chow Chow is said to have originated in China, where it was used primarily as a working dog and a watchdog.
It is thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, adorning the entrances of many Buddhist temples and palaces.
The Chow Chow got its name from the holds of ships they arrived in, called “Chow Chow”, which was slang for “miscellaneous merchandise”.
In China, the Chow Chow is also referred to as “Songshi Quan”, which means “puffy lion dog”.
Today, this descendant of the wolf is a very popular companion dog in the United States.
The Chow Chow is medium in size, with a rather sturdy and muscular build, and straight hind legs that give the breed a very upright and squared shape.
But the most notable features are its blue tongue and those incredibly fluffy coats.
Beware; Chows have a mind of their own, and are not the easiest of dog breeds to put up with, and may be hostile towards strangers or other animals because of their protective nature.
Chows are also prone to elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, and thyroid disease, so take caution when selecting a pup.
(photo: veganstraightedge)