Chow Chow — size comparison

The Chow Chow has a strong, compact body, a broad head and small upright ears. Its dark blue tongue is a defining feature. In the rough-coated variety, dense hair forms a full neck mane; a smooth-coated variety has a plush coat. The tail curls over the back, and relatively straight hind legs give the breed a distinctive short, stilted gait.

The breed comes from China, where similar dogs guarded property and assisted in hunting, among other roles. The earliest history is poorly documented, so stories of ancient ancestors do not establish an unbroken history of modern breeding. Dogs reached Britain from the late eighteenth century. Later interest in shows helped establish today’s appearance.

Chows are generally calm, independent and restrained in expressing emotion. Affection may take the form of quiet proximity rather than constant demands for play or stroking. They often keep their distance from strangers and dislike excessive familiarity. They watch their surroundings and may respond firmly to a concern. They learn household routines without constantly seeking instructions.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec rasy
• Charakter i pielęgnacja
• Waga
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia