Chow Chow

This distinctive-looking dog breed has a proud, independent spirit that some describe as catlike. Often aloof and suspicious of strangers, the Chow Chow may not be a cuddle buddy, but for the right person, they are a fiercely loyal companion.

Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club

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Quick Facts

Height

Male: 19-22in

Female: 18-20in

Weight

Male: 55-71lb

Female: 44-60lb

Fun Fact

Blue tongue and lips aren’t the only thing unique to the Chow Chow. Did you know that the blue-coated Chow usually has a blue or gray nose?

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About this Breed

The Chow Chow (sometimes simply Chow) is an ancient dog breed that probably originated in Mongolia or Siberia before traveling to northern China thousands of years ago. It may have appeared in art there over 2000 years ago as a hunting dog. In China, it is referred to as Songshi Quan, which means “puffy-lion dog”. The breed has also been called the Tang Quan, “Dog of the Tang Empire,” perhaps because one Emperor owned over 5000 Chows. 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. It is one of the few ancient dog breeds still in existence in the world today.

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