The Chow Chow has
been known in China (Mongolia) since 150 B.C. A member of
the Spitz family of dogs, some authorities claim that the
breed descends from the Tibetan Mastiff, while others hold
that the Chow Chow is an original breed. Some experts believe
the first specimens were black but when smoky blues appeared
in a litter, dogs of this colour were elevated to the role
of temple dogs which guarded the Buddhist monasteries.
The Show's guarding ability is legendary
in China where the breed has been known variously as "the
black-tongued," "wolf," and "bear
dog." This is the only breed of dog possessing a
blue-black tongue, and authorities claim this gives credence
to the "original" theory.
The breed was brought to England during
the latter part of the 18th century, but it was not until
Queen Victoria book an interest in Chow Chows that they
began to become popular. A breed club was formed in England
in 1895, and since becoming a recognized breed in the
United States in 1901, the Chow has made steady progress
on this continent.
Different styles of Chow Chow seem to
prevail in different parts of the world. However, international
authorities state that the breed style is becoming more
uniform around the world.
The Chow Chow is valued most today as
a pet and guardian of the home and is classified among
the breeds in the Non-Sporting Group. First registrations
for the breed in Canada are recorded in. The Canadian
Kennel Club Stud Book for the years 1911-1912.
Official Breed Standard
for the Chow Chow
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General Appearance:
A massive, cobby, powerful dog, active and alert,
with strong, muscular development, and perfect balance.
Body squares with height of leg at shoulder; head, broad
and flat, with short, broad, and deep muzzle, accentuated
by a ruff; the whole supported by straight, strong legs.
Clothed in a shining, offstanding coat, the Chow is a
masterpiece of beauty, dignity, and untouched naturalness.
Coat and Colour:
Coat abundant, dense, straight, and offstanding; rather
coarse in texture with a soft, woolly undercoat. It may
be any clear colour, solid throughout, with lighter shadings
on ruff, tail, and breechings.
The Smooth Chow Chow is judged by the same standard as
the rough variety with the exception of coat length. The
Smooth should have the same woolly undercoat, harsh texture
and dense outer coat as the rough variety, but the Smooth's
outer coat is short and gives a sleek appearance. There
should be no obvious ruff or feathering on legs and tail.
Head:
Large and massive in proportion to size of dog, with broad,
flat skull; well filled under the eyes; moderate stop;
and proudly carried. Muzzle short in comparison to length
of skull; broad from eyes to end of nose, and of equal
depth. Nose large, broad, and black in colour. the lips
somewhat full and overhanging. Teeth strong and level,
with a scissors bite; should neither be overshot, nor
undershot. Tongue a blue-black. The tissues of the mouth
should approximate black. Eyes small, slightly rounded
at tip, stiffly carried. they should be placed wide apart,
on top of the skull, and set with a slight, forward tilt.
Expression essentially dignified, lordly, scowling, discerning,
sober, and snobbish-one of independence.
Neck:
Strong, full, set well on the shoulders.
Forequarters:
Shoulder muscular, slightly sloping. Forelegs perfectly
straight, with heavy bone and upright pasterns.
Body:
Short, compact. Back short, straight, and strong. Chest
broad, deep, and muscular, with well-sprung ribs. A narrow
chest is a serious fault. Loins broad, deep, and powerful,
and let down in the flank.
Hindquarters:
Hind legs straight-hocked, muscular, and heavy boned.
Feet compact, round, cat-like, with thick pads.
Tail:
Set well up and carried closely to the back, following
line of spine at start.
Gait:
Completely individual. Short and stilted because of straight
hocks.
