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Chow Chow Dog Breed
 | Chow Chow, or Chow, is a breed of dog
originating from Mongolia and Northern China, where it is referred to as
Songshi Quan (鬆獅犬 Pinyin: sōngshī quǎn), which literally means "puffy-lion
dog." The breed has also been called the Tang Quan, "Dog of the Tang Empire."
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. |
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Chow Chow Dog Breed
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Information about
Chow Chow Dog Breed
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Appearance
The Chow is a stocky dog with broad skull and small, rounded ears. The breed has
a very dense coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick
around the neck, giving the distinctive ruff or mane. The coat may be one of
several colors including reddish-brown (described as "red"), black, blue,
cinnamon, and cream. Not all these color varieties are recognized as valid in
all countries. Individuals with patchy or multicolored coats are considered to
be outside the breed standard. Chows are distinguished by their unusual
blue-black/purple tongue and very straight hind legs, resulting in a rather
stilted gait. The blue-black/purple tongue gene appears to be dominant, as
almost all mix breed dogs who come from a Chow retain the tounge color.
Temperament
While commonly kept as a companion dog, the Chow has a reputation for being a
willful and independent breed that is sometimes difficult to train. They may be
very aloof and wary of strangers. They often do not get along well with other
dogs unless properly socialized. Chows are extremely loyal to their own family,
though they may be less friendly to strangers. The typical Chow's behavior is
commonly thought to be more similar to a domestic cat rather than a domestic
dog.
Health
Like many heavy-set dogs, the Chow may be prone to hip dysplasia. They may also
be susceptible to entropion, an eye irritation caused by an eyelid abnormality.
Their average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years.
History
The Chow is a unique breed of dog thought to be one of the oldest recognizable
breeds. Research indicates it is one of the first primative breeds to evolve
from the wolf. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest
breeds of dog that probably originated in the high steppe regions of Siberia or
Mongolia, and much later used as temple guards in China, Mongolia and Tibet.[1]
From what records survive, some historians believe that the Chow was the dog
described as accompanying the Mongolian armies as they invaded south into China
as well as west into Europe and southwest into the Middle East. A bas-relief
from 150 BC (during the Han Dynasty) includes a hunting dog similar in
appearance to the Chow. Later Chow Chows were bred as a general-purpose working
dog for herding, hunting, pulling and guarding. Chows are reputed to be one of
the many dog breeds in China fattened up and eaten during times of famine by
peasants living in sparse, rural lands.
Trivia
Grace Coolidge and her Chow, Timmy at the White House.U.S. President Calvin
Coolidge owned a black Chow Chow named Timmy who lived with him in the White
House[2].
Arcanine and Growlithe, two Pokemon of the fire type resemble the Chow Chow with
their fluffy tails that sit on their back.
In American Psycho, a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, serial killer Patrick Bateman
buys a chow for his girlfriend, then subsequently drowns it.
In another novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Glamorama, one of the Victor Ward's
girlfriends, Allison, owns two Chows named Mr. and Mrs. Chow. When Victor enters
Allison's apartment without her there, the chows defend their territory and
proceed to attack him.
Martha Stewart owns several chows, which are frequently seen on Martha's shows
and public appearances.
~From
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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