Chow Chow

The Chow Chow breed is thought to be over 2000 years old. It is believed that the Chow is a descendant of the Spitz breed, but the true origin of the dog may never be known.

This truly ancient breed is thought to have originated in China from the Han Dynasty around 300 B.C. They were used as hunting and guard dogs.

The early Chow were kept by the aristocracy and in monasteries. Its black tongue is among the Chow’s most unique characteristics, and many Chinese nicknames for the dog are based on this feature.

When the breed was finally introduced to England in the late 18th century, it was given the Chinese name Chow Chow. The name, comes from a word meaning assorted curios and knick-knacks from the oriental Empire, was applied to the breed because the dogs were written into the ship’s cargo load as curios when brought to England.

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