CHOW CHOW

or chow

Breed of dog that shares with the shar-pei an unusual blue-black tongue.

The chow chow originated in China and dates to the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220); it may be one of the oldest of all dog breeds. It is compact and has a large head and a thick coat that forms a dense ruff about the neck. The coat is evenly coloured, either reddish brown, black, or blue-gray. The adult stands about 18–20 in. (46–51 cm) tall and weighs 45–70 lb (20–32 kg). The breed is usually loyal to owners but aloof with strangers.

Chow chow

Sally Anne Thompson/EB Inc.