CHOW CHOW

Chow chow. breed of dog that differs from all other dogs in having a blue-black tongue. The breed originated in China and is known to date to the Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220); it is believed by some to be one of the oldest of all breeds. The name chow chow is apparently derived from an English term used in the 19th century to refer to cargo from the Orient. The chow chow is built compactly with a large head and a thick coat that forms a dense ruff about the neck. The coat is evenly coloured, in any of various shades, such as reddish brown, black, or blue-gray. The adult stands about 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) and weighs 45 to 70 pounds (20 to 32 kg). Temperamentally, the breed is usually loyal to owners but reserved and aloof with strangers. See the Table of Selected Breeds of Non-Sporting Dogs for further information.