Chow-Chow Breed Origins and Caracteristics

This breed lives in China since 4000 years. In figures of the Han dynasty, the chow-chow appears clearly represented. Its origin must be found in Manchuria, where this breed was used. In the north of China, it was raised as a draught dog and for its skin. It is also useful as a guard dog. The chow-chow arrived to Europe for the first time in 1887, when the count Landsdale gave it as a present to his bride. Its curious aspect attracted all the glances and made it a dog in fashion quickly. Besides its extraordinary presence it has a unique character. It is quiet, not bellicose and brave. It is very independent and it is easily trained, but it guesses its master's desires instinctively and it satisfies them completely when the dog trusts him or her. It is not a dog with which you can play and it is not a good playmate for children.

The chow-chow belongs to the group of Asian Spitz that was used especially for hunting. The variety of straight-haired chow-chow has contributed to the creation of the Japanese Spitz. The biggest among them is the Akita-Inu which family tree goes back 1500 years. This extraordinarily strong dog is used as a guard, draught, deer and bear-hunting dog but it requires a firm hand for training.

Chow-chow. Size: 45-53 cm. Weight: 18-25 kg. Colors: red, blue, cinnamon (1), black (2), cream or white. These two last colors are very rare. The hair is abundant, dense, straight and stiff. The external hair is rough to the touch; the lower layer is soft and wavy. The short-haired Chow-Chow which external hair measures less than 4 cm and does not form a mane around the neck is less frequent.

Akita-Inu (3). Size: 63-69 cm. Weight: 59-60 kg. Colors: yellow, white, wheaten, black, grayish brown, dark gray, silver, steel blue, black and tan or straw. The hair is rough, straight and wild with a dense, soft and wavy lower layer.