Breeds in the Utility Group of Dogs

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Chow Chow

The Chow Chow has his origins in China where he has been known for at least 2,000 years as a guard, hunting dog and also a draught dog.  Largely Spitz he has some Mastiff blood in him too.  His name may well derive from the word "chaou" which means 'dog of great strength'.  In addition to his working qualities he was also regarded as a food source and his pelt was used for clothing.

The Chow is highly distinctive in appearance with a curious stilted gait and bluish-black mouth and tongue.  The coat is of two types - the rough which is seen more commonly and needs grooming daily; this is profuse and coarse and stands off the body with a soft woolly undercoat, particularly thick around the neck to form a mane and plentiful breechings on the hind legs.  The smooth coat is short and plush, though the rough coated Chow is more commonly seen

The first Chows were brought to England in 1781 from the Canton area of China by a member of the East India Company, but owing the China's "closed door" policy to the rest of the world they were slow to make an impact.  Queen Victoria was given a Chow in 1865 and 1881 the Prince of Wales had one which was shown.

The Chow Chow Club was founded in 1895 and the Breed Standard was based on a famous dog of the day, Chow VIII and this is still the Standard that is used. The Chow had been recognised by The Kennel Club in 1894.

They began to be seen in the showrings in the 1920s and a number appeared at the Crufts of 1925.  Medium in height at up to 22" they are solidly built and can weigh as much as 32kg; colours allowed are the familiar red and black though they are also bred in blue, fawn, cream and white.  All colours are solid though shading is permissible.

A quiet dog, he makes a good guard, and though he is independent he shows loyalty and tends to be a one-man dog.

Click here to read the Chow Chow Breed Standard.

Selected Books

The time to make sure that the Chow is the right breed for you is before you bring him home. If you and your dog are going to be a good match speak to breeders, Breed Clubs, and generally find out as much as you can about the breed.

Understanding dog psychology, and what his motivations are will save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

Chow Chow Breed Clubs

• CHINESE CHOW CLUB. Sec. Mrs M Bennett. Tel No: 01932 862304
• CHOW CHOW CLUB. Sec. Mrs V Elsworth. Tel No: 01767 313163
• CHOW CHOW CLUB OF SCOTLAND. Sec. Mr McKie. Tel No: 01357 529402
• CHOW CHOW CLUB OF WALES. Sec. Mrs B L Phillips. Tel No: 01594 516548
• MIDLAND CHOW CHOW CLUB. Sec. Mrs P Godber. Tel No: 01773 744634
• NATIONAL CHOW CHOW CLUB. Sec. Ms J Lefevre Tel No 01277 373609
• NORTH EASTERN CHOW CHOW CLUB. Sec. Mr D Robbins. Tel No: 0191 410 5290
• NORTHERN COUNTIES CHOW CHOW CLUB. Sec. Baroness Eve Williamson. Tel No: 01422 204240
• ULSTER CHOW CHOW CLUB. Sec. David Belshaw. Tel No: 02892 689465
• WEST OF ENGLAND CHOW CHOW CLUB. Sec. Mr R T Wine. Tel No: 01823 442075

Chow Chow Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should all be able to give you information about Chows requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own pet, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your dog.

Chow Chow Breeders

• Avimarr 
• Hiswin 
• Kawanna 
• Yokohama 
• Akakuro 
• Kevindale

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.