The Chow Chow originated in China.  In its native land it is called Songshi Quan, which translates to “puffy-lion dog”.  Once a multi-purposed working breed, the Chow Chow is now mostly kept as a companion dog.
   
    Chow Chows stand between 18-22 inches and weigh between 45-70 pounds.  Its furry coat has two varieties, smooth and rough.  Colors come in a variety of shades that are always a solid color, they include red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream, tan, gray, and rarely white.   The tongue on this breed is oddly a blue/black color.  An interesting myth to explain their tongue, it states that when God was painting the sky blue He spilled a few drops of paint while he worked.  The Chow Chow licked up the paint and that is how it got its blue tongue.
   
    It has been thought that the Chow Chow is one of the oldest of dog breeds.  Recent DNA testing supports that fact, as this breed was included among 13 others in a recent study to be ancient breeds.  A bas-relief from the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 22 AD) depicts a hunting dog similar to the Chow Chow; however the breed may be even older.  Originally a working dog, this breed was guard, cart puller, and hunter.  One Emperor was said to have kept 2,500 dogs for hunting.  The meat of the Chow Chow was considered a delicacy, and in some places still eaten in China today.
   
    The Chow Chow can be a difficult breed to own, especially for a first time owner.  They are highly independent dogs and difficult to train.  They must be well socialized as a pup with humans, canines, and any other pets (such as cats) in the household.  Obedience training is a must and care should be given when they are meeting strangers.  They are very protective of their family and a stranger that pushes themselves on the dog may cause a Chow Chow to turn aggressive.