Chow Chow Dog Breed: The Dogs With Blue Black Tongue

Chow Chow Dog Breed: The Dogs With Blue Black Tongues

This is not a food article, but instead, let’s take a look at this increasingly popular Dog breed in Singapore. Unfortunately, this Dog breed is not HDB approved, even though they are adaptable to apartment living conditions. You can keep them in a private estate, but just how lovely are these scruffy Teddy-Lion lookalikes?

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Chow Chow Dog

The origins of the Chow Chow possibly began in Northern China, where they are fondly referred to as “Song Shi Quan” (Puffy Lion Dog) and also “Tang Quan” (Dog of the Tang Dynasty). Through DNA tests, Chow Chows were discovered to be one of the few Ancient Dog breeds in the World, with records dating as far back as the Han Dynasty. Chows have a similar attribute as the Shih Tzus, because they were often depicted as Fu Lion sculptures that sit guard at Temple entrances too!

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Research has shown that the Chow Chow Dog breed most likely originated from regions in Siberia or Mongolia, and later on China and Tibet, were they were kept as Temple guard Dogs. Ancient wall carvings and pottery art from 150 BC showed a similar looking hunting Dog. Historians strongly believe that Chow Chows were the very Dogs that accompanied the Mongolian Armies as they invaded China and Europe during the 13^th century AD.

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A Chinese legend mentioned one Chinese ruler rumoured to own close to 5,000 Chow Chows during his reign, all of which were bred for hunting and pulling sleds. Sadly, Chows were also considered a form of delicacies and a source of food too (oh no…) On a much lighter note, it was also said that Teddy Bears were actually inspired by Queen Victoria’s Chow Chow puppy, which also led to the popularity boost of this Dog breed in England. The first Chow Chow appearance in an American Dog Show was in 1890, but the AKC (American Kennel Club) officially recognised the Chow Chow as a breed only in 1903.

Fun Fact      It is unclear how the name Chow Chow came about, some believe that early British sea merchants used to have these Dogs in their loot, amongst other miscellaneous items, all of which were referred to as “Chow Chow” ☺

Martha Stewart and her Chow, Genghis Khan

What Does A Chow Chow Look Like?

This is a Medium to Large sized Dog with a sturdy built, broad, flat top skull and deep-set almond shaped eyes. An average adult Chow Chow can weigh from 20 to 30 kilograms depending on gender with Males on the heavier end. Chow Chow Dogs have two varieties of coat types, one being the commonly found rough coat and the latter being a smooth coat. Both of which have thick and woolly undercoats.

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A thicker mane surrounds their necks (like a Lion) and their deep muzzles contributes to their “scowling” expression. Let’s not forget their very distinctive appearance exclusive only to them and the Chinese Shar-Pei Dog breed (a Dog breed known for its deep wrinkly-looking skin), their blue-black sometimes purplish tongues. A Chow’s tail is heavily furred and curled, resting on their backs. Both smooth and rough coats are available in 5 main colours, such as Cream, Red, Blue, Black and Cinnamon.

Blue Tongue

Chow Chow Grooming Requirements

A thick double coat like the Chow Chow certainly requires more maintenance to prevent tangles and matting, be prepared to give your Chow a good brushing at least three times per week, and take note to go deep enough to reach beyond their thick woolly undercoats. Since they are heavy-shedders, so a regular combing helps by speeding up the process of removing loose hair = lesser hair on your furniture and around the house ☺ Conditioning sprays work best while combing their coats to avoid hair breakage.

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Try to bath them once a month, especially if you frequently bring your Chow outdoors for playtime. Don’t forget to clean out their Ears if you spot wax or dirt build-up, with a cotton ball and a Vet-approved Ear cleanser. Practice good oral hygiene with routine brushing using a Pet-friendly toothpaste, trim their nails whenever necessary— as long as they start to clack on the ground, its time for a trim. If you are unsure how to do these tasks, approach your trusted Veterinarian or Groomer for guidance and advice!

Chow Chow Breed Personality

Many describe the Chow Chow to be rather akin to Cats, because of their aloof, intelligent, quiet and independent nature. A well trained Chow should not be aggressive nor shy, even though they can be very protective over whom they’re loyal to, and also property. Experts advise on behavioural training for Chow Chows to begin at an early age, in order to promote socializing and curb aggressiveness.

Young Chow Pups

Despite their muscular bodies and work-Dog heritage, Chows do not need copious amounts or exercise. However, they still require daily walks and strolls like most Dogs do. Chows are generally reserved when meeting a new person for the first time, and it usually takes an introduction from their owners to allow friendliness towards the new person or pet. Again, training them to socialise from young is very important, this also helps when it comes to Grooming and Vet visits! ☺

Owning A Chow Chow In Singapore

Sorry folks, as mentioned earlier the Chow Chow is not HDB approved, so you can only own a Chow Chow if you are living in a private property. That’s not the only concern you should be wary of, Pet Ownership is a commitment and responsibility, always ensure you’ve done prior research and preparations before obtaining a Pet. A Chow Chow may require more time and effort in maintenance and training, with love and proper care, an average lifespan of a Chow Chow is 10 to 15 years, so be absolutely certain of your commitment!

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Adopt, Don’t Shop

Standard breeds are great, but we could say the same for all other crossbreeds and even mongrels. Before you head off to purchase a Pet, always keep an eye out for adoption drives or check out local shelters for more options, you could always count on finding your next loyal companion and providing a forever home for a rescued furry pal.

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Your Stories Can Be Heard Too

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Disclaimer

This article was written with informational purposes, as you know, we’d love to share our collective research and experiences as fellow Pet owners and lovers. It is not meant to alternate in any way as advice or diagnosis of Professionals. 

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