| The Chow Chow is the only dog with a black tongue,
a characteristic it shares with some small bears. This
lion-like member of the spitz family has been known
in its native China for more than 2,000 years. It was
bred variously for its flesh, its fur, and as a hunter of
game, its name possibly deriving from the Chinese
Choo Hunting Dog. The Chow Chow is said to have
been the original "Mastiff" of the Tibetan Lama, and
is also referred to in early Chinese writings as the
Tartar Dog and the Dog of the Barbarians.
The first Chow Chow imported into Britain in 1760
was exhibited in a zoo. In 1895, the Chow Chow
Club was formed there, and in 1905 the first member
of the breed was exported from Britain to America.
This was Mrs Garnett Botfield's Chinese Chum
that, in 1905, became the first American Chow
Chow champion. In 1936, Mrs V.A.
Mawnooch's Champion Choonam Hung
Kwong won the Best in Show title at Crufts
Dog Show. He was the recipient of 44
British Challenge certificates and was
valued at the then immense sum of
US$8,400.
The Chow Chow has always had
a reputation for ferocity, but
although a formidable opponent,
it is unlikely to attack unless
provoked. It is a faithful,
odor-free dog that makes
a good pet, but prefers
to look to one person
as its master and
needs firm but
gentle handling.
A good daily
walk will
suffice, but
the full coat
requires
considerable
attention with
a wire brush.
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