When you see the Chow Dogs of today, you are seeing history -- ancient history. Chow Dogs are an ancient breed from northern China, where they were an all purpose dog used for hunting, herding, pulling and guarding of the home.

Today, Chow Dogs are elegant and fashionable pets, no doubt having gained much popularity because of their exposure on Martha Stewart's television show - where her Chows, Zu-Zu, Paw-Paw, Chin Chin and Empress Wu have made numerous appearances.

Chow Dogs are considered to be of Arctic type, having the thick double coat and curled over tail which is common to the Spitz type dog. Since Chow Dogs are a breed that has been around for over 2,000 years, their exact origin is somewhat hazy. Some believe that the Spitz relationship comes from the original breeding of the Tibetan Mastiff and the Samoyed. However, some believe that since Chow Dogs (or Chow Chow, as they are known in the American Kennel Club) have a blue-black tongue, it proves that the Chow is the dog behind the Samoyed, the Norwegian Elkhound, the Keeshond and the Pomeranian.

Wherever they came from, Chow Dogs are beautiful and unusual dogs. The overall impression is of a massive dog, with a powerful, square build. Because of the unusual structure of their back legs, Chow Dogs have a characteristic, stilted gait. This gait along with the dog's massive appearance may give the appearance of clumsiness, but Chows are noted for their agility.

There are two coat types, the rough and the smooth, and in the rough type the massiveness of appearance can definitely be accented. It is a "standoff" type of coat, standing out coarsely away from the soft, dense undercoat. In the smooth version of Chow Dogs, the outer coat is smooth and hard, with a definite soft undercoat.

Chow Dogs come in five solid colors or solid colors with lighter shading on the ruff and feathers in the rough-coat variety. The colors are: red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream. The rich colors contribute to the overall beauty of the Chow and contribute to their unique appearance. Chow Dogs have a very distinctive, frowning facial expression which is considered highly desirable. It is considered to be dignified, lordly, and even snobbish and Chow Chow lovers love it. Then there is that blue-black tongue -- got to have it, or your dog isn't a true Chow Chow. Even more desirable is an entirely black interior of the mouth. No cute little pink puppy tongues for these dogs!

While Chow Dogs are generally well-mannered, they can be bossy and extremely independent. It is considered desirable in the breed for the Chow to appear aloof and reserved, and this is definitely the way that Chow Dogs react to strangers. They can even behave this way with their owners too, although with the person they love most they are devoted, loyal and extremely protective. Chow Dogs can function well in a family, but they are truly "one person" dogs. And that one person should be a calm, strong person who is capable of taking on the leadership role with their dog. Otherwise, the independently minded Chow Chow can be self-willed to the point of obstinacy.

Chow Dogs require a relatively large amount of care to maintain their thick coats, especially in the rough-coated variety. Daily brushing will maintain the "standing out" look. As with many other breeds, Chow Dogs are seasonal shedders and their coats will require extra care at that time to keep the dead hair out.

Not major fitness buffs, Chow Dogs can actually be a bit lazy. It is a good idea to keep them regularly exercised, as this will improve their fitness and their lifespan (about 15 years.) But, if you are looking for a companion who will not run you all over the park, a Chow Chow may just fit the bill.