I’ve always been interested in Chow Chows… there is just something about their appearance and even their name that catches your attention.
In my hometown, one guy owned a Chow Chow, and I didn’t see them often, but sometimes I would run into them on the street, and every time, I would excitedly think, “oh, I want to have that teddy-bear dog”.
Since then, I have learned a lot more about this breed, and it’s safe to say that I’m even more fascinated by them. You might also find these fun facts about Chow Chows interesting.
1. Purple Tongue Dogs
Chow Chows are frequently referred to as the dogs with the purple or blue tongue. And, yes… they are one of the unique dog breeds that have a distinctive blue, grayish, purple, and even black tongue. This characteristic is, however, more often seen in lizards than in dogs.
But, these dogs are not born with this distinctive purple tongue. As with any other breed, they are born with a pink tongue. In fact, the color starts to develop as their eyes open.
According to the AKC, by the time the puppy is about six months old, the color should be completely developed, otherwise, the dog won’t be eligible to compete in conformation dog shows.
2. Cat-Like Personality
If you were to ask a Chow Chow owner what their personality is like, they would most likely tell you that they are similar to cats.
Chow Chows are unique in their behaviors, often displaying “cat-like” traits. These dogs are known for their fastidious grooming habits, frequently licking their paws and cleaning themselves in a way that mirrors feline behavior.
This grooming ritual helps them maintain their pristine appearance, especially given their thick, luxurious coat. They also tend to be somewhat finicky about their personal space. Unlike many other breeds, Chow Chows are not overly demanding of attention and will seek affection only when they feel comfortable.
This “cat-like” quality means they might ignore you or keep to themselves if they’re in the mood for solitude. Additionally, they can be particular about the company they keep.
Chow Chows may not always play well with unfamiliar dogs or people, preferring to stick to their familiar social circle. Their aloof demeanor can be endearing to those who appreciate a more independent dog, but it may take some time for new individuals to earn their trust
3. Unique Looks
Chow Chows have an exotic-looking coat, so when you see one, you’ll probably think of how fluffy they actually are. It is because of this that they differ from most other breeds of dogs.
In addition, they have a thick mane and rounded ears, giving them an appearance similar to the “king of the jungle”, a.k.a., the lion. And, you can’t miss their curly tail, which is set high and carried close to their back.
4. Old Souls
Chow Chows are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds. Demographic analysis using a refined sequencing approach found that these dogs originated from the Chinese indigenous dog about 8300 years ago.
This proved that Chow Chows are one of the most basal lineages of dog evolution (relating to gray wolves) that originated with some other East Asian breeds, such as the Akita Inu or the Shar-Pei.
5. Two Extra Teeth
Another unusual feature of Chow Chows is their extra set of teeth. They are the only dogs in the world that have 44 teeth instead of 42, like other dog breeds.
Chow Chow puppies are born with an extra pair of milk teeth, which they usually end up losing; however, this interesting feature makes their infant bite more similar to a wild bear’s one than a dog’s.
6. Foot Fetish
According to many Chow Chow owners, a lot of these dogs have a strange foot fetish… that’s right — a foot fetish. They either love to sit or lay on your feet, or lick them.
7. Suspicious Of Strangers
Chow Chows are very territorial and protective dogs, which makes them also very suspicious of strangers and even other dogs. If they are not properly trained, things can even get out of control.
However, they are very loyal, and they become pretty attached to one person and their immediate family, which is also one more characteristic that is similar to felines.
8. Name Origin
The origin of the Chow Chow’s name still remains a subject to debate, but many believe that it was derived from an English term in the 18th century used to describe cargo that came from the far East.
It’s a nickname, like “knick-knack” describing miscellaneous things. So, it’s highly likely that when this breed first arrived in England, they referred to it as Chow Chow – something that came from the East.
The breed’s proper Chinese name is actually “Songshi Quan”, which means puffy-lion dog, but they’re also called “Lang Kou” (Wolf Dog), “Hsiung Kou” (Bear Dog), “Hei Shet Kou” (Black-tongued Dog), and “Kwantung Kou” (Dog of Canton).
9. Retired Working Dogs
Today, people mostly see Chow Chows as fluffy pets, but during their long history, they played many important roles. They served as hard-working dogs, and were trained to be hunters, guarders, and haulers.
At some point, Chow Chows were even companions to the lords. According to the AKC, an emperor of the Tang Dynasty (the 8th century) was so impressed with these dogs that he owned a kennel with 5,000 Chows.
10. Loyal And Protective
Despite their aloof and independent nature, Chow Chows are incredibly loyal to their families. Once they form a bond with their owner, they become steadfast companions. Their loyalty isn’t just emotional; they take their protective role seriously.
Chow Chows are known to be highly territorial, and this instinct makes them excellent guard dogs. Their presence alone often serves as a deterrent to potential intruders. They are deeply attached to their family members and will go to great lengths to keep them safe.
This protective streak, however, doesn’t always extend to strangers, as they can be wary of unfamiliar faces. Chow Chows will act as a reliable first line of defense, keeping watch over their home and loved ones, always alert to anything that seems out of place.
11. Not The Most Social Breed
Chow Chows are not the most social dogs, and they tend to be reserved, particularly around strangers. These dogs are often described as having a dignified, even standoffish, air about them.
While they are affectionate and loving with their family, they don’t always seek out social interaction, especially with people they don’t know. Chow Chows tend to warm up to familiar faces, but it can take time for them to trust and feel comfortable with new people.
This reserved nature makes them better suited for owners who are looking for a dog that’s more laid-back and less demanding of constant socializing. Their aloofness isn’t a sign of aggression; rather, it’s a reflection of their dignified, independent character.
In fact, Chow Chows are often content to observe from the sidelines, calmly watching people and other animals from a distance. For those who value privacy and quiet companionship, a Chow Chow’s selective social nature can be the perfect fit.
12. Moderate Exercise Needs
While Chow Chows are generally calm indoors, they still need regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Unlike some high-energy breeds that require hours of activity each day, Chow Chows are more moderate in their exercise needs.
They enjoy short walks and gentle outdoor activities but don’t need intense daily workouts. A daily stroll around the block or a short walk in the park is usually enough to satisfy their exercise requirements.
This makes them a good choice for owners who may not have the time or energy for long, strenuous runs or hikes. Despite their calm demeanor, regular exercise helps prevent boredom and keeps them physically fit.
Chow Chows also enjoy some playtime, but they typically prefer more laid-back games like fetch or a leisurely romp in the yard. As long as they are provided with consistent, moderate physical activity, they can thrive in both apartment living and larger homes.
Their ability to adapt to a variety of activity levels is part of what makes them such a versatile breed for different types of families.