The Chow Chow, also known as the Black-Tongue, the Black-Mouthed dog, Lang Kou (wolf dog), Hsiung Kou (bear dog), Hei She-t’ou (black-tongued) or Kwantung Kou (dog of Canton), or simply the Chow, is believed to be one of the oldest recognizable canine breeds. A lordly and aloof dog, it has become fashionable as both a guard dog and as a companion. The Chow was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903. The Chow Chow Club of America was admitted as an AKC member club in 1906.
The average Chow Chow stands from 17 to 20 inches at the withers and weighs between 45 and 70 pounds. Their coat can be either rough or smooth, both being double-coated and judged by the same standard without preference. Chows requires regular grooming to keep their exceptionally thick coat clean and healthy. The breed standard states that “essential to true Chow type are his unique blue-black tongue, scowling expression and stilted gait.” The breed has been described as having the mane of a lion, the tongue of a bear, the fur coat of a dowager and the stiff gait of a ceremonial guardsman.