CHAPTER L 

 THE CHOW-CHOW AND HAIRLESS DOG 



IN China there are several different breeds of dogs showing a 

 marked contrast to one another. The one that has become 

 best known and is most commonly to be met with in this country 

 is that which was, until recently, known as the Edible Dog, but 

 which has now a separate section in the Kennel Club Stud Book 

 allotted to it under the definition of Chow-Chow. It is difficult 

 to say whence this name originated, as the breed is apparently 

 not known by any such name in its native country, where it is, 

 however, sometimes called the Wolf-dog, probably on account 

 of its being used in packs for hunting purposes in the North of 

 China. 



To the casual observer this dog, although larger, somewhat 

 resembles a coarse or half-bred Pomeranian, but a closer inspection 

 shows that there are many points in which the two breeds essentially 

 differ. It is not, however, improbable that the Chow-Chow and 

 Esquimaux are related, as there are certain characteristics common 

 to both breeds. Moreover, it has been proved beyond doubt that 

 typical specimens of either variety can be bred by crossing the 

 two breeds together. 



In these Chinese dogs the forehead is broad, the muzzle pointed, 

 but not so pointed as in the Esquimaux, the ears are small, 

 rounded, and carried pricked well forward, the eyes are small and 

 jet-black, the body is short and compact, the. hocks are straight, 

 the coat is thick and harsh, with good under-coat, and the tail well 

 curled. For many years the only recognised colours were a deep 

 red and a jet-black, but more recently encouragement has been 

 given to the exhibition, and, as a natural consequence, the breeding, 

 of any colour. The result is that dogs that. would have had no 

 chance of winning prizes a few years ago on account of their bad 

 colour are at the present time able to do so, classes being specially 

 provided at some shows for dogs of any colour, other than red 

 or black. No doubt this innovation tends to increase the number 

 of entries at. shows, and makes the breeding of prize dogs so 

 much the easier, for every breeder, whatever variety he may be 



