for the Chow's jaws are powerful, and his dense coat is almost as 

 effectual a protection to his flesh as a suit of mail. It is not usual 

 for him to come off second best, and his nature bids him renew 

 the conflict whenever occasion serves. 



In appearance the Chow is distinctly favoured, his short 

 cobby body, straight forelegs, and powerful hindquarters making 

 him look compact and strong. The small pointed ears, carried 

 stiffly erect and forward over the eyes, are a fitting completion to 

 the head, which needs to be broad and flat. The expression 

 should be scowling rather than benevolent. Individual taste may 

 have much play in the choice of colours, as we may choose from 

 all black, red, yellow, blue or white. At present the red seems to 

 be the most in demand, although efforts are being made to 

 popularise the blue. This is a very beautiful colour when we get 

 it in purity and brilliancy, but so many blues have a rusty tinge 

 which is by no means agreeable. The blacks, too, sometimes 

 suffer under the same disability. Owners of blues and creams 

 complain that it is of little use exhibiting them, however typical 

 they may be, owing to the judicial preference for the reds. Well, 

 I may be wrong, but I should always be disposed to put shape 

 and type before colour, presuming of course, that the latter came 

 within the standard. The head is one of the most characteristic 

 features of the Chow, the blunt, broad muzzle having nothing of 

 the Pomeranian or foxy style about it. 



