GENERAL APPEARANCE

A powerful, sturdy, squarely built, upstanding dog
of Arctic type, medium in size with strong
muscular development and heavy bone. The body
is compact, short coupled, broad and deep, the tail
set high and carried closely to the back, the whole
supported by four straight, strong, sound legs.

Viewed from the side, the hind legs have little
apparent angulation and the hock joint and
metatarsals are directly beneath the hip joint. It is
this structure which produces the characteristic
short, stilted gait unique to the breed.

The large head with broad, flat skull and short,
broad and deep muzzle is proudly carried and
accentuated by a ruff.

Elegance and substance must be combined into a
well balanced whole, never so massive as to
outweigh his ability to be active, alert and agile.

Clothed in a smooth or an off standing rough
double coat, the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty,
dignity and naturalness, unique in his blue-black
tongue, scowling expression and stilted gait.

© 1996-2007 The Chow Chow Club Inc. - All rights reserved.