HEAD
Skull and Stop - proudly carried, large in proportion to the size of the dog but never so exaggerated as to make the dog seem top heavy or to result in a low carriage. The top skull is broad and flat from side to side and front to back. Coat and loose skin cannot substitute for the correct bone structure. Viewed in profile, the toplines of the muzzle and skull are approximately parallel, joined by a moderate stop. The padding of the brows may make the stop appear steeper than it is.
Muzzle - the muzzle is short in comparison to the length of the top skull but never less than one-third of the head length. The muzzle is broad and well filled out under the eyes, its width and depth are equal and both dimensions should appear to be the same from its base to its tip. This square appearance is achieved by correct bone structure plus padding of the muzzle and full cushioned lips. The muzzle should never be so padded or cushioned as to make it appear other than square in shape. The upper lips completely cover the lower lips when the mouth is closed but should not be pendulous.
Nose -large, broad and black in color with well opened nostrils.
Disqualifying Fault - nose spotted or distinctly other color than black, except in blue Chows which may have a solid blue or slate noses. and cream Chows which may have a range of nose colors.
Cream chows may have a range of nose color, from dark black/brown solid pigment, fading to pinkish pigment, with or without darker nose rim pigment at the outer edge, as puppies or adults; all of which are equally correct.
Mouth and Tongue - edges of the lips black, tissues of the mouth mostly black, gums preferably black. A solid black mouth is ideal. The top surface and edges of the tongue a solid blueblack, the darker the better.
Disqualifying Fault - the top surface or edges of the tongue red or pink or with one or more spots of red or pink.
Teeth -strong and even with a scissors bite.
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