Although Chow-Chows were hunters in China around 150 B.C., it is believed they're much older than that.
Chows may be one of the oldest recognizable breeds of dogs. It was used for hunting, herding and protection. The most prominent characteristic of the breed is its blue-black tongue, or "black-mouthed dog". The name Chow-Chow was probably imposed by ship's captains who recorded knick-knacks brought from the Orient
