What Were Chow Chows Bred For?

Scientists believe dogs were first domesticated in Siberia around 23,000 years ago. While their exact origin is still debated, it is understood that the domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) we have today are direct descendants of gray wolves (Canis lupus). While all domestic dogs have the same early origins, each breed’s different characteristics and traits vary greatly. The Chow Chow, for instance, is one of the most distinct of them all. For background, this ancient breed originated in northern China and is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in existence! In fact, Chow Chows have existed since the Han dynasty, which lasted from 206 BCE to 220 CE. But what were Chow Chows bred for? Continue reading to learn the five main reasons why this elegant dog breed was first created! 

Chow Chow Breed Description

Chow Chows carry a rich history that dates back thousands of years. While that is true, they have not changed much since their conception. They still have generally the same temperament and physical features as their early ancestors! These standard characteristics include having a medium-sized body and a sturdy, muscular build. Having said that, they are most widely known for their natural lion’s manes, fluffy double coats, and adorably smushed faces. They are also one of the few dog breeds with an all-natural blue-purple-black tongue! The Chow Chow has a lot of pigment-making cells called melanocytes. This helps them stand out from other dog breeds. 

Beyond their unique physical features, Chow Chows also possess a dignified, independent temperament. This makes them one of the more challenging dog breeds to train successfully. Nevertheless, Chow Chows were created to complete a handful of very important jobs, all of which made a lasting impression on the breed. 

What Were Chow Chows Bred for?

Now that you know more about this breed’s standard physical features and temperament, let’s get into the five main reasons why Chow Chows were bred! Before we get into it, it is critical to understand that while they were used for the following jobs, their exact origins and uses were not well-documented. This could result in some disparities, though it is widely accepted that Chow Chows were used to fulfill the following five roles:

1. Hunting

Hunting game birds was one of the main reasons for the Chow Chow purpose. Renowned for being skilled hunting companions, this breed relied heavily on their agility, endurance, and keen sense of smell to succeed. In addition to this, they also assisted hunters in tracking and retrieving the birds. Miraculously, this dog breed was even used to attack and kill wolves and leopards. In fact, they were so good at hunting that emperors during the Tang dynasty had a whopping 25,000 Chow Chows for just that purpose! 

2. Herding and Livestock Management

In some parts of northern China, Chow Chows were employed for herding. They were also used to manage livestock, such as sheep and cattle, on farms. They became the perfect farm dog because they have such a strong prey drive and a natural inclination for herding! Today, the two main dog breeds considered the best for this job are the border collie and the Australian cattle dog. So step aside, Chow Chows! 

3. Guarding

While their intimidation tactics worked well on hunting trips, Chow Chows were also highly valued in China as guard dogs for the same reason. This breed was used to protect people’s homes, livestock, property, or sometimes even valuable possessions. Their protective nature and strong territorial instincts made them good guard dogs. Furthermore, because Chow Chows are naturally aloof with strangers and sometimes aggressive with other animals, they became the best dogs for ensuring their owners — and their owner’s property — would be kept safe. 

4. Sledding (Pulling and Drafting)

First bred over 2,000 years ago, Chow Chows came in handy as working dogs for pulling and drafting purposes. This skill was especially useful throughout Mongolia, where sledding was relied upon for transportation and communication in harsh weather conditions. It was also used to transport critical supplies like mail, medicine, and food. Unlike other dog breeds, Chow Chows have a thick double coat of fur, which helps keep them insulated and warm — even in frigid, extreme temperatures. Chow Chows became the go-to dog breed for pulling carts, sleds, and other heavy loads with their high strength, endurance, and sturdy builds. 

5. Companion Pets

Last but not least, Chow Chows were also bred to be companion pets. Revered for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, this breed has held the position of furry friend for centuries. This is especially true for modern-day Chow Chows, who are typically cherished by their owners as being another addition to the family — just like their human “brothers” and “sisters”! Having said that, their role hasn’t changed much over the years. As a matter of fact, in the early days of the Chow Chow’s existence, this breed was reserved only for the wealthiest merchants. Seen as a symbol of grandeur and wealth, noblemen and emperors kept their Chow Chows pampered and well-taken care of inside their homes. Emperor Ling, who ruled during the Tang Dynasty, even bred Chows and kept them in the Imperial Household!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Andrey Danilov