ICCF Official Breed Standard
Brief Historical Summary
The Chow Chow is one of the most ancient dog breeds of East Asia, believed to have originated in the northern regions of China and Mongolia. For centuries, these dogs were used as guards, watchdogs and draft animals, which shaped their strong constitution, stable character and ability to work in harsh climates. Archaeological findings and ancient depictions indicate that dogs of this type existed more than two thousand years ago. The breed was introduced to Europe in the 19th century, where it quickly gained recognition due to its unusual appearance, dense coat and the characteristic bluish-black tongue — a unique breed trait. Today, the Chow Chow is valued as a decorative and guardian breed with a distinct, expressive personality.
General Appearance
The Chow Chow is a compact, sturdy dog of square format with a powerful build and a characteristic dense coat. The outline is straight and firm, with well-developed musculature hidden beneath the abundant coat. The head is large and broad, with a pronounced muzzle and a distinctive fullness of soft tissues that create a slightly frowning expression. The chest is deep, the back straight, the limbs strong and straight. The tail is set high and carried tightly curled over the back. The coat may be long or short, but always dense and thick. The overall appearance is a combination of strength, dignity, independence and a unique eastern type. The Chow Chow looks confident and somewhat aloof.
Important Proportions
The Chow Chow must have a square format: the body length is nearly equal to the height at the withers. The chest is deep, reaching the elbow, with well-arched ribs. The length of the head is proportional to the body, the muzzle is broad and deep, and does not taper sharply. The neck is short, strong and slightly arched, forming the breed’s characteristic silhouette. The shoulders are well laid back with moderate but not exaggerated angulation. The tail is set high, adding compactness to the rear assembly. All proportions must express strength, stability and breed typicality, without lightness or coarse heaviness. Correct proportions emphasize the unique static balance of the breed.
Behavior and Temperament
The Chow Chow has an independent, calm and reserved temperament, reflecting its long development as a guardian and watchdog breed. It is balanced, cautious with strangers and deeply attached to its family, yet not overly affectionate or demanding. This breed has a strong sense of dignity and prefers to maintain a respectful distance, while remaining reliable and loyal to its owner. The Chow Chow is not prone to unnecessary conflict, but when threatened, it can show determination and steadfastness. The breed requires respectful, consistent training and early socialization to guide its independent character into harmonious behavior.
Head
The head of the Chow Chow is large, broad and massive, with pronounced fullness of soft tissues that create the characteristic frowning expression. The skull is wide and flat, with well-developed cheekbones. The stop is moderately defined, with a smooth transition to the muzzle. The muzzle is broad, deep and square in shape, with a straight profile. The lips are thick, tight and well pigmented. The jaws are strong, with a full set of teeth and a scissor bite. The nose is large and black, with lighter tones permitted in light-colored dogs. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped and deep-set, giving the breed its typical serious expression. The ears are small, triangular, erect and slightly tilted forward, enhancing the distinctive “scowling” look.
Foreface
The foreface of the Chow Chow is powerful and deep, forming the characteristic breed profile. The muzzle is broad from base to tip, straight and deep, without narrowing. The lips are thick, well-fitting and fully pigmented. A distinctive feature of the breed is the bluish-black tongue and dark oral mucosa, a hallmark of breed purity. The nose is large, with wide nostrils and full pigmentation. The stop is moderate but visually softened by the fullness of tissues above the brow. The infraorbital region is filled but not loose. All facial lines must emphasize seriousness, independence and integrity of type; elongated, narrow or light forefaces are incorrect.
Eyes
The eyes of the Chow Chow are dark, almond-shaped and deep-set, giving a serious, thoughtful expression. They must be small but not excessively narrow, with tight, well-pigmented eyelids. The gaze is calm and balanced, showing natural composure without excessive alertness. Round, bulging eyes, light irises or poor pigmentation of the eyelids are faults. Signs of irritation, excessive tearing or entropion/ectropion compromise health and breed type. Correct eyes emphasize dignity, independence and confidence.
Ears
The ears of the Chow Chow are small, triangular, thick in texture, erect and widely spaced, but slightly tilted forward, creating the signature “frowning” expression. The tips are rounded and point toward the center of the skull. They must be firmly erect with strong cartilage. Soft, semi-erect or low-set ears, or ears that spread outward excessively, are incorrect. Proper ears highlight compactness of the head, strength of expression and a key element of breed type.
Neck
The neck is short, powerful and well muscled, with a slight arch that contributes to the breed’s dense, compact appearance. It must be strong enough to support the large head and the abundant ruff of coat. The skin is tight without loose folds, though the volume of coat may visually enhance the strength of the front assembly. The neck is set high and blends smoothly into the shoulders, forming the typical static silhouette. A long, thin or overly short neck disrupts balance. A correct neck emphasizes strength, confidence and the breed’s ancient type.
Body
The body is compact, strong and square, with a powerful but dry structure. The topline is straight, firm and steady. The withers are moderately defined, merging into a short, solid back. The loin is broad, strong and well muscled. The chest is deep and wide with well-arched ribs reaching to the elbows. The underline is moderately tucked up. The croup is short, slightly sloping and firm. The body must not appear coarse or loose; compactness and solidity are essential. A sagging back, narrow chest or overly elongated body are faults. The correct body emphasizes solidity, strength and the classic breed form.
Tail
The tail is set high, thick at the base, well feathered and tightly curled over the back or to one side. It must harmonize with the overall silhouette, not appearing too long or too short. A straight, hanging or improperly curled tail is incorrect. The tail must not have kinks or insufficient lift. A correct tail enhances the breed’s compact outline and completes the characteristic topline of the Chow Chow.
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, strong and stable, set parallel under the body. The shoulders are moderately sloping and well-fitted, forming balanced angulation with the upper arm. The upper arm is muscular and of equal length to the shoulder blade. The elbows point straight back and do not turn inward or outward. The forearms are straight and strong, with well-developed tendons. The wrists are strong and short. The pasterns are straight or slightly sloping, firm and not weak. Weak joints, out-turned elbows, or excessive heaviness are faults. Correct forequarters provide stability and support the breed’s characteristic straight movement.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters of the Chow Chow are straight, strong and minimally angulated — a key breed feature. The thighs are muscular but not coarse, of medium length. The lower thighs are straight, forming nearly a straight angle at the stifle, which produces the distinctive “pillar-like” stance. The hocks are set high, strong and parallel when viewed from behind. The metatarsi are short, vertical and firm. Excessive angulation, cow-hocked or barrel-hocked stance, weak joints or deviations in structure are faults. Correct hindquarters produce the breed’s unique straight, somewhat stiff gait.
Gait / Movement
The movement of the Chow Chow is unique: straight, short, somewhat stiff and reflecting minimal angulation. The limbs move straight forward and backward without pronounced reach or drive. Viewed from the front or rear, the limbs remain parallel without crossing or swinging. The stride is short but stable. The topline remains firm. Overly free, extended or swinging movements contradict breed type. The gait must emphasize the ancient, static style of the Chow Chow, showing balance and solidity.
Coat
The coat is dense, thick and double. The outer coat is straight, harsh and stands off the body, forming the characteristic “lion-like” silhouette. The undercoat is soft, woolly and very dense. Two coat types are allowed: long and smooth. The long coat forms a ruff around the neck and feathering on the limbs and tail; the smooth coat is shorter, resilient and plush with a thick undercoat. Soft, wavy, sparse coat or lack of undercoat are incorrect. The coat is one of the most essential breed features and must emphasize the striking, monumental appearance.
Colors
Permitted colors include solid black, red, blue, lilac, cream and all shades of fawn. All colors must be solid, even and clear, without patterns or patchiness. Slight lightening on the hindquarters or tail is acceptable. White markings (other than a small patch on the chest) are undesirable. Rustiness in dark dogs, fading or poor pigmentation of the nose and eyelids are faults. Color must enhance the breed’s monolithic silhouette and harmonize with coat structure.
Size
The Chow Chow is a medium-sized dog with a compact, square format and clearly expressed sexual dimorphism. Height at the withers for males is typically 48–56 cm, for females 46–51 cm. Weight ranges from 20 to 32 kg depending on sex and build. Balance between mass, coat volume and limb stability is essential; dogs must not be overly heavy or loose. Serious deviations affecting function, movement or type are faults.
Faults
Faults include any deviations that compromise harmony and breed type: slight narrowness of chest, mild weakness of back, insufficient rib curvature; minor deviations in limb parallelism, slightly soft pasterns or imperfect ear set; slightly light eyes or insufficient pigmentation; coat that is too soft, wavy or lacking undercoat; minor gait irregularities such as a short step or mild body sway. All faults must be evaluated by degree and impact on functionality.
Disqualifying Faults
Serious deviations destroying breed type include: pronounced shyness, unjustified aggression or behavior preventing examination; significant depigmentation of nose, lips or eyelids; pink nose in dark dogs; colors not permitted by standard — spotted, merle, brindle or mixed patterns; extensive white markings; incorrect bite (undershot, overshot, level bite) or multiple missing teeth beyond the allowance; drop ears or semi-erect ears in adult dogs; severe structural faults of limbs, pronounced gait abnormalities, coat defects or absence of undercoat; any signs of mixed origin.
Important Notes
When evaluating the Chow Chow, it is essential to consider its unique movement, minimal angulation and distinctive appearance, which must not be distorted by modern exaggerations. The breed must not be made overly light, long-legged or high-angulated, as these traits contradict classical type. Caution around strangers and independence are natural and should not be misinterpreted if the dog remains under control. Slight looseness or instability in young dogs may be acceptable during development. Key evaluation criteria include balance, strength, health, coat quality and stable temperament.
Conclusion
The Chow Chow is an ancient, distinct breed combining a unique exterior, strong constitution and calm independence. All anatomical, behavioral and coat features must emphasize the traditional type shaped by its historical role as a guardian and protector. Square format, powerful head, dense double coat, minimal angulation and characteristic gait are essential elements of the breed. Extremes that disrupt solidity and type are unacceptable. The goal of breeding is to maintain health, stable temperament, expressive breed type and functional harmony, preserving the ancient lineage of the Chow Chow in its true and classical form.
