a breed of dog. The chow chow originated in China and Manchuria, where it was bred as a hunting dog and was also used for food. It was brought to Great Britain in the 19th century and considerably improved. Because of its distinctive appearance, it is now bred as a show dog and pet. The chow chow is of medium height, 45 cm or higher. It has a massive head, a short muzzle, and a broad chest. The front legs are massive; the hind legs have short shins and straight hocks. The tail is highly placed and curved over the back. The fur is straight, with a thick undercoat, and is especially long on the neck, the extremities, and the tail. Its color is various shades of yellow, black, gray, or white. Chow chows are found all over the world.