often has a clever gift for parlour tricks. In China, his fatherland,
he is esteemed for another quality--his excellence as a substitute
for roast mutton.

Though in his own country he is regarded as plebeian, just a common
cur, he is by no means a mongrel. That he is of ancient lineage is
proved by the fact that he always breeds true to type. He yields to
the Pekinese Spaniel the claim to be the Royal dog of China, yet his
blood must be of the bluest. If you doubt it, look at his tongue.

Outwardly, the Chow worthily embodies the kind, faithful heart and
the brave spirit within. His compact body (weighing 40 lbs. or more),
with the beautiful fur coat and ruff, the plume tail turned over on
his back and almost meeting his neck-ruff, the strong, straight legs
and neat, catlike feet, gives an impression of symmetry, power, and
alertness. His handsome face wears a "scowl." This is the technical
term for the "no nonsense" look which deters strangers from undue
familiarity, though to friends his expression is kindness itself.

Though the Chow has many perfections, the perfect Chow has not yet
arrived. He nearly came with Ch. Chow VIII.--long since dead,
alas!--and with Ch. Fu Chow, the best Chow now living, his light
coloured eyes being his only defect. With many judges, however, this
dog's black coat handicaps him sadly in competition with his red
brethren. Chow VIII. is considered the best and most typical dog ever
benched, notwithstanding his somewhat round eyes. Almond eyes are
of course correct in Chinamen. Ch. Red Craze owns the head which is
perfect with the correct ear-carriage and broad muzzle, and the scowl
and characteristic expression of a good Chow.