1907 POSTCARD MILTON KENNEL SERIES 594
How could I not add this unusual depiction of a “chow” to my collection? It shows just how varied the descriptions were of the breed back in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s when the “Standard” had only just been written in England.
Chows were described by travelers and writers with many interesting traits such as “wild animal-like”, looking like a wolf, lion or hyena, or one describing them as being very much a “terrier” type in nature and coat. Piercing black eyes were another common trait description.
There is also an old newspaper story I posted on Chowtales of a Chow on board a ship who could swivel his head completely around ! CLICK HERE
The one very important thing all writings in my archive collection describe is the Chow having a blue/black tongue which this artists rendering is certainly missing.
My guess is this dog pictured is a fusion of tall tales from tall ships, coupled with the documented phrase of “chow chow , or chou chou” being used to describe assorted items being transported in the ship’s holds. This is one of my most unusual and treasured “chow” finds!
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