chow chow

¹

[ chou chou ]

noun

, (often initial capital letters)

1. one of a Chinese breed of medium-sized dogs having a thick black, blue, red, or cream coat and a blue-black tongue.

chow-chow

²

[ chou-chou ]

noun

1. a Chinese mixed fruit preserve.
2. a relish of chopped mixed pickles in mustard sauce.

chow-chow

noun

1. a thick-coated breed of the spitz type of dog with a curled tail and a characteristic blue-black tongue; it came originally from China Often shortened tochow
2. a Chinese preserve of ginger, orange peel, etc in syrup
3. a mixed vegetable pickle

Word History and Origins

Origin of chow chow¹

1785–95; said to be < dialectal Chinese; compare Guangdong dial. gáu dog

Origin of chow chow²

Borrowed into English from Chinese Pidgin English around 1785–95

Word History and Origins

Origin of chow chow¹

C19: from pidgin English, probably based on Mandarin Chinese cha miscellaneous

Example Sentences

Thick-coated breeds and those with double coats like chow chows, Alaskan huskies, and golden retrievers are better at conserving heat in cool temperatures.

From Los Angeles Times

The opening day was also due to include the judging of a variety of dog breeds, including miniature schnauzers, English toy terriers, Japanese spitz and chow chows.

From BBC

Butts moved in with three dogs: Tiger, a boxer; Papi, a Chihuahua; and Pepper, a schnauzer chow chow mix.

From Los Angeles Times

Including a female chow chow named Cha-Cha from a purebred rescue group.

From Literature

Chelsea, an elderly chow chow, joined us and also appreciated our walks.

From Los Angeles Times