noun
chow
A sturdy dog with a thick coat and a blue-black tongue
The fluffy chow opens its mouth, revealing its distinctive blue-black tongue.
Etymology
Chow is shortened from chow chow, the established English name of the Chinese dog breed. The deeper explanation of that doubled name is uncertain; it should not be treated as a transparent reference to the dog’s diet.
More examples
- A red chow waits beside its owner.
- The groomer brushes the chow's thick coat.
- Two chows walk through the park.
Forms
chow · chows
Similar words
- spitz
- Spitz names a broader type of dog; chow is a particular breed.