chow
(also ‘chow chow’; plural: ‘chows‘/’chow chows‘; pronunciation: the letters ‘ch’ rhyme with the letters ‘ch’ in “church”)
a chow chow
a kind of dog – mammal – stocky, broad head, small triangular erect ears rounded at the tips, smooth or rough thick fur (coat); a curly tail that rests on its back; huge ruff or mane (= thick hair grown on the neck) on the neck; grows to 16- 22 inches tall at the shoulder, weighs 20-30 Kg.; lives about 15 years; originally from Mongolia, but became native to China, but now bred in many countries of the world
Chow Chows are one of the popular pet breeds in the world. The chow chow is considered one of the oldest breeds of dog — believed to have been in existence for 4000 years. The most striking feature of this dog is its blue-black or purple tongue and black-lined mouth and lips! The less striking features are the straight hind (back) legs, and the ruff or mane on its neck that gives it a lion-like look. In olden days, Chinese used chow chow for guarding houses and pulling carts. According to some experts, Chinese ate chow’s meat as delicacy, i.e. as special/favourite food at ceremonies, and used the fur for clothing. And there is still a good market for its meat and fur even to this day!
1. chow (noun) = (mostly in American usage) food; a meal; food supplies 2. to chow (verb) = (usually with ‘down’) to eat, usually quickly or eagerly

the purple tongue

a chow pulling a small cart

‘chow’ = the food & to chow down = to eat the food

