Pitchow

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built dog that combines strength with athleticism in a graceful, agile package. Males typically stand between 18 and 21 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing 17 to 20 inches and weighing 30 to 50 pounds. The breed presents a well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than tall, with a broad chest and well-sprung ribs that provide ample lung capacity. The muscular frame should appear defined but never bulky or overdone, reflecting the breed's heritage as a working dog capable of sustained physical activity. The overall impression is one of power combined with nimble athleticism and fluid movement. The head is distinctive with a broad, flat skull of medium length and a wide, deep muzzle that is shorter than the skull but maintains substantial width throughout. The cheek muscles are prominent and well-developed, and the jaw displays considerable strength with a scissors bite preferred. Eyes are medium-sized, round to almond-shaped, and set low and wide apart on the skull. They come in all colors except blue, which is considered a fault in the breed standard. Ears may be cropped or natural, with natural ears being small to medium in size and carried as rose ears or half-pricked. The neck is muscular and slightly arched, tapering from the shoulders to the head and flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The coat is short, close-lying, stiff to the touch, and glossy in appearance. This sleek covering requires minimal grooming while providing adequate protection from the elements. The breed comes in virtually all colors and patterns except merle, which is a disqualification in the breed standard. Common colorations include solid shades of red, blue, brown, fawn, and black, as well as various combinations with white markings on the chest, feet, and face. Brindle patterns are also common and acceptable. The tail is medium length, set low as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. It is carried in a slight curve when the dog is relaxed and should never curl over the back or be docked.

The Chow Chow is a powerfully built, compact dog with a distinctive lion-like appearance and dignified bearing that sets it apart from all other breeds. Males stand 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, while females measure 18 to 20 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds. The body is square in profile with a short, compact frame supported by substantial bone structure that gives the breed its characteristic sturdy appearance. The breed moves with a distinctive stilted gait caused by relatively straight rear leg angulation, giving them a unique, somewhat stiff-legged appearance when walking that is characteristic of the breed alone. The head is large and broad with a flat skull, contributing to the breed's characteristic scowling or frowning expression that defines their appearance. The muzzle is broad and well-filled beneath the eyes, approximately equal in length to the skull, creating a balanced profile. Small, triangular ears are thick and slightly rounded at the tips, carried stiffly erect and tilted forward over the eyes, contributing to the alert expression. The eyes themselves are deep-set, almond-shaped, and medium-sized, contributing to the frowning appearance. A hallmark feature is the blue-black tongue, lips, and gums, a trait shared only with the Shar-Pei among purebred dogs and considered essential to breed type. The Chow Chow comes in two coat varieties: rough and smooth. The rough coat is abundant, dense, and straight, standing off from the body to create a profuse ruff or mane around the head and neck that frames the face like a lion and gives the breed its leonine appearance. The smooth variety has a dense, hard outer coat with a definite undercoat but lacks the obvious ruff and feathering of the rough variety. Both varieties feature a thick, woolly undercoat that provides insulation in cold weather. Accepted colors include red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream, all in solid shades without markings. The tail is set high and carried closely over the back, covered with heavy plumage that adds to the breed's substantial appearance.