Chow Chows originated in Northern China; per a research study conducted on Chow Chows. They are a basal breed that antedate modern breed from the 19th Century. The study have also concluded that the origin of the Chows breed is from indigenous dogs from Central China. They have been able to trace their lineage back about 8,300 years. There have been mentions of Chows throughout history, like in an old Chinese legend. The legend referenced large dogs of war with black tongues and a resembalence to lions. It is also said Emperor Ling of the Han and T'ang Dynasties owned 5,000 Chow Chows and used them as guard dogs. They were also used as sled dogs, hunting dogs, and guard dogs. Source:Wikipedia
Although they were once used as guard dogs and sled dogs. They are now far from that origin. They are giant lap dogs now; their new habitat includes A/C and hard flooring. In order to get passed them to enter their domain, a cheese tax must be paid to Toro, an attention tax must be paid to Gogi, and a hug tax must be paid to Ling-Ling. But they will not accept those if you have jumped over their fence. That is a great show of disrespect to King Gogi; he will then proceed to bite you because you attempted to siege his kingdom.