Chow Chow Index Main page and Index of Breeds

Chow Chow
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards
Chow Chows are very fortunate to have a variety of lovely stamps to build a collection around. To check out the stamps for Chow Chows, Click Here.


This card was issued in tins of Barbers Teas in 1961. The title of the series is simply "Dogs, A Series of 24". On the back it says, "Chow Chow. A Chinese breed of dog, popular in Britain as a pet where it was first mentioned in 1789. Its name is pidgin- English for "food" and in China the chow is killed for human consumption. The breed has a peculiar purple tongue unknown in any other race, and has a height of 20 inches, and weight of 55-60 lbs. Since the dog is both aloof and suspicious, it makes an excellent guard."
Chow Chow Card 1(Barbers Tea, 1961)... $4.95 each



These cards were issued by W.D. & H.O. Wills in 1937. The cards were inserted singly into packets of 10 cigarettes. The fronts of the cards all show a full length picture of a dog "signed" by the famous dog artist Arthur Wardle. The back says, "Chow-chow. A powerfully-built dog of Chinese origin. Skull very broad and quite flat, with foreface only of moderate length. Muzzle strong and broad. Nose black and large (in lighter colours pink nose is allowed). Tongue must be black. Eyes dark, deep-set and small (light eyes allowed in blues). Ears small and erect. Expression should be scowling. Neck short, very strong and surrounded by a dense frill of coat. Back short and very strong. Chest very deep with well-sprung ribs and strong loins. Forelegs well boned and straight. Hind legs strong and straight at hock; feet round and small. Coat abundant, dense and weather-resisting; undercoat woolly. Colour: black, red, yellow, blue, white (but not in patches).
Chow Chow Card 2(Wills, 1937)... $4.95 each



These cards were given inside 1/4 pound packets of Hornimans Tea in 1961. On the back it says, "Chow-Chow. His origins go back farther than recorded history and may be one of the two basic dogs. Certainly the forerunner of all Arctic breeds despite his Chinese name. Still used in China both for hunting and to pull sledges. A breed with several peculiarities such as the compact leonine appearance, the scowling expression, the straight hocks and the blue-black tongue. Colours usually blue, black, red or fawn."
Chow Chow Card 3(Horniman Tea, 1961)... SOLD OUT



These cards were put in cartons of Amaran Tea in 1965. On the back it says, "Chow Chow. In the past the Chow was only bred in China for its flesh and fur; now it is fairly widespread and well known. The head should be broad, flat on top and the eyes small and dark, set obliquely. The ears are small and triangular, the muzzle moderate in length. A Chow stands about 20 inches in height and may weigh between 55 and 60 lb."
Chow Chow Card 5(Amaran Tea, 1965)... $4.95 each



This card was issued by Carreras Ltd. in 1936 as part of a series of dogs pictured with children. The back says, "A Chow is a most fascinating dog, although by no means everybody's fancy. They are extremely independent and not always very certain in temper, but they have a curious charm of their own. Mrs. Manooch sold "Choonam Brilliantine" to the States for L2,000, and the premier dogs command big prices everywhere. They came from China, and some authorities believe that they accompanied the first migration to America, where they mated with the wolves and produced the husky."
Chow Chow Card 6 (Carreras Dogs and Friend, 1936)... $4.95 each



This is the second card from Carreras Ltd. in 1936. This time the back says, "The Chow puppy in this picture is nine weeks old. They are the most adorable of puppies, being just like little bears. It is very important never to allow a puppy to remain wet. A shower of rain does not hurt it, provided it is dried afterwards, or has a shelter into which it can go to avoid the rain. Chows are extremely sensible and look after themselves very well, but if a pup lies on the wet grass, it is apt to start many complications. Cold does not hurt dogs, as long as there is no draught."
Chow Chow Card 7 (Carreras Dogs and Friend, 1936)... $4.95 each



This adorable puppy is a reprint by Imperial Publishing Ltd. of a card issued in 1940 by W.D. & H.O. Wills Cigarettes. The original is rarer and now sells for more than $400! The drawing on the front was by Lucy Dawson, as is the description on the back. The back says, "LADYBIRD OF WU-SUNG This little lady came from a famous kennel at Hayes and as she was later sold for L1,000, I feel very honoured to be allowed to include her in this series. She was a most delightful creature and it was a joy to touch her coat, though she didn't take much notice of me, her mistress being everything to her."
Chow Chow Card 8 (Wills Puppies by Dawson reprint, 1990)... $5.95 each



Another card of chow puppies, this time enclosed in Senior Service Cigarettes. Pattreiouex issued this set of photos titled "Dogs" in 1939. On the back it says, "The Chow is the edible dog of China where he was bred for his fur and flesh. He has been developed by breeders in this country into a very handsome dog."
Chow Chow Card 9 (Pattreiouex Senior Service Cigarettes, 1939)... $9.95 each


This card was also issued by Senior Service Cigarettes, probably as a counterpart to the puppies in the card above. The back simply says, "The Chow is very much a one-man dog and likes his own way. He has plenty of brains."
Chow Chow Card 10 (Pattreiouex Senior Service Cigarettes, 1939)... SOLD OUT



Players issued this beautiful set of cards under the title of "Dogs Heads (Eire) in 1940. There were 50 in the series and the Chow Chow was No. 8. However, the original cards are very hard to get. Then in 1994 they put out an authorized reproduction of these cards. The printing on the back of the card is as follows: "That the Chow Chow is of Chinese origin is undoubted, and in his native country he has been used for such diverse purposes as hunting and drawing carts. His present form appears to have been established long ago, for references to dogs of Chow type are found in very early records of Chinese history. His introduction into Britian took place in the latter half of last century and the breed has had great popularity as a show dog and companion. In 1925, Mrs Manooch sold her dog Choonam Brilliantine, to an American buyer for L1,800, the highest known price ever paid for a dog of any breed"
Chow Chow Card 11 (Players Dogs Heads Eire) ORIGINAL, 1940)... SOLD OUT
Chow Chow Card 11 (Players Dogs Heads Eire) Reproduction, 1994)... $5.95 each



These cards were issued by John Player & Sons in 1931. The cards were inserted singly into packets of 10 cigarettes and the paintings are by Arthur Wardle. On the back it says, "Chow Chow. The Chow Chow, a very ancient Chinese variety, is known in his native country as the edible dog, for in China Chow puppies are still used as an article of food by the poorer classes. There are two varieties -- the rough-coated and smooth, the only difference being the coat, which in the latter is more like fur than hair. The colours admitted in the Club standard are black, red, shaded red, yellow, blue and white; they must be whole coloured and not patches. Height about 18 in. Weight: 40-48 lb."
Chow Chow Card 12 (Players, 1931)... $7.95 each



This card was issued in the early 1920's by John Player & Sons and is from a set entitled "Dogs-Scenic Background." The back of the card says, "This old Chinese variety is known in his native country as the Edible dog, but in this country and America is a most fashionable show dog and companion. He is built somewhat similarly to the Esquimaux, but has an expressive "scowl" quite distinct form any other breed; another peculiarity being his black tongue. There are two varieties, rough and smooth-coated, which is more like fur than hair. Colours black, red, and red shaded, yellow, blue, white. Weight 40 to 50 lbs. Height at shoulder about 18ins."
Chow Chow Card 14 (Players Scenic, 1925)... $7.95 each



This card was inserted singly into packets of John Players & Sons Cigarettes in 1940. I think it is one of the better headstudies that we have of Chows. The artist is Peter Biegel. The back says, "A native of China, the Chow Chow, with its "teddy bear" appearance, was commented upon in England as long ago as 1789. It was not until the end of the last century, however, that the breed achieved official recognition here. The Chow Chow was, and perhaps still is, bred in China as a source of food; its own diet consists chiefly of rice. Its long, rather coarse coat is valued in Mongolia, where it is bred almost exclusively for its pelt. Although an excellent house-dog, it has a detached, independent attitude. It may be wholly-coloured red, black, yellow or cream."
Chow Chow Card 16 (Players, 1940)... $7.95 each



Player & Sons issued this set of 50 cards in 1929. The title of the series is "Dogs by Wardle-Heads". They were put out in 1929 after the 2nd Series came out in 1928. This is a smaller picture of card No. 27 below, that came out a year earlier. They were enclosed in smaller packages (10) of Players Cigarettes. The description on the back of the card is exactly the same as card No. 30 below. However, the larger picture is much more impressive for a full elaborate collection.
Chow Chow Card 17 (Players, 1929)... $7.95 each


Our last cream colored Chow Chow was also issued by Gallaher Ltd., but in 1938. I think this is the most unique Chow Chow card we have because of the picture in the lower right corner of the card. An enlargement of the corner scene is shown to the right. On the back of the card it says, "This breed of dog originated in China, where they formed a general article of diet by the coolies, while the better off classes ate the puppies after they had been suitable fattened, and the skins sold as furs. During recent years this breed of dog has been not only imported but bred in this country, and the young bitch illustrated, although only two years old, has won five challenge certificates, and has the distinction of being of champioin parentage. She is owned by Lady Faudel Phillips."
Chow Chow Card 18 (Gallaher, 1938)... SOLD OUT



This 'swap card' issued by Golden Fleece Australia in 1972, is one of the set of 36 cards titled "Pedigree Dogs". The back of the card has the following printing: "The Chow Chow is a Chinese breed and was used in that country for hunting, pulling small sledges and carts. The dog was also eaten in China as food and until about a century ago was called "The edible dog of China".
Today the Chow Chow is mainly used as a pet and guard dog. He is devoted to the family that owns him, but treats friendly advances from strangers with suspicion.
Illust.: "Leenoi Chang Keui"
Owners : Mr. and Mrs. L.F. White, Vic.
Chow Chow Card 21 (Golden Fleece Australia, 1972)... SOLD OUT



A lovely card, issued in 1934 by Ardath Cigarettes of a dog owned by Mrs. Manooch, Champion Choonam Hung-Kwong. Rather than a written description of the breed, the back of the card has a diagram of the breed points of the day. In fact, the diagram is courtesy of The Chinese Chow Club. The back is shown to the left.
Chow Chow Card 22 (Ardath cigarettes, 1934)... $9.95 each


Moustafa Cigarettes issued these cards titled "Leo Chambers Dogs Heads in 1924.
Chow Chow Card 23 (Moustafa, 1924)... SOLD OUT



This beautiful cream colored Chow Chow was issued in 1936 by Gallaher Ltd. It is one of the only cream colored Chow cards that we have. The back says, "though there is only one type of Chow Chow known, there are three distinct colours - red, black, and cream. This breed has a unique characteristic since it is the only dog in existence with a black mouth and tongue. Probably one of the oldest breeds in the world, it has been known for hundreds of years in China where it still serves many purposes from protection to transport, from food for coolies to furs for mandarins."
Chow Chow Card 24 (Gallaher, 1936)... SOLD OUT



These cards were issued by Godfrey Phillips Ltd. in 1939. The cards were inserted singly into packs of cigarettes. Unfortunately, I don't know who the artist is on this lovely card. On the back, it says, "The Chow Chow. This dog is a fashionable show dog and companion. There are two varieties, the rough and the smooth coated."
Chow Chow Card 26 (Godfrey Phillips, 1939)... $14.95 each



Premiere trading cards were made for use in vending machines exclusively by the Oak Manufacturing Company, Inc., Culver City, California. Oak Mfg. issued the cards titled simply "Dogs" in 1950. Unfortunately I don't know the name of the lovely dog that posed for this picture. A nice printed description is on the back of the card: "The lordly, aloof Chow has its ancestry dating back more than 2000 years ago in China. He is still one of the best known breeds in china, most popular around the Canton district.
The name "Chow-Chow" has little basis for its origin in China. It is believed it evolved from the pidgen English term for all articles brought from the Orient during the eighteenth century.
The Chow is the only breed in the world that possesses a blue-black tongue. In China hs is referred to as "black tongue" or the "black-mouthed" dog.
Chow Chow Card 27 (Premier Cards, Oak Mfg, 1950)... $14.95 each



Hignett cigarettes issued this beautiful card with the vase depicting the Chinese origin of the Chow Chow. It is from a series of 50 cards titled simply "dogs". The Chow Chow is the No. 6 card in the series. The reverse side has the following: "The Chow was brought to this country from China during the last century, when it gained a popularity that persists today. It is a decidedly individual breed, very undemonstrative in temperament and aloof to strangers. It should have a distinctive "scowl" formed by loose skin on its forehead, and perfectly straight back legs which give it a stilted hind action. It is, however, a very active, strongly- built dog, and in Northern China is still used as a hunting and draught dog. The highest price ever given for a dog (L1,800) was paid by an American for Mrs. Manooch's Chow Champion 'Choonam Brilliantine'."
Chow Chow Card 29 (Hignett, 1936)... $19.95 each



Player & Sons issued this lovely hedstudy in 1928 titled "Dogs by Wardle-2nd Series". These cards were enclosed singly in the larger packages (20) of Players Cigarettes. The following is printed on the back of the card: "This old Chinese variety, known in his native country as the Edible dog, is highly valued in Great Britian and America as a fashionable show dog and companion. He is built somewhat similarly to the Eskimo, but has an expressive "scowl" quite distinct from any other breed, another distinctive feature being his black tongue. There are two varieties, the rough and the smooth-coated, the covering of the latter being more like fur than hair. Colours black, red, and red shaded, yellow, blue, white. Weight 40 to 50 lbs. height at shoulder about 18 ins."
Chow Chow Card 30 (Players, 1928)... SOLD OUT



This lovely Chow Chow card also has a pretty scenic background. It is a Weeties "Favorite Dogs-New Zealand, issued in 1940. A series of 32 cards, with the Chow Chow being No. 26. A well-written description appears on the back of the card: "The Chow Chow is a beautiful animal, giving the impression of symmetry, balance, power and alertness. Much of his distinction depends upon the abundance and density of his crisp, outstanding coat. He is sturdily built, gentle, and makes an excellent house dog. When roused he is very courageous and a splendid fighter."
Chow Chow Card 32 (Weeties Favourite Dogs New Zealand, 1940)... $24.95 each



W.D. & H.O. Wills (Bristol & London) issued this card in 1915. The art work depicting the "Chinese flavor" and titled "Dogs-2nd Series". The Chow Chow is No. 7 in the series. Printed on the reverse side of the card: "Like the Pekingese the Chow Chow hails from China, though the Chinese hold him in slight esteem. It is even said that they value him chiefly as a means of providing a substitute for roast mutton! The Chow Chow is, however, a handsome dog, with a beautiful black, red, yellow, blue, or white fur coat and ruff; a plume tail curling over his back; strong, straight legs, and catlike feet. Hia ears, small, pointed, and erect, are set forward over his eyes, giving him the "scowling" look so characteristic of the breed. The tongue is blue-black in color, a red tongue being regarded as a blemish. Chows are often remarkably quick to learn parlor tricks."
Chow Chow Card 33 (Wills ORIGINAL, 1915)... SOLD OUT
Chow Chow Card 33 (Wills Reprint, 1915)... SOLD OUT



This unusual card is from Australia Titled "Best Dogs of Their Breed". These cards were issued by WILL'S Specialties Tobaccos for pipe or cigarettes. The card was issued in 1914. The back of the card shows the name of the Champion shown in the painting, "Ch. Hildewell Chu-Ang", the name of the sire and the dam, and the owners name. Winner of several Championships and numerous First and Special Prizes."
Chow Chow Card 35 (Wills Specialties Tobacco Australia, 1914)... $39.95 each



Sanders issued these cards titled simply "Dogs" in 1926. They were enclosed in the packaging of Sanders' Crystal Jelly and Sanders' Custard Deluxe. The artist is not named on the painting of the brilliant red Chow Chow shown on this card No.12 in the series of 20. Appearing on the reverse side: "CHOW CHOW. Points: Head flat and broad, small stop between the eyes, muzzle broad and square, fair length, eyes dark and small, ears carried very stiffly and forward, chest deep and broad, front legs straight and showing hocks quite let down, tail carried well over the back, which should be short and strong. Colour black, rich red, cream. Tongue must be black. Coat thick, straight and coarse."
Chow Chow Card 36 (Sanders Crystal Jelly, 1926)... $29.95 each



This is not a card but a painting by Jack Murray on paper. These paintings were from a series titled 'Our Dogs'. The painting is 2-3/4 in. X 4-1/2 in. and a description on the back as follows; "One of the most popular "show" dogs in the Cho Chow, breed of ancient China, and the only dog known to have a black tongue. Handsome, dignified and powerfully-built, these stocky dogs with their heavy, furry coats of solid black"blue," red, brown,, cream or white, are of striking appearance. Of all dogs the Cho Chow is perhaps best deserving of the title "one-man dog." They render the most intense and devoted loyalty to their master. To strangers they are quietly indifferent, yet never aggressive except in the case of intruders, against whom they are efficient guardians of tneir master's person or property. The name Cho Chow is attributed to the Chinese words for this dog. "hei she-t'ou," which means black-tongued."
Chow Chow Card 37 (Painting by Jack Murray)... $6.95 each

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Chow Chow Phone Cards


Phone cards, such as this one, come rarely, one of a kind. No minutes on this card but a definite collectors item.
Chow Chow Phone Card 1 (From Asia)... $5.95 each



Chow Chow Phone Card 2 (From Asia)... $5.95 each



Phone cards, such as these, come rarely, one of a kind. No minutes on these cards but a definite collectors item.
Chow Chow Phone Cards 3 (From Asia)... $7.95 each set of 3

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Chow Chow Post Card


A first day edition of a post card from Bulgaria. You get the post card AND the stamp for the price of the post card alone.
The Bulgars, A Central Asian Turkic Tribe, merged with the local slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Bulgaria regained its independence in 1878, but having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, it fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a Peoples Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990. The country is slightly larger than Tennessee. The capital is Sofia.
Chow Chow Post Card from Bulgaria... $9.95 each

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Chow Chow Playing Cards

Sorry, we don't have any complete sets of playing cards. These were from collections of antique cards and there is no way of knowing how old they are or where one might find more of them. They are certainly a part of Chow Chow history.



This playing card was issued in 1996 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. It was printed in Belgium and the lovely illustrations were done by Tomas Markevicius as part of the Dogs of the World Card Collection. The Chow Chow is the eight of clubs. To the right is a copy of the back of the cards from this set.
Chow Chow Playing Card 1 ... SOLD OUT



This is a playing card rather than a cigarette card, and was probably issued in the early 1950's. Although it is not my favorite of the Chow Chow cards, it is a must to complete the set.
Chow Chow Playing Card 3... $4.95 each



Chow Chow Playing Card 4 and 5... $7.95 the pair



Chow Chow Playing Card 6 (Japan)... $6.95 each


This is not a stamp, but an envelope with a gorgeous silk screened picture of a red chow. Unfortunately, I cannot show the irridescence with a scan. The envelope is from the first day of issue on Feb 5, 1994.
Chow Chow Envelope... SOLD OUT



This is a large bookmark, about 8 inches tall. It is cut out with the image of a Chow and has a description of the breed on the front and more info, plus another image on the back.
Chow Chow Die Cut Bookmark... SOLD OUT


Chow Chow Cigar Bands
This is one of the larger cigar bands that was used to ship a group of small cigars, somewhat like a rubber band. It was made in Holland, but I am not sure of the date. I have one copy in green and one in orange.
Chow Chow Cigar Band 1... SOLD OUT



This is a Dutch cigar band and the same image was used on a variety of brand names, like Rokende Jan and Principal. I have at least one copy each of red, green, blue, purple and orange.
Chow Chow Cigar Band 2... SOLD OUT

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To check out the stamps for Chow Chows, Click Here.

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* We can take visa/mc/disc or a check, but they are first come first served, so let me know if you are interested.

* We do have discounts if you want to buy more than one.

* We have a couple of copies of some of these cards, and since they are much more fun when you have a "set", we would be happy to give a discount for multiple purchases. This can make a set of interesting breed cards quite reasonable. Truly one of the cheapest unique treats for yourself or a friend (great for club trophies as well!)

* It is absolutely true that you will often find some of these stamps at very reasonable prices -- some can be had for under a dollar. On the other hand, if you add in the gas, hours, and hassles that it has taken to find them, you may find it easier to just get them from us while we have them :*) I don't always count on getting more in the near future. I get them when I can find them and the stock is not always constant.

* I do have other breeds available. Let me know and perhaps I can do a page for your breed.

~*~ Francie Stull ~*~
729 Mercer Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101
Toll free (800) 658-6699, (270) 777-0744

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