Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Chow Chow

This is a Chow Chow, a breed of dog that originated from Mongolia and Northern China. Chow Chows are believed to the original inspiration behind the traditional Chinese Foo Dogs that are commonly found in front of stately mansions and palaces in Asia. DNA research has found that they are one of the first primitive breeds to evolve from wolves.

Distinct characteristics of the Chow Chows are the poofy manes and black/purple tongues. They are especially independent and loyal to the family but are not very sociable to strangers or other dogs. Their behaviors are commonly characterized as similar to those of cats than dogs.

This photo was taken outside a Starbucks in Astoria. I was there to take some photos of the bridges and stopped at a Starbucks for some Chai Latte to warm my chilled bones when I saw this gorgeous dog outside the store. I ran out and asked the owner if I could take some photos. The dog was not very cooperative but I managed to get a couple good shots of it.

Do you have a favorite breed of dog OR a favorite drink at Starbucks?

16 comments:

thwany said...

green tea-unsweetened-venti-iced

i can never get the ordering of the words right.

isa said...

Well, you know I can't resist a dog pic...and this one is a beauty (never knew about their black/purple tongues!)
I love all breeds of dogs, but I must stay loyal to the ones I owned - Collie, Old English Sheepdog and Golden Retriever.
What about you, Ming? Any pets?

TCho said...

I hate Starbucks, but I have to admit that their frappacuinos are tasty.

my favorite dog breed is Bernese Mountain dog.

Pat said...

Starbucks up here is just too pricey but I sure love dogs and mine is the best! He's a border collie!

Here's a pic of him covered in snow! LOL


Pat's Photos and
Guelph Daily Photo

Ming the Merciless said...

thwany - I never had the iced green tea before. Usually I find them too light. I prefer a stronger flavor.

isabella - No pet here. Small apartment, weird work hours, some travel = bad for dog.

tcho - A frappacino has more calories than a Big Mac. Yikes!

Pat - You have a beautiful dog there.

Pat said...

Ming, I meant also to add that I was watching the dog show from NY tonight on television. I love that event!

Nathalie H.D. said...

I love chai latte too.

Mandi said...

He's lovely. My favourite Starbucks drink is a chai latte. But Starbucks closed down in Tel Aviv so I have to get them from the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - they're delicious from there too!!

Olivier said...

Avant pour moi, les Starbuck representaient NYC, mais maintenant il y en a plein dans Paris, cela lui a fait perdre se côté UN STARBUCK = JE SUIS à NEW YORK

before for me, Starbuck represented NYC, but now there is full in Paris, that made him lose side STARBUCK = I AM IN NEW YORK

Unknown said...

green tea frappuccino. they are strong, thick and creamy. ooooo.....

Oya said...

My favorite breed is Golden Retriever of course:) She is my best friend.
Starbucks favorite; Christmas blend. But I also love chai latte.
There is no green tea frap in Starbucks here.

Annie said...

You can come over to my blog to see my favorite breed. Maltese, anyone?

Anonymous said...

My fav is miniature schnauzer but it's not with me here in the US. He's enjoying the humidity in S'pore, not.
When I saw Chow Chow in S'pore, I really pity them. It's so hot over there. They need to be in the air-con room 24/7!
BTW, I linked to one of your doggie post here Hope you don't mind :D

Z said...

I'm not technically a dog person, but I do get all gooey when I see one. I'm also a mutt type of person (we have "mutt" cats ourselves), but if I had to choose breeds, I would say that big dogs like labs and such appeal the most. Over here in CH I see quite a few St. Bernards and Bernese mountain dogs around and they're really nice.

Andreea said...

i L-O-V-E Starbucks. you have no idea. then again it's a wasted love as belgium (!!!) has decided not to bring in starbucks. so practically when i go to london or paris that's one of my first stops. oh could you please, please take photos IN starbucks? :)

JVOX said...

she is a beauty, reminds me on a lion look...no particular breeds of dog for me, we got mixed-breed dogs, they are adorable, lovable