When Georgia O’Keeffe, artist of the American Southwest, moved to New Mexico she fell in love with Chow dogs. Considered a loyal, protective, and independent breed, O’Keeffe sketched and took photographs of these dignified creatures with the plush fur.

She referred to her Chows as “Little People” and they slept in her bedroom at night. Said the devoted O’Keeffe, “It seems to be my mission in life to wait on a dog”. O’Keeffe owned six Chows during her lifetime and was a member of The Chow Chow Club, Inc.