Chowlin Articles

[Canis2954]

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[Canis2954]

After decades of research at a private graduate university, students have perfected a gene-splicing method that allows a skilled hand to directly alter genes on the base of a domestic canine and create a fully functional cross-genus mammal. Previously thought impossible, this method has been making waves in not only the scientific community, but in the pet businesses and ethics companies as well. A press conference held last week addressed the concerns of many: is the animal as healthy as its claims have painted it to be? Has hybridity rendered it infertile? And of course, would it be safe for human interaction? The audience found closure in the answers that came from the university’s students. Yes, the animal is completely healthy, mentally and physically. Hybridity has not rendered it or its offspring infertile like natural cross-species animals; when the genetic formulas are followed precisely, the result is a mammal with the capability to breed unassisted. The research students who worked on this project (as well as the volunteer friends of the students who tested interaction with the animals) are happy to announce that they are perfectly suited for human interaction due to their domestic base. The exact combination of animals is still confidential at this time, but is anticipated to be announced shortly.

[Canis2954]

Domescience Inc. announced early this morning over social media that they have purchased the full legal rights to the results of the cross-genus study. The research students who collaborated on the project have also been hired by the company. Their new directive is to put their project to use by genetically modifying marketable cross-genus pets.

At last, the combination of animals used in the study was released. The original theme of the study was to create an animal which retained the appearance of a lion with the domesticity of a dog. This combination has been dubbed “Chowlin”, after their canine base Chow Chow and their feline base of lion. Some have noted the connections between these specifically selected bases, and the students have verified that it was indeed intentional.



“The Chow Chow is a dog breed originally from northern China, where it is referred to as Songshi Quan (鬆獅犬), which means "puffy-lion dog"... It is believed that the Chow Chow is one of the native dogs used as the model for the Foo dog, the traditional stone guardians found in front of Buddhist temples and palaces. It is one of the few ancient dog breeds still in existence in the world today.” – Wikipedia



The hope of the researchers was to create an ethical alternative to exotic pets and draw people away from owning big cats (which otherwise puts unneeded hurt and stress on both animal and owner). Chowlins are proving to be exceptionally protective and loyal in temperament, as well as entirely domestic. They have dense, plush fur that requires surprisingly low amounts of brushing and sheds relatively little compared to their canine base. This is due to the unique chinchilla-like texture it possesses. Chowlins tend to sleep long hours lounging in the sunshine. Although a bit territorial at first, they do well with others of their kind, play-wrestling and chasing.

[Canis2954]

Domescience Inc. has recently shared images of the new defining brand trait of Chowlins: a translucent and flesh-textured membrane that covers the chest, showing off the glowing, colorful insides of the animal. This feature was produced by an inherited fluorescent protein gene, much like that which is found in GloFish and jellyfish. The shape of the membrane varies, but has been programmed to most commonly appear as a heart or a neutral circle. Scientists hope that the addition of this softly glowing window will bring comfort to younger children who are afraid of the dark and need a reassuring pet to hold onto, as well as people who live alone and need extra comfort from an animal. In fact, the insides of these animals will glow extra bright when they are near those they are fond of, due to natural blood vessel dilation triggered by the release of dopamine (much like blushing in humans).

Domescience Inc. has also begun structuring certain variations of Chowlins to sell as pets. While the default and common variations simply have different fur and mane lengths, and the uncommon variations have traits such as folded ears, different membrane shapes, and bobtails, the company has begun crafting "fancy" variations. These are, in a sense, luxury breeds; however, the catch is that they cannot carry more than two fancy traits at once, due to realistic worries about health complications. Hairless, munchkin, curly furred, and bodily glowing Chowlins have finally arrived.

Chowlins are a genetically modified cross-genus kind of animal. The impact on their natural fertility has been insignificant. The impact on their offspring, however, has been concerning. It has recently been discovered that rather rare mutations in pups will be found more frequently than would be found in the litter of an average dog or lion. Polydactyl toes, the presence of two tails, and an extra pair of legs are an expected but still unusual sight in the laboratory where scientists continue to research these animals.

There is still good news today. With their deep, resonating bark that easily carries for 5 miles, Domescience Inc. is proud to announce that Chowlins are entering training as specialized rescue animals to alert searchers of the location of lost individuals, particularly in perilous snowy environments. The thick, waterproof nature of their fur aids in keeping the rescuee warm and safe until help is available.

[Canis2954]

A stir of controversy and outrage has arisen in the Chowlin community. The research student who initially created the team study at the university, as well as created the gene-splicing method itself, was arrested after it was discovered that he was secretly experimenting with Chowlins. After attempts to convince the team to push his study further by tinkering with supernatural forces, the researcher's idea was rejected with overwhelming disapproval. His next move was to smuggle home one of the dozen Chowlins who were being tested at the time. Extracting its DNA and repeating the same formula he had created himself, the scientist resorted to a combination of dark magic and science to create Chowlins, which completely fulfilled his original intent: to create a cross-genus animal that was a true, animate Guardian Lion with genuine powers. These Chowlins are a variation called Guardians.

A snarling, aggressive Chowlin was the result of this scientist's successful experiment. The domesticity of the dog was heavily overshadowed by the feral nature of the lion. Due to the scientist tampering with various gene-splicing sources and infusing his science with magic, the Guardians exhibit traits that are neither lion nor canine. Snake scales, ram horns, saberteeth, and permanently extended claws are just the tip of the iceberg -- these genetic wonders have also been shown to exhale vapors that produce various effects (ranging from hypnosis to poison to alertness).

These Guardian variations have been seen turning to "stone" when sleeping, unconscious, or deceased. This is not true stone encasing their bodies, but rather a keratinous structure that resembles natural geological texture.

Aside from their highly unusual traits and aggressive temperament, Guardians are not different from standard Chowlins in that they still crave sleeping the sunshine, are protective, and have on raw meat diets.