A lot of Chinese words entered US vocabulary when Chinese workmen were hired in large numbers to work on transcontinental railroad. Many more were acquired by Navy men at Naval installation in China, going back many years.
Faldage ought to know about that.
What is the "chow" in a chow dog???
When I was in Philippines in WWII, dogs were very scarce, having been eaten because of severe food shortages. The only dog I ever saw was pet Gen. MacArthur had for his son.
It had "distemper" which left it paralyzed in hind quarters.
Our veterinary officer, Maj. Dougherty got a baby carriage,took off axle and wheels, and made a harness for the dog's body attached to them. With them in place, the dog became once more happily mobile.