Chow Chow
With its lion-like mane and blue tongue, the Chow Chow is a dignified, calm and independent dog that is very sensitive to heat.
Chow Chow vs Shar Pei
Side by side
| Trait | Chow Chow | Shar Pei |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Spitz and primitive types | Pinschers, molossers and mountain dogs |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 20–32 kg | 18–29 kg |
| Height at withers | 46–56 cm | 44–51 cm |
| Life expectancy | 9–12 years | 8–12 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
- Needs more grooming: Chow Chow (4/5 vs 2/5)
- Sheds more: Chow Chow (4/5 vs 2/5)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Shar Pei is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Shar Pei is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Both are similarBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Shar Pei
Recognisable by its wrinkles and blue-black tongue, the Shar Pei is a calm, independent dog deeply attached to its family.