Dog breed comparison
Chow Chow vs Chinese Shar-Pei
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Chow Chow is the bigger breed, about 3 kg heavier on average. The Chow Chow tends to live about 4 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Chow Chow | Chinese Shar-Pei |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches | 18 to 20 inches |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds | 40 to 55 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 8 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Chow Chow
One of the oldest dog breeds, from northern China, where it guarded temples, pulled carts and hunted. It is famous for its lion-like mane and blue-black tongue.
It has a stilted gait and is often aloof, bonding mostly with one or two people.
Health to watch
- Entropion
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Stomach cancer
The Chinese Shar-Pei
An ancient Chinese breed from Guangdong, used to guard, hunt and fight. It came close to extinction in the 1970s before a Hong Kong breeder appealed for help in an American magazine.
It has a blue-black tongue and deep skin folds that need regular checks.
Health to watch
- Shar-Pei autoinflammatory disease (familial Shar-Pei fever)
- Entropion
- Skin fold infections
- Amyloidosis
- Hypothyroidism
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to groom
The Chinese Shar-Pei is easier to groom than the Chow Chow.
Barking
The Chinese Shar-Pei barks more than the Chow Chow.
Exercise needs
The Chinese Shar-Pei needs more exercise than the Chow Chow.
Easy to train
The Chinese Shar-Pei is easier to train than the Chow Chow.
Intelligence
The Chinese Shar-Pei is quicker to learn than the Chow Chow.
Good with children
The Chinese Shar-Pei is better with children than the Chow Chow.
Which to choose
Chow Chow or Chinese Shar-Pei?
Choose the Chow Chow if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that sheds less
Choose the Chinese Shar-Pei if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Questions.
Is the Chow Chow or the Chinese Shar-Pei bigger, and which lives longer?
The Chow Chow is the bigger breed, about 3 kg heavier on average. The Chow Chow tends to live about 4 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Chow Chow or the Chinese Shar-Pei?
The Chinese Shar-Pei is generally easier to train than the Chow Chow. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Chow Chow or the Chinese Shar-Pei?
The Chinese Shar-Pei is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Chow Chow can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Chow Chow sheds less than the Chinese Shar-Pei. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Chow Chow and Chinese Shar-Pei have?
The Chow Chow is prone to entropion, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism. The Chinese Shar-Pei is prone to Shar-Pei autoinflammatory disease (familial Shar-Pei fever), entropion, skin fold infections. Both share a risk of entropion and hypothyroidism. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
