Chow Chow vs Giant Schnauzer
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chow Chow
Non-Sporting Group
Giant Schnauzer
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chow Chow Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Chow Chow boasts a distinctive lion-like mane and unique blue-black tongue. Their sturdy build, deep-set eyes, and thick double coat create an impressive presence. Standing proudly with a characteristic scowling expression, these ancient dogs combine strength with remarkable agility. Their aloof demeanor and dignified bearing reflect their noble heritage as guardians and companions.
Giant Schnauzer Overview
Giant Schnauzers are powerful, muscular dogs with distinctive bearded faces and a robust, square-built frame. Their dense, harsh double coat comes in solid black or pepper-and-salt. Standing proudly with an aristocratic bearing, these dogs showcase a blend of strength and agility in their movement. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their heritage as capable working dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chow Chows are less energetic than Giant Schnauzers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chow Chows require less grooming attention compared to Giant Schnauzers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chow Chows tend to be more reserved with strangers than Giant Schnauzers.
- Trainability: Chow Chows may be slightly easier to train due to their Chow Chow's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chow Chows adapt better to apartment living, while Giant Schnauzers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chow Chow and Giant Schnauzer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chow Chow | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chow Chow | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 24-27 inches 60-70 cm |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg | 55-85 lbs 25-39 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chow Chow | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded | Loyal, Alert, Trainable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chow Chow | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chow Chow Temperament
The Chow Chow is known for being dignified, bright, serious-minded, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Giant Schnauzer Temperament
The Giant Schnauzer is characterized by being loyal, alert, trainable, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chow Chow and Giant Schnauzer, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chow Chow
Rating: 4/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Chow Chow Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chow Chows require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chow Chows require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Giant Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Giant Schnauzers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Giant Schnauzers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Chow Chow Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Disease
- Patellar Luxation
Giant Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Cancer
Pros & Cons
Chow Chow
Pros
- Loyal to family
- Clean and cat-like
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal barking
- Independent nature
Cons
- Stubborn personality
- Challenging to train
- Heavy shedding
- Aloof with strangers
- Requires regular grooming
Giant Schnauzer
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent guard dog
- Loyal to family
- Good with children
- Trainable
- Athletic
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- May be aggressive with other dogs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chow Chow and Giant Schnauzer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.