Chow Chow vs Scottish Deerhound
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
Scottish Deerhound
Hound 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.
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chow Chows are less energetic than Scottish Deerhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chow Chows require more grooming attention compared to Scottish Deerhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chow Chows tend to be more reserved with strangers than Scottish Deerhounds.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Deerhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Chow Chows typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chow Chow and Scottish Deerhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chow Chow | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-12 years | 8-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chow Chow | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chow Chow | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded | Gentle, Dignified, Polite |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chow Chow | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is characterized by being gentle, dignified, polite, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chow Chow and Scottish Deerhound, 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chow Chow
Rating: 4/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
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.
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Scottish Deerhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Chow Chow Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Disease
- Patellar Luxation
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
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
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chow Chow and Scottish Deerhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.