Chow Chow vs Siberian Husky
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
Siberian Husky
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.
Siberian Husky Overview
Siberian Huskies are striking sled dogs with distinctive masks, erect triangular ears, and thick double coats in various colors. Their medium-sized, athletic build reflects their endurance heritage, while their almond-shaped eyes often showcase a unique blue or bi-colored appearance. Athletic and graceful in movement, they maintain a friendly yet independent spirit, combining their working dog legacy with an affectionate family companion nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chow Chows are less energetic than Siberian Huskys, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chow Chows require more grooming attention compared to Siberian Huskys.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chow Chows tend to be more reserved with strangers than Siberian Huskys.
- Trainability: Siberian Huskys may be slightly easier to train due to their Siberian Husky's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chow Chows adapt better to apartment living, while Siberian Huskys typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chow Chow and Siberian Husky, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chow Chow | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chow Chow | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 20-24 inches 51-60 cm |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chow Chow | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded | Loyal, Mischievous, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chow Chow | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Siberian Husky Temperament
The Siberian Husky is characterized by being loyal, mischievous, outgoing, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chow Chow and Siberian Husky, 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
Siberian Husky
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
Siberian Husky
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
Siberian Husky
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
Siberian Husky
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chow Chow
Rating: 4/5
Siberian Husky
Rating: 3/5
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.
Siberian Husky Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Siberian Huskys 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, Siberian Huskys 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
Siberian Husky Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand's
- Zinc Deficiency
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
Siberian Husky
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with children
- Low aggression levels
- Minimal grooming needs
- Independent nature
Cons
- High prey drive
- Challenging to train
- Heavy shedding
- Escape artists
- Not ideal guard dogs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chow Chow and Siberian Husky, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.