Giant Schnauzer vs Chow Chow
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Giant Schnauzer
Working Group
Chow Chow
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Giant Schnauzers are more energetic than Chow Chows, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Giant Schnauzers require more grooming attention compared to Chow Chows.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Giant Schnauzers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chow Chows.
- 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 Giant Schnauzer and Chow Chow, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 8-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 60-70 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 55-85 lbs 25-39 kg | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Trainable | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Giant Schnauzer Temperament
The Giant Schnauzer is known for being loyal, alert, trainable, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Chow Chow Temperament
The Chow Chow is characterized by being dignified, bright, serious-minded, 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 Giant Schnauzer and Chow Chow, 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
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Giant Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Giant Schnauzers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Giant Schnauzers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Chow Chow Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chow Chows 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, Chow Chows 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
Giant Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Cancer
Chow Chow Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Disease
- Patellar Luxation
Pros & Cons
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
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Giant Schnauzer and Chow Chow, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.