Saluki 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.
Saluki
Hound Group
Chow Chow
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Saluki Overview
Graceful and swift, Salukis embody elegance with their long, slender build and silky coat. Their refined features include a narrow head, long legs, and deep chest, perfectly designed for high-speed pursuit. These aristocratic sighthounds combine dignified bearing with remarkable athleticism, showcasing both strength and delicacy in their fluid movements.
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: Salukis are more energetic than Chow Chows, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Salukis require less grooming attention compared to Chow Chows.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Salukis tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chow Chows.
- Trainability: Salukis may be slightly easier to train due to their Saluki's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chow Chows adapt better to apartment living, while Salukis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Saluki and Chow Chow, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saluki | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-17 years | 8-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saluki | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saluki | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Independent-Minded | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saluki | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Saluki Temperament
The Saluki is known for being gentle, dignified, independent-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. 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 Saluki 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
Saluki
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saluki
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saluki
Rating: 4/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saluki
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saluki
Rating: 2/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Saluki Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Salukis 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, Salukis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Saluki Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiac Issues
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Chow Chow Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Disease
- Patellar Luxation
Pros & Cons
Saluki
Pros
- Elegant and graceful
- Athletic and swift
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet and clean
- Loyal to family
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs secure fencing
- Challenging to train
- Requires extensive exercise
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 Saluki and Chow Chow, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.