Swedish Lapphund 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.
Swedish Lapphund
Foundation Stock Service
Chow Chow
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Swedish Lapphund Overview
Swedish Lapphunds possess a distinctive spitz-like appearance with a thick double coat in solid black. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame supports an agile and athletic build, complemented by erect ears and a tightly curled tail. Known for their keen intelligence and lively disposition, these dogs display remarkable herding instincts combined with a friendly, alert temperament. Their expressive faces and bright eyes reflect their attentive nature.
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: Swedish Lapphunds are less energetic than Chow Chows, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Chow Chows.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Lapphunds 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 Swedish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Swedish Lapphund and Chow Chow, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 8-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 30-45 lbs 14-20 kg | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Intelligent, Lively | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Swedish Lapphund Temperament
The Swedish Lapphund is known for being playful, intelligent, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Swedish Lapphund 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
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Chow Chow
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Swedish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish Lapphunds 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, Swedish Lapphunds 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
Swedish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Chow Chow Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Disease
- Patellar Luxation
Pros & Cons
Swedish Lapphund
Pros
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
- Strong herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Strong prey drive
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 Swedish Lapphund and Chow Chow, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.