Breed comparison
Shar-Pei or Chow Chow: Which breed should you choose?
Shar-Pei and Chow Chow are two dog breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.
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Key takeaways
- Chow Chow is larger: 24–30 kg compared with 18–25 kg for Shar-Pei.
- Shar-Pei costs less to buy: €800 – €1,300 compared with €1,000 – €1,500 for Chow Chow.
- The monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about €119 per month.
- Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (2/5).
- Shar-Pei scores higher for “Families and children”: 3/5 compared with 2/5 for Chow Chow.
- Shar-Pei scores higher for “Apartment living”: 4/5 compared with 3/5 for Chow Chow.
- Shar-Pei scores higher for “First-time owners”: 3/5 compared with 2/5 for Chow Chow.
- Chow Chow lives longer on average: 9–12 years compared with 8–10 years for Shar-Pei.
Our verdict
Choose Shar-Pei if you’re looking for…
- Calm homes: Its calm temperament fits well with a stable and not very hectic environment.
- Indoor living: It adapts well to a house or an apartment with regular outings.
- Owners attentive to care: It is better suited to people ready to monitor skin, eyes and weight with rigor.
Choose Chow Chow if you’re looking for…
- Experienced and calm owners: The Chow Chow does best with someone who is calm, consistent, and already comfortable with strong-willed dogs.
- Quiet households: He appreciates stable routines and low-key environments.
- People looking for a discreet dog: He suits those who like dogs that are reserved, clean, and not very noisy day to day.
Detailed comparison
| General information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | China | China |
| FCI group | 2 | 5 |
| Build | Medium | Medium |
| Height at the withers | 44–51 cm | 46–56 cm |
| Weight | 18–25 kg | 24–30 kg |
| Coat | Short, very short | Long or short, very abundant, dense |
| Life expectancy | 8–10 years | 9–12 years |
| Average price | €800 – €1,300 | €1,000 – €1,500 |
| Monthly budget | ≈ €119 | ≈ €119 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Families and children | Good | Fair |
| Daily exercise needs | Low | Low |
| Apartment living | Very good | Good |
| First-time owners | Good | Fair |
| Other pets | Good | Limited |
| Tolerance of being alone | Good | Very good |
| Guarding instinct | Good | Good |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
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