Comparator
Shar-Pei or Chow Chow: which breed to choose?
Shar-Pei and Chow Chow are two dog breeds often compared by future adopters. Here is 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 vs 18–25 kg for Shar-Pei.
- Shar-Pei is cheaper to buy: 800–1,300 € vs 1,000–1,500 € for Chow Chow.
- Monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about 119 € per month.
- Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (2/5).
- Shar-Pei is rated higher for “Family & children”: 3/5 vs 2/5 for Chow Chow.
- Shar-Pei is rated higher for “Apartment living”: 4/5 vs 3/5 for Chow Chow.
- Shar-Pei is rated higher for “First-time owner”: 3/5 vs 2/5 for Chow Chow.
- Chow Chow lives longer on average: 9–12 years vs 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 |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Height at 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 ans | 9–12 ans |
| Average price | 800–1,300 € | 1,000–1,500 € |
| Monthly budget | ≈ 119 € | ≈ 119 € |
| Compatibility | ||
| Family & children | Good | Fairly good |
| Daily activity required | Low | Low |
| Apartment living | Very good | Good |
| First-time owner | Good | Fairly good |
| Other pets | Good | Limited |
| Tolerance for being alone | Good | Very good |
| Guarding instinct | Good | Good |
| Pros & Cons | ||
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