Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Afghan Hound |  Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | The breed developed over centuries in the mountains of Afghanistan and surrounding regions, where local hunters relied on a tall, fast sighthound capable of coursing hare, gazelle and even leopard across rocky, cold terrain. The dense, protective coat evolved as insulation against harsh winters rather than as an ornament. British officers encountered the breed in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and brought examples home, and the Afghan Hound was established in Britain and later the United States through the early twentieth century, where its dramatic appearance made it a fixture of the show ring. | One of the world's oldest recognisable breeds, developed in northern China over two thousand years ago as an all-purpose hunting, guarding and hauling dog. It arrived in Britain in the late eighteenth century and was an immediate curiosity. |
| Group | Hound | Utility |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Coat | Long, silky and dense topcoat with a fine undercoat, covering the whole body except for the smooth saddle on the back; found in cream, black, red, blue, brindle and domino, often with a dark mask. | Very dense double coat, rough or smooth, in red, black, blue, cinnamon or cream |
| Weight | 20 to 27 kg | 20 to 32 kg |
| Height | 61 to 74 cm | 46 to 56 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 yrs | 9 to 12 yrs |
| Exercise need | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Affection | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Grooming needs | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Barking | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Good with children | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Trainability | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Prey drive | 9/10 | 5/10 |
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Drool | 1/10 | 5/10 |
| Shedding | 3/10 | 8/10 |
| Flat fit | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Running cost | €235 / month | €220 / month |
Afghan Hound verdict
The aristocrat of sighthounds: a flowing coat over an independent, galloping heart
Get one if
- · Owners who enjoy or can budget for a serious, regular grooming routine
- · Households with a secure, fully fenced garden for safe off-lead sprinting
- · People who appreciate an independent, dignified companion rather than a constantly eager one
Think again if
- · First-time owners wanting a quick, obedience-focused training relationship
- · Households without secure fencing who rely on open-space off-lead walking
- · Anyone unwilling to commit significant time or money to coat maintenance
Chow Chow verdict
The aloof lion dog with the blue-black tongue.
Get one if
- · Experienced owners who appreciate an independent, guardian-minded dog
- · Quiet adult households wanting a calm, dignified companion
- · Owners committed to serious early socialisation and ongoing training
Think again if
- · First-time owners
- · Families with toddlers or a constant flow of visiting children
- · Multi-dog households wanting an easy-going addition