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 |  Shar Pei |  Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | The Shar Pei originates in the Guangdong province of southern China, where it worked as a farm, hunting and guard dog for centuries. The breed nearly vanished in the mid twentieth century and was rebuilt from a small surviving population, which narrowed its gene pool and left a legacy of inherited skin and inflammatory conditions that responsible breeders now screen for carefully. | 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 | Utility | Utility |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Coat | Short, harsh, bristled coat in a Horse coat or longer Brush coat variety, in colours including fawn, cream, black, red and sable | Very dense double coat, rough or smooth, in red, black, blue, cinnamon or cream |
| Weight | 18 to 25 kg | 20 to 32 kg |
| Height | 44 to 51 cm | 46 to 56 cm |
| Lifespan | 8 to 12 yrs | 9 to 12 yrs |
| Exercise need | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Affection | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Grooming needs | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Barking | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Good with children | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Trainability | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Prey drive | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Drool | 2/10 | 5/10 |
| Shedding | 3/10 | 8/10 |
| Flat fit | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Running cost | €147 / month | €220 / month |
Shar Pei verdict
The wrinkled, independent-minded Chinese guard dog that needs confident, hands-on owners.
Get one if
- · Experienced owners who enjoy an independent, loyal companion
- · Households able to commit to a daily skin fold care routine
- · Owners who prefer a quiet dog that rarely barks without cause
Think again if
- · First-time dog owners wanting a straightforward, eager-to-please breed
- · Households wanting a dog that is instantly friendly with strangers
- · Anyone unwilling to budget for regular veterinary monitoring
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