Chow Chow vs German Shepherd

Compare the Chow Chow to the German Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Chow Chows and German Shepherds.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
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General Details
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-14 Years
Height
17-20 Inches
22-26 Inches
Weight
40-75 Pounds
75-95 Pounds
Intelligence
Below Average
Above Average
History
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Origin Country
China
Germany
Origin Year
-150 BC
1899 AD
Temperament
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Below Average
Average
Family Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Below Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Below Average
Personality
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Traits
Affectionate
Stubborn
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
20-80 °F
40-85 °F
Barks/Howls
None
Average
Exercise Needs
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Energy Level
Medium
High
Exercise Required
Low to Medium
High
Top Running Speed
20 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
High
Dander
Medium
High
Drool
None
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Aggression
Above Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
None
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Average
Above Average
Herding
Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Ectropion
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Smooth
Double
Coat Texture
Rough
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Breed Colors
Black
Blue
Cinnamon
Cream
Red
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Blue
Gray
Liver
White
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