Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
🐶 Chow Chow
🐶 Shiba Inu
Group
Non-Sporting
Non-Sporting
Origin
China
Japan
Weight
20–32 kg
7–11 kg
Height
43–51 cm
34–42 cm
Lifespan
8–12 years
13–16 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK
🐶 Chow Chow
Temperament
Aloof, dignified, loyal to one or two people. Chows are notoriously reserved with strangers and can be aggressive without serious early socialisation. Not naturally good with other dogs.
Exercise
30–45 minutes of moderate daily exercise. Heat-sensitive (heavy coat).
Grooming
Very heavy double coat — daily brushing. Two huge annual moults.
Health
Hip / elbow dysplasia. Entropion (eye lid rolls in). Heat stroke. Bloat / GDV. Lifespan 8–12 years (short for a medium dog).
Bold, alert, confident, independent. Shibas are known for the "Shiba scream" when handled in ways they dislike. They're aloof with strangers and can be dog-aggressive.
Exercise
60 minutes of daily exercise. Recall is famously unreliable — never trust off-lead.
Grooming
Double coat — brush 2× weekly, daily during the dramatic seasonal moults.
Health
Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Eye conditions (glaucoma, cataracts). Allergies. Generally robust.
