Shiba Inu vs Chow Chow

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
13 to 16 years
Size:

Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Medium

Best For

No, they're not related to foxes—but the spirited and independent Shiba Inu's personality can be just as feisty. They make intelligent, loyal companions for pet parents who can provide plenty of mental stimulation and...

No, they're not related to foxes—but the spirited and independent Shiba Inu's personality can be just as feisty. They make intelligent, loyal companions for pet parents who can provide plenty of mental stimulation and exercise.

Shiba Inu Temperament

Shiba Inu dogs have strong, confident personalities, coupled with a mellow friendliness around their families. These traits, combined with their vigilance, are some of their most prized characteristics. Sometimes aloof, they may come across as indifferent or even cold toward strangers and other dogs, which is why some say t...

Shiba Inu dogs have strong, confident personalities, coupled with a mellow friendliness around their families. These traits, combined with their vigilance, are some of their most prized characteristics.

Sometimes aloof, they may come across as indifferent or even cold toward strangers and other dogs, which is why some say their personality resembles a cat. Though good natured, they have an independent streak, so they shouldn’t be let off-leash—there are too many fascinating sights and sounds in the world to catch their attention! They can also be quite selfish when it comes to their possessions. For those reasons, early socialization and training are absolutely necessary with a Shiba.

When Shibas aren’t happy (or don’t want to do what you’ve asked them to do), they’re more than happy to let you know they’re displeased. But they don’t bark or whine; they have a unique vocalization that is affectionately called the “Shiba Inu scream.” Used more often than a true bark, the scream is a rather high-pitched whining sound, something like the noise a cat makes crossed with the sound of a human baby crying.

Shiba Inu Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
8 to 12 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Very high

Best For

Independent and loyal, Chow Chows are generally quiet dogs with a seriously gorgeous mane. They thrive in calm homes with an experienced, confident pet parents who are ready to not only take on all that...

Independent and loyal, Chow Chows are generally quiet dogs with a seriously gorgeous mane. They thrive in calm homes with an experienced, confident pet parents who are ready to not only take on all that grooming but also provide consistent training and early socialization.

Chow Chow Temperament

Not ones for being overly affectionate, these aren’t your average people-pleasing, one-of-the-pack dogs. Chows are generally quiet and naturally well-behaved. Chow Chows are super clean, easy to potty train and won’t fill your place up with a strong dog smell—traits admired by everyone. Not only that,...

Not ones for being overly affectionate, these aren’t your average people-pleasing, one-of-the-pack dogs. Chows are generally quiet and naturally well-behaved.

Chow Chows are super clean, easy to potty train and won’t fill your place up with a strong dog smell—traits admired by everyone. Not only that, they’re low maintenance when it comes to exercise, which balances out their need for grooming. Also, these pups are ready to protect your space.

Chow Chows can take time to warm up to strangers. (They are often considered the cats of the dog world.) Their reserved natures and natural scowling expressions can sometimes be mistaken for signs of aggression. Things will go a lot smoother when introducing your pet to new people if you signal everything’s OK by making the first move and initiating the greetings, letting your dog follow your lead. If you start socializing and training your Chow Chow puppy early, they can make great family dogs and can even get along with other dogs in the home. That said, if you have cats, it’s best to find a dog more accepting of felines than the Chow Chow.

Wondering if Chows are a good fit for homes with kids and babies? This independent breed usually does best with older family members who understand that Chow Chows typically don’t enjoy being held or cuddled. So, in addition to training and socializing your Chow early, teach children to properly interact with dogs and handle them with care.

Chow Chow Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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