Akita Chow versus Chinese Shar-Pei. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Akita Chow Versus Chinese Shar-Pei: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akita Chow and for the Chinese Shar-Pei. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akita Chow or the Chinese Shar-Pei.

Akita Chow versus Chinese Shar-Pei: Overview

A very important difference between the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akita Chow is a large-sized dog while the Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Akita Chow belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Chinese Shar-Pei belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Akita Chow versus Chinese Shar-Pei: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita Chow to the Chinese Shar-Pei based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei

Factor Akita Chow Chinese Shar-Pei
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 8 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 1/5
Height 23 to 25 inches 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Weight 88 to 145 pounds 40 to 55 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 10.0 years
Price Range No Data $1100 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akita Chow in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Chinese Shar-Pei. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akita Chow is 55 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Chinese Shar-Pei is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a better pet than the Akita Chow. So, you should get the Chinese Shar-Pei!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei

    Below is a list of where the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei are most different:

    • Akita Chows require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Chinese Shar-Peis are very easy to groom.
    • Akita Chows are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Chinese Shar-Peis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Akita Chows do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Chinese Shar-Peis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Akita Chows can tolerate cold weather. However, Chinese Shar-Peis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    The Similarities Between the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei

    The Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei are most similar:

    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei are not easy to train.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei not very playful.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Akita Chow versus Chinese Shar-Pei

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei.

    Akita Chows weigh 88 to 145 pounds when fully grown. Akita Chows are 23 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Chinese Shar-Peis weigh 40 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Shar-Peis are 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akita Chow versus Chinese Shar-Pei

    The lifespan of Akita Chows is between 10 to 12 years . The average lifespan of Akita Chows is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Chinese Shar-Peis is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Shar-Peis is 10.0 years.

    Akita Chows live longer than Chinese Shar-Peis.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akita Chow versus Chinese Shar-Pei

    Akita Chows do not like to be left alone.

    Chinese Shar-Peis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Akita Chows shed more than Chinese Shar-Peis?

    Akita Chows shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Chinese Shar-Peis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akita Chow or the Chinese Shar-Pei

    Akita Chows drool moderately.

    Chinese Shar-Peis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita Chow or the Chinese Shar-Pei?

    Akita Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Chinese Shar-Peis are very easy to groom.

    Does the Akita Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chinese Shar-Pei?

    Akita Chows have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Chinese Shar-Peis have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Akita Chows Bark and Howl? What about Chinese Shar-Peis?

    Akita Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Chinese Shar-Peis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Akita Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chinese Shar-Peis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akita Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Chinese Shar-Peis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita Chow vs. Chinese Shar-Pei

    Akita Chows have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Chinese Shar-Peis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Akita Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chinese Shar-Peis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akita Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Chinese Shar-Peis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akita Chow or the Chinese Shar-Pei?

    Akita Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Chinese Shar-Peis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Akita Chows good family dogs? What about Chinese Shar-Peis?

    Akita Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Chinese Shar-Peis are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

    How Kid-friendly are Akita Chows and Chinese Shar-Peis?

    Akita Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Chinese Shar-Peis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Akita Chow Easier to Train than the Chinese Shar-Pei?

    Akita Chows are not easy to train.

    Chinese Shar-Peis are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Akita Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Chinese Shar-Pei?

    Akita Chows do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Chinese Shar-Peis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akita Chow or the Chinese Shar-Pei?

    Akita Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Chinese Shar-Peis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akita Chow versus Chinese Shar-Pei. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akita Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei better suits you and your family.