Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Black Russian Terrier Versus Chow Chow: Introduction
- Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow: Overview
- Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow
- The Similarities Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow
- Size Comparison of Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow
- Lifespan of Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow
- Temperament of the Black Russian Terrier Versus the Chow Chow
- Price of Black Russian Terrier versus Price of Chow Chow
- Health Problems of Black Russian Terrier versus Health Problems of Chow Chow
- Tolerates Being Alone: Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow
- Do Black Russian Terriers shed more than Chow Chows?
- Which one drools more, the Black Russian Terrier or the Chow Chow
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Black Russian Terrier or the Chow Chow?
- Does the Black Russian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chow Chow?
- Do Black Russian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Chow Chows?
- Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Black Russian Terrier vs. Chow Chow
- Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Black Russian Terrier or the Chow Chow?
- Are Black Russian Terriers good family dogs? What about Chow Chows?
- How Kid-friendly are Black Russian Terriers and Chow Chows?
- Is the Black Russian Terrier Easier to Train than the Chow Chow?
- Conclusion: Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow. Which One is a Better Pet?
Black Russian Terrier Versus Chow Chow: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow? 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow 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 Black Russian Terrier and for the Chow Chow. 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Black Russian Terrier or the Chow Chow.
Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow: Overview
A very important difference between the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog while the Chow Chow is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow are Working Dogs. This means both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow 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.
Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Black Russian Terrier to the Chow Chow 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow
| Factor | Black Russian Terrier | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 10 to 11 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 80 to 140 pounds | 40 to 70 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 10.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $3050 | $1810 |
| Price Range | $2600 – $3500 | $1000 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 93.9 percent | 71.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Black Russian Terrier 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 Chow Chow. 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 Black Russian Terrier is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Chow Chow is 69 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Black Russian Terrier is a better pet than the Chow Chow. So, you should get the Black Russian Terrier!
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 Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow
Below is a list of where the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow are most different:
- Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone. However, Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
- Black Russian Terriers are highly intelligent. However, Chow Chows not very intelligent.
- Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
- Black Russian Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Chow Chows do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
- Black Russian Terriers are very playful. However, Chow Chows not very playful.
The Similarities Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow
The Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow are most similar:
- Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow do not get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow are not very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
- Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
- Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow are prone to nip and chew at things.
Size Comparison of Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow.
Black Russian Terriers weigh 80 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Black Russian Terriers are 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow
The lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is between 10 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is 10.5 years.
The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows is 13.5 years.
Chow Chows live longer than Black Russian Terriers.
Temperament of the Black Russian Terrier Versus the Chow Chow
The Black Russian Terrier has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.
This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Chow Chow is 71.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 93.9 percent, the Black Russian Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 71.7 percent, the Chow Chow has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow by measuring the temperaments of 164 Black Russian Terriers and 99 Chow Chows.
Price of Black Russian Terrier versus Price of Chow Chow
The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $3050. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2600 – $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 9 Black Russian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Chow Chow puppy is $1810. The price of the Chow Chow typically ranges from $1000 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 117 Chow Chow puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Chow Chow.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Black Russian Terrier and Chow Chow. For different price points, the charts show how many Black Russian Terrier puppies or how many Chow Chow puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Chow Chows
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Black Russian Terrier puppy or the Chow Chow puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Health Problems of Black Russian Terrier versus Health Problems of Chow Chow
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Black Russian Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Chow Chow.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Black Russian Terrier than for the Chow Chow.
7 health tests are recommended for Black Russian Terrier while 6 tests are recommended for the Chow Chow.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Black Russian Terriers and in Chow Chows.
Black Russian Terrier Health Problems
Black Russian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Black Russian Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Black Russian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Black Russian Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Black Russian Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Black Russian Terriers here.
Chow Chow Health Problems
Chow Chows are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chow Chow puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Chow Chow puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chow Chow breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Chow Chows for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chow Chows here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow
Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Black Russian Terriers shed more than Chow Chows?
Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.
Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Black Russian Terrier or the Chow Chow
Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.
Chow Chows drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Black Russian Terrier or the Chow Chow?
Black Russian Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Black Russian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chow Chow?
Black Russian Terriers 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.
Chow Chows 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 Black Russian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Chow Chows?
Black Russian Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Chow Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather?
Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Black Russian Terrier vs. Chow Chow
Black Russian Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Chow Chows do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather?
Black Russian Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Black Russian Terrier or the Chow Chow?
Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Black Russian Terriers good family dogs? What about Chow Chows?
Black Russian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
How Kid-friendly are Black Russian Terriers and Chow Chows?
Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Black Russian Terrier Easier to Train than the Chow Chow?
Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.
Chow Chows are not easy to train.
Is the Black Russian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Chow Chow?
Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Black Russian Terrier or the Chow Chow?
Black Russian Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Chow Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Black Russian Terrier versus Chow Chow. 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Chow Chow better suits you and your family.