Which is Better between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow? A Very Detailed Review.

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Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Chow Chow: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Chow Chow.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chow Chow

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chow Chow: Overview

Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are similar in size. The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Chow Chow 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.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chow Chow: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow

Factor Catahoula Leopard Dog Chow Chow
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Easygoing 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 1/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 40 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $650 $1750
Price Range $400 – $800 $1000 – $2500
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 71.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Chow Chow is 69 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a better pet than the Chow Chow. So, you should get the Catahoula Leopard Dog!

    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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow

    Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are most different:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone. However, Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family. However, Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Chow Chows have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are most similar:

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow are not easy to train.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow not very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chow Chow

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 inches tall 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chow Chow

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Chow Chow

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.

    This is because the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 99 Chow Chows.

    Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Price of Chow Chow

    The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of a Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Chow Chow puppy is $1750. The price of the Chow Chow typically ranges from $1000 – $2500. However, the price of the Chow Chow can be as low as $400 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 156 Chow Chow puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Chow Chow is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Chow Chow
    Average Price $650 $1750
    Price Range $400 to $800 $1000 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Catahoula Leopard Dog and Chow Chow. For different price points, the charts show how many Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies or how many Chow Chow puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chow Chows

    A breakdown of the prices of Chow Chows

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chow Chow

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Chow Chows?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

    Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Chow Chow

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Chow Chows drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Chow Chow?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chow Chow?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Chow Chows?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Chow Chow

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Chow Chow?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Chow Chows?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Chow Chows?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Chow Chow?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Chow Chows are not easy to train.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Chow Chow?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Chow Chow?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Catahoula Leopard Dog:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Boerboel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chow Chow

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chow Chow that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Chow Chow:

  • Anatolian Shepherd Dog (61 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (65 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei (63 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • Akita Chow (62 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Akita Chow.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Catahoula Leopard Dog and how the Chow Chow compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and of the Chow Chow to other breeds:

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cairn Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Spinone Italiano     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Mudi     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus French Bulldog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Afghan Hound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Akita Chow     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Mountain Cur     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Border Collie     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Whoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Doberman Pinscher     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Wolfhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bull Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cavachon     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus French Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Goldador     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boxerdoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chow Chow versus Hovawart     Chow Chow versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Chow Chow versus Carolina Dog     Chow Chow versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Chow Chow versus Chorkie     Chow Chow versus Dalmatian     Chow Chow versus Border Collie     Chow Chow versus Lhasapoo     Chow Chow versus Maremma Sheepdog     Chow Chow versus Boerboel     Chow Chow versus Ibizan Hound     Chow Chow versus Catahoula Bulldog     Chow Chow versus Standard Schnauzer     Chow Chow versus King Shepherd     Chow Chow versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Chow Chow versus Lancashire Heeler     Chow Chow versus Cocker Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Patterdale Terrier     Chow Chow versus Belgian Tervuren     Chow Chow versus Finnish Spitz     Chow Chow versus Lowchen     Chow Chow versus Tibetan Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Carolina Dog     Chow Chow versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Chow Chow versus Papipoo     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Chow Chow better suits you and your family.