Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chinook Versus Chow Chow: Introduction
- Chinook versus Chow Chow: Overview
- Chinook versus Chow Chow: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chinook and the Chow Chow
- The Similarities Between the Chinook and the Chow Chow
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chinook versus Chow Chow
- Lifespan of Chinook versus Chow Chow
- Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the Chinook
- The Popularity of Chinook versus Popularity of Chow Chow
- Health Problems of Chinook versus Health Problems of Chow Chow
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chinook versus Chow Chow
- Do Chinooks shed more than Chow Chows?
- Which one drools more, the Chinook or the Chow Chow
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinook or the Chow Chow?
- Does the Chinook Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chow Chow?
- Do Chinooks Bark and Howl? What about Chow Chows?
- Can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chinook vs. Chow Chow
- Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinook or the Chow Chow?
- Are Chinooks good family dogs? What about Chow Chows?
- How Kid-friendly are Chinooks and Chow Chows?
- Is the Chinook Easier to Train than the Chow Chow?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinook
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chow Chow
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Chinook versus Chow Chow. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chinook Versus Chow Chow: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook and the Chow Chow.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook or the Chow Chow.
Chinook versus Chow Chow: Overview
Both the Chinook and the Chow Chow are similar in size. The Chinook and the Chow Chow are both large-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Chinook and the Chow Chow are Working Dogs. This means both the Chinook 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.
Chinook versus Chow Chow: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Chow Chow
| Factor | Chinook | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 70 pounds | 40 to 70 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1000 – $2500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1750 |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 71.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 177 | 74 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinook 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 Chinook is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Chow Chow is 69 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chinook is a better pet than the Chow Chow. So, you should get the Chinook!
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 Chinook 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 Chinook and the Chow Chow
Below is a list of where the Chinook and the Chow Chow are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chinook and the Chow Chow
The Chinook and the Chow Chow are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chinook and the Chow Chow are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chinook versus Chow Chow
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chinook and the Chow Chow.
Chinooks weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chinooks are 21 to 27 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 Chinook versus Chow Chow
The lifespan of Chinooks is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chinooks is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows is 13.5 years.
Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the Chinook
The Chinook has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.
This is because the temperament score for the Chinook is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Chow Chow by measuring the temperaments of 9 Chinooks and 99 Chow Chows.
The Popularity of Chinook versus Popularity of Chow Chow
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chinook and the Chow Chow over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chow Chow is more popular with dog owners than the Chinook. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chow Chow is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Chinook is 177 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Chinook
Popularity of Chow Chow
| Year | Chinook Popularity Rank | Chow Chow Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 156 | 70 |
| 2014 | 171 | 70 |
| 2015 | 177 | 73 |
| 2016 | 175 | 74 |
| 2017 | 179 | 76 |
| 2018 | 190 | 75 |
| 2019 | 184 | 77 |
| 2020 | 186 | 84 |
Health Problems of Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chow Chow is prone to more genetic health problems than the Chinook.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Chow Chow than for the Chinook.
3 health tests are recommended for Chinook while 6 tests are recommended for the Chow Chow.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chinooks and in Chow Chows.
Chinook Health Problems
Chinooks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chinook 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 Chinook puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chinook 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 Chinooks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinooks 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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Chinooks and Chow Chows
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chinook Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Chinook ranks 5 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 52 Chinooks, 5 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chinooks, and how common these diseases are in Chinooks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chow Chow Breed is Elbow problems.
This is because the Chow Chow ranks 1 out of 144 dog breeds for Elbow problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1393 Chow Chows, 693 of them had Elbow problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chow Chows, and how common these diseases are in Chow Chows relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Chinook and in Chow Chow and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chinook and the Chow Chow:
| Disease | Chinook Rank | Chow Chow Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 5 out of 145 dog breeds | 15 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 63 out of 198 dog breeds | 36 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 82 out of 182 dog breeds | 3 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 1 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 88 out of 115 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Chinook versus Chow Chow
Chinooks do not like to be left alone.
Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Chinooks shed more than Chow Chows?
Chinooks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Chinook or the Chow Chow
Chinooks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Chow Chows drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinook or the Chow Chow?
Chinooks 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 Chinook Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chow Chow?
Chinooks 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 Chinooks Bark and Howl? What about Chow Chows?
Chinooks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Chow Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chinooks can very well tolerate cold weather.
Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chinook vs. Chow Chow
Chinooks do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
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 Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chinooks can tolerate hot weather.
Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinook or the Chow Chow?
Chinooks get along very well with other dogs.
Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Chinooks good family dogs? What about Chow Chows?
Chinooks 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 Chinooks and Chow Chows?
Chinooks 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 Chinook Easier to Train than the Chow Chow?
Chinooks are very easy to train.
Chow Chows are not easy to train.
Is the Chinook Better for Apartment Owners than the Chow Chow?
Chinooks adapt very well to apartment living.
Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chinook or the Chow Chow?
Chinooks 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 Chinook
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinook 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 Chinook:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Chinook and how the Chow Chow compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinook and of the Chow Chow to other breeds:
Chinook Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chinook versus Bearded Collie Chinook versus English Toy Spaniel Chinook versus Doberman Pinscher Chinook versus Sealyham Terrier Chinook versus Toy Poodle Chinook versus Curly-Coated Retriever Chinook versus Pointer Chinook versus Clumber Spaniel Chinook versus Standard Poodle Chinook versus Great Pyrenees Chinook versus Dogo Argentino Chinook versus Lagotto Romagnolo Chinook versus Kuvasz Chinook versus Lagotto Romagnolo Chinook versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Chinook versus Leonberger Chinook versus Komondor Chinook versus Korean Jindo Dog Chinook versus Goldador Chinook versus Lagotto Romagnolo Chinook versus Papillon Chinook versus Miniature Schnauzer Chinook versus Schnoodle Chinook versus Whippet Chinook versus Belgian Sheepdog
Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chow Chow versus Miniature Schnauzer Chow Chow versus Korean Jindo Dog Chow Chow versus Shiranian Chow Chow versus West Highland White Terrier Chow Chow versus Irish Setter Chow Chow versus Bulldog Chow Chow versus Alaskan Klee Kai Chow Chow versus Lakeland Terrier Chow Chow versus Dogo Argentino Chow Chow versus Bull Terrier Chow Chow versus Schnoodle Chow Chow versus Lowchen Chow Chow versus Doberman Pinscher Chow Chow versus Shetland Sheepdog Chow Chow versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Chow Chow versus Goldendoodle Chow Chow versus Akita Chow Chow versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Chow Chow versus Maltese Chow Chow versus Jack Russell Terrier Chow Chow versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chow Chow versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Chow Chow versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Chow Chow versus Great Pyrenees Chow Chow versus Bich Poo
Conclusion: Chinook 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 Chinook and the Chow Chow better suits you and your family.