Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chow Chow Versus German Pinscher: Introduction
- Chow Chow versus German Pinscher: Overview
- Chow Chow versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher
- The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus German Pinscher
- Lifespan of Chow Chow versus German Pinscher
- Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the German Pinscher
- Price of Chow Chow versus Price of German Pinscher
- Adopting the Chow Chow versus Adopting the German Pinscher
- The Popularity of Chow Chow versus Popularity of German Pinscher
- Health Problems of Chow Chow versus Health Problems of German Pinscher
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chow Chow versus German Pinscher
- Do Chow Chows shed more than German Pinschers?
- Which one drools more, the Chow Chow or the German Pinscher
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the German Pinscher?
- Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?
- Do Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?
- Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. German Pinscher
- Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chow Chow or the German Pinscher?
- Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?
- How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and German Pinschers?
- Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chow Chow
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Chow Chow versus German Pinscher. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chow Chow Versus German Pinscher: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher? 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 Chow Chow and the German Pinscher 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 Chow Chow and the German Pinscher.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher 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 Chow Chow and for the German Pinscher. 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 Chow Chow and the German Pinscher.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chow Chow or the German Pinscher.
Chow Chow versus German Pinscher: Overview
A very important difference between the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chow Chow is a large-sized dog while the German Pinscher is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher are Working Dogs. This means both the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher 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.
Chow Chow versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chow Chow to the German Pinscher 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 Chow Chow and the German Pinscher
| Factor | Chow Chow | German Pinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Kid-Friendly | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1750 | $2040 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2500 | $1150 – $2688 |
| Temperament Score | 71.7 percent | 91.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 74 | 135 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chow 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 German Pinscher. 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 Chow Chow is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Pinscher is a better pet than the Chow Chow. So, you should get the German Pinscher!
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 Chow Chow and the German Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher
Below is a list of where the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher
The Chow Chow and the German Pinscher are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus German Pinscher
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher.
Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Chow Chow versus German Pinscher
The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.
Chow Chows live longer than German Pinschers.
Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the German Pinscher
The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.
This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 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 71.7 percent, the Chow Chow has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 99 Chow Chows and 37 German Pinschers.
Price of Chow Chow versus Price of German Pinscher
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 a Chow Chow can be as low as $400 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 156 Chow Chow puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2040. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $1150 – $2688. However, the price of the German Pinscher can be as low as $500 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The German Pinscher is more expensive than the Chow Chow.
| Chow Chow | German Pinscher | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1750 | $2040 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2500 | $1150 to $2688 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Chow Chow and German Pinscher. For different price points, the charts show how many Chow Chow puppies or how many German Pinscher puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Chow Chows. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chow Chow puppy or the German Pinscher 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.
Adopting the Chow Chow versus Adopting the German Pinscher
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Chow Chows and many German Pinschers are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Chow Chow named Q that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Chow Chows like Q on pefinder.com.
Also, like Chow Chows, German Pinschers are also available for adoption. For example, Pops is a Male German Pinscher that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more German Pinschers like Pops that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Toby (Mack) is the name of another Chow Chow (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Freckles is an adorable Male German Pinscher on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Chow Chows and German Pinschers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Chow Chow versus Popularity of German Pinscher
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 Chow Chow and the German Pinscher over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chow Chow is more popular with dog owners than the German Pinscher. 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 German Pinscher is 135 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Chow Chow
Popularity of German Pinscher
| Year | Chow Chow Popularity Rank | German Pinscher Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 70 | 130 |
| 2014 | 70 | 141 |
| 2015 | 73 | 138 |
| 2016 | 74 | 146 |
| 2017 | 76 | 136 |
| 2018 | 75 | 134 |
| 2019 | 77 | 123 |
| 2020 | 84 | 139 |
Health Problems of Chow Chow versus Health Problems of German Pinscher
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 Chow Chow and the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Chow Chow than for the German Pinscher.
6 health tests are recommended for Chow Chow while 4 tests are recommended for the German Pinscher.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chow Chows and in German Pinschers.
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.
German Pinscher Health Problems
German Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Pinscher 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 German Pinschers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Pinschers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Chow Chows and German Pinschers
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:
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 German Pinscher Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the German Pinscher ranks 11 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 77 German Pinschers, 2 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Pinschers, and how common these diseases are in German Pinschers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Chow Chow and in German Pinscher and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chow Chow and the German Pinscher:
| Disease | Chow Chow Rank | German Pinscher Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow problems | 1 out of 144 dog breeds | 95 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 3 out of 182 dog breeds | 110 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 15 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 36 out of 198 dog breeds | 196 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 88 out of 115 dog breeds | 56 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 11 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 15 out of 159 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: Chow Chow versus German Pinscher
Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Chow Chows shed more than German Pinschers?
Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
German Pinschers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Chow Chow or the German Pinscher
Chow Chows drool moderately.
German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the German Pinscher?
Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
German Pinschers are very easy to groom.
Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?
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.
German Pinschers 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.
Do Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?
Chow Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.
German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. German Pinscher
Chow Chows do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
German Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chow Chow or the German Pinscher?
Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.
German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?
Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
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German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and German Pinschers?
Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?
Chow Chows are not easy to train.
German Pinschers are very easy to train.
Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the German Pinscher?
Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.
German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chow Chow or the German Pinscher?
Chow Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Chow Chow and how the German Pinscher compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chow Chow and of the German Pinscher to other breeds:
Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chow Chow versus Maltipoo Chow Chow versus Bedlington Terrier Chow Chow versus Belgian Malinois Chow Chow versus Berger Picard Chow Chow versus Akita Chow Chow versus Great Dane Chow Chow versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Chow Chow versus Basset Hound Chow Chow versus Valley Bulldog Chow Chow versus Lhasa Apso Chow Chow versus Komondor Chow Chow versus Keeshond Chow Chow versus Belgian Tervuren Chow Chow versus Canaan Dog Chow Chow versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Chow Chow versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Chow Chow versus Chinese Crested Chow Chow versus Pharaoh Hound Chow Chow versus Borzoi Chow Chow versus Pyredoodle Chow Chow versus Leonberger Chow Chow versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Chow Chow versus Biewer Terrier Chow Chow versus Boykin Spaniel Chow Chow versus Sealyham Terrier
German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Pinscher versus Australian Cattle Dog German Pinscher versus Patterdale Terrier German Pinscher versus Pomsky German Pinscher versus Morkie German Pinscher versus Dogue de Bordeaux German Pinscher versus Miniature Pinscher German Pinscher versus Skye Terrier German Pinscher versus Pointer German Pinscher versus American Foxhound German Pinscher versus Rhodesian Ridgeback German Pinscher versus Cockapoo German Pinscher versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen German Pinscher versus Weimaraner German Pinscher versus Beagle German Pinscher versus Collie German Pinscher versus Afghan Hound German Pinscher versus Bluetick Coonhound German Pinscher versus Tibetan Spaniel German Pinscher versus German Wirehaired Pointer German Pinscher versus Mountain Cur German Pinscher versus Affenpinscher German Pinscher versus Cocker Spaniel German Pinscher versus Lhasapoo German Pinscher versus English Setter German Pinscher versus Puli
Conclusion: Chow Chow versus German Pinscher. 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 Chow Chow and the German Pinscher better suits you and your family.