Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chow Chow Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Chow Chow versus Harrier: Overview
- Chow Chow versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chow Chow and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Harrier
- Lifespan of Chow Chow versus Harrier
- The Popularity of Chow Chow versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of Chow Chow versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chow Chow versus Harrier
- Do Chow Chows shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the Chow Chow or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Harrier?
- Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Harrier
- Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chow Chow or the Harrier?
- Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Harriers?
- Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chow Chow
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Chow Chow versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chow Chow Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chow Chow and the Harrier? 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 Harrier 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 Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chow Chow and the Harrier 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier.
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 Harrier.
Chow Chow versus Harrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Chow Chow and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chow Chow is a large-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Chow Chow versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chow Chow to the Harrier 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 Harrier
| Factor | Chow Chow | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Kid-Friendly | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds | 45 to 60 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 | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1750 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 74 | 183 |
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 Harrier. 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Chow Chow. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier 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 Harrier
Below is a list of where the Chow Chow and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Harrier
The Chow Chow and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chow Chow and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chow Chow and the Harrier.
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, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Chow Chow versus Harrier
The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
Chow Chows live longer than Harriers.
The Popularity of Chow Chow versus Popularity of Harrier
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 Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chow Chow is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. 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 Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Chow Chow
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | Chow Chow Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 70 | 173 |
| 2014 | 70 | 181 |
| 2015 | 73 | 183 |
| 2016 | 74 | 186 |
| 2017 | 76 | 183 |
| 2018 | 75 | 189 |
| 2019 | 77 | 186 |
| 2020 | 84 | 190 |
Health Problems of Chow Chow versus Health Problems of Harrier
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 Harrier 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 Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Chow Chow than for the Harrier.
6 health tests are recommended for Chow Chow while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chow Chows and in Harriers.
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.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Chow Chows and Harriers
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 Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Chow Chow and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chow Chow and the Harrier:
| Disease | Chow Chow Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow problems | 1 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 3 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 15 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 36 out of 198 dog breeds | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 88 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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 Harrier
Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Chow Chows shed more than Harriers?
Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Chow Chow or the Harrier
Chow Chows drool moderately.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Harrier?
Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
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.
Harriers 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 Harriers?
Chow Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Harrier
Chow Chows do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chow Chow or the Harrier?
Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
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Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Harriers?
Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Chow Chows are not easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chow Chow or the Harrier?
Chow Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Harriers 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 Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Chow Chow and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chow Chow and of the Harrier to other breeds:
Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chow Chow versus Irish Terrier Chow Chow versus Brittany Chow Chow versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Chow Chow versus Braque du Bourbonnais Chow Chow versus Karelian Bear Dog Chow Chow versus English Toy Spaniel Chow Chow versus Akita Chow Chow Chow versus Lagotto Romagnolo Chow Chow versus Xoloitzcuintli Chow Chow versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Chow Chow versus Chihuahua Chow Chow versus Black Mouth Cur Chow Chow versus Spanish Mastiff Chow Chow versus Havanese Chow Chow versus American Pit Bull Terrier Chow Chow versus Shetland Sheepdog Chow Chow versus Braque du Bourbonnais Chow Chow versus Bouvier des Flandres Chow Chow versus Australian Kelpie Chow Chow versus Flat-Coated Retriever Chow Chow versus Tibetan Spaniel Chow Chow versus Field Spaniel Chow Chow versus Puli Chow Chow versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Chow Chow versus Mastiff
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Scottish Terrier Harrier versus Chow Chow Harrier versus German Pinscher Harrier versus Basset Hound Harrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Harrier versus Doberman Pinscher Harrier versus Ibizan Hound Harrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier Harrier versus Goldador Harrier versus Pyredoodle Harrier versus Portuguese Water Dog Harrier versus Shihpoo Harrier versus Mal Shi Harrier versus Akita Harrier versus Saint Berdoodle Harrier versus Bernedoodle Harrier versus Cocker Spaniel Harrier versus Ibizan Hound Harrier versus Samoyed Harrier versus Cockalier Harrier versus Weimaraner Harrier versus Tibetan Terrier Harrier versus American Bulldog Harrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Harrier versus Chorkie
Conclusion: Chow Chow versus Harrier. 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 Harrier better suits you and your family.