Is the Chow Chow Better than the Patterdale Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Chow Chow Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier? 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier.

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 Patterdale Terrier.

Chow Chow versus Patterdale Terrier

Chow Chow versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chow Chow is a large-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier is a small-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 Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Chow Chow versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chow Chow to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

Factor Chow Chow Patterdale Terrier
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Intelligence 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
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 11 to 13 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1750 $680
Price Range $1000 – $2500 $550 – $950
Temperament Score 71.7 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Patterdale Terrier is a better pet than the Chow Chow. So, you should get the Patterdale 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 Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier are most different:

  • Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs. However, Patterdale Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Chow Chows are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Patterdale Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.
  • Chow Chows not very intelligent. However, Patterdale Terriers are highly intelligent.
  • Chow Chows not very playful. However, Patterdale Terriers are very playful.
  • Chow Chows have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Patterdale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier

    The Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier.

    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, Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chow Chow versus Patterdale Terrier

    The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Chow Chows live longer than Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Patterdale Terrier has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.

    This is because the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chow Chow and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 99 Chow Chows and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Chow Chow versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Chow Chow is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Chow Chow Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1750 $680
    Price Range $1000 to $2500 $550 to $950

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chow Chow and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Chow Chow puppies or how many Patterdale Terrier 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 Chow Chows. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chow Chow puppy or the Patterdale Terrier 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: Chow Chow versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chow Chows shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Chow Chow or the Patterdale Terrier

    Chow Chows drool moderately.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?

    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.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Patterdale Terrier

    Chow Chows do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chow Chow or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Chow Chows are not easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chow Chow or the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs 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:

  • Anatolian Shepherd Dog (61 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (65 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei (63 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • Akita Chow (62 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Akita Chow.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chow Chow versus Italian Greyhound     Chow Chow versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Chow Chow versus American Water Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Chow Chow versus Norwich Terrier     Chow Chow versus Mudi     Chow Chow versus Italian Greyhound     Chow Chow versus Chinese Crested     Chow Chow versus Lhasa Apso     Chow Chow versus Peek A Poo     Chow Chow versus Mountain Cur     Chow Chow versus Maltese     Chow Chow versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Chow Chow versus Collie     Chow Chow versus Peek A Poo     Chow Chow versus Beaglier     Chow Chow versus French Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Stabyhoun     Chow Chow versus Jack Russell Terrier     Chow Chow versus Beagle     Chow Chow versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Chow Chow versus Chorkie     Chow Chow versus Cane Corso     Chow Chow versus Xoloitzcuintli     Chow Chow versus American Eskimo Dog     

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Patterdale Terrier versus Boerboel     Patterdale Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Shihpoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Plott     Patterdale Terrier versus Cane Corso     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Patterdale Terrier versus Shihpoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Patterdale Terrier versus Sloughi     Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Patterdale Terrier versus Borzoi     Patterdale Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Patterdale Terrier versus Azawakh     Patterdale Terrier versus Labradoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Patterdale Terrier versus Afador     Patterdale Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Patterdale Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Beaglier     Patterdale Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     

    Conclusion: Chow Chow versus Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.