A Detailed Comparison of the Chow Chow and the Plott.

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Chow Chow Versus Plott: Introduction

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

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

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 Plott.

Chow Chow versus Plott: Overview

A very important difference between the Chow Chow and the Plott is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chow Chow is a large-sized dog while the Plott 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 Plott 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 Plott: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chow Chow to the Plott 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 Plott

Factor Chow Chow Plott
Kid-Friendly 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Intelligence 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 1/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
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 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
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 40 to 75 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1750 $600
Price Range $1000 – $2500 $480 – $700
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 74 161

    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 Plott. 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 Plott is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Plott 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 Plott

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

  • Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs. However, Plotts get along well with other dogs.
  • Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Plotts are very easy to groom.
  • Chow Chows have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Plotts are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Chow Chows have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Plotts have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Chow Chows do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Plotts have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Chow Chows have low exercise needs. However, Plotts require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Plotts do not like to be left alone.
  • Chow Chows can tolerate cold weather. However, Plotts cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Plott

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

  • Both the Chow Chow and the Plott do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Plott are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Plott are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Plott gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Plott

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

    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, Plotts weigh 40 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Plotts are 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chow Chow versus Plott

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

    The lifespan of Plotts is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Plotts is 13.0 years.

    Chow Chows live longer than Plotts.

    Price of Chow Chow versus Price of Plott

    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 Plott puppy is $600. The price of the Plott typically ranges from $480 – $700. However, the price of the Plott can be as low as $300 and as high as $800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 17 Plott puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Chow Chow is more expensive than the Plott.

    Chow Chow Plott
    Average Price $1750 $600
    Price Range $1000 to $2500 $480 to $700

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chow Chow and Plott. For different price points, the charts show how many Chow Chow puppies or how many Plott 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 Plotts

    A breakdown of the prices of Plotts

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chow Chow puppy or the Plott 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 Plott

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Chow Chows and many Plotts 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 Simba that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Chow Chows like Simba on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Chow Chows, Plotts are also available for adoption. For example, Diesel is a Male Plott that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Plotts like Diesel that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Chow Chow and the Plott can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Bobo is the name of another Chow Chow (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Treble is an adorable Male Plott on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Chow Chows and Plotts are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Chow Chows and Plotts that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Chow Chow versus Popularity of Plott

    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 Plott over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chow Chow is more popular with dog owners than the Plott. 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 Plott is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chow Chow

    Popularity of Chow Chow

    Popularity of Plott

    Popularity of Plott

    Year Chow Chow Popularity Rank Plott Popularity Rank
    2013 70 149
    2014 70 154
    2015 73 149
    2016 74 158
    2017 76 166
    2018 75 171
    2019 77 177
    2020 84 167

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chow Chow versus Plott

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

    Plotts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chow Chows shed more than Plotts?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Chow Chow or the Plott

    Chow Chows drool moderately.

    Plotts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Plott?

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

    Plotts are very easy to groom.

    Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Plott?

    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.

    Plotts 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 Plotts?

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

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

    Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Plotts Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Plotts cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Plott

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

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

    Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Plotts Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Plotts can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Plotts get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Plotts?

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

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    Plotts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Plotts?

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

    Plotts get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Plott?

    Chow Chows are not easy to train.

    Plotts are very easy to train.

    Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Plott?

    Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Plotts do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Patterdale Terrier (77 percent match with Plott). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (77 percent match with Plott). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Rhodesian Ridgeback.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chow Chow versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Chow Chow versus Manchester Terrier     Chow Chow versus English Setter     Chow Chow versus Miniature Schnauzer     Chow Chow versus West Highland White Terrier     Chow Chow versus Bedlington Terrier     Chow Chow versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Chow Chow versus Cane Corso     Chow Chow versus Greyhound     Chow Chow versus Carolina Dog     Chow Chow versus Puli     Chow Chow versus Mountain Cur     Chow Chow versus English Springer Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Dogo Argentino     Chow Chow versus Irish Water Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Berger Picard     Chow Chow versus Maltipoo     Chow Chow versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Chow Chow versus Bordoodle     Chow Chow versus Irish Wolfhound     Chow Chow versus Afghan Hound     Chow Chow versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Chow Chow versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Chow Chow versus Bluetick Coonhound     Chow Chow versus Bernedoodle     

    Plott Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Plott versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Plott versus French Spaniel     Plott versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Plott versus Miniature Poodle     Plott versus Shichon     Plott versus Bouvier des Flandres     Plott versus Sheepadoodle     Plott versus Border Collie     Plott versus Canaan Dog     Plott versus Skye Terrier     Plott versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Plott versus Havanese     Plott versus Chi-Poo     Plott versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Plott versus Cane Corso     Plott versus Frenchton     Plott versus Norfolk Terrier     Plott versus Saint Berdoodle     Plott versus Japanese Spitz     Plott versus Patterdale Terrier     Plott versus Shiba Inu     Plott versus Labradoodle     Plott versus Toy Fox Terrier     Plott versus Bich Poo     Plott versus Mal Shi     

    Conclusion: Chow Chow versus Plott. 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 Plott better suits you and your family.