Chow Chow vs Great Dane

Which dog breed is right for you?

Chow Chow

Size
45–70 lbs, 17–20 in
Lifespan
8–12 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
No
Dignified Independent Loyal Quiet

Great Dane

Size
110–175 lbs, 28–32 in
Lifespan
7–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Friendly Patient Dependable Gentle

About the Chow Chow

One of the most ancient dog breeds in existence, the Chow Chow originated in northern China over 2,000 years ago — where they served as temple guards, sled pullers, and hunting dogs. This sturdy, lion-like breed stands 17–20 inches tall, weighs 45–70 pounds, and is instantly recognizable by its dense double coat, deep-set eyes, and distinctive blue-black tongue. Chow Chows come in five colors — red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream — with either a rough or smooth coat variety.

Temperament & Personality

Chow Chows are often compared to cats in their independent, dignified, and somewhat aloof demeanor. They are fiercely loyal to their family but maintain a reserved — sometimes suspicious — attitude toward strangers, making them formidable natural guard dogs. While devoted to their owners, they are not typically playful or demonstrative and may bond most closely with just one person in the household.

Pros

  • Naturally clean dogs — often housebreak themselves with minimal effort
  • Quiet breed that rarely barks without reason — excellent for noise-sensitive living situations
  • Strong territorial instincts provide reliable home protection without guard training
  • Low exercise requirements compared to similarly sized breeds — content with moderate daily walks

Cons

  • Extremely strong-willed and resistant to traditional obedience training methods
  • Heavy shedding — especially during seasonal coat blows that last several weeks
  • Prone to entropion, hip dysplasia, and autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Can be aggressive toward other dogs and requires extensive early socialization

If a loyal, independent guardian sounds like your ideal match, browse Chow Chows ready for adoption on Puplister now.

About the Great Dane

The Great Dane — known as the "Apollo of Dogs" — traces its lineage to ancient Assyrian war dogs, though the modern breed was refined in Germany to hunt wild boar and later serve as estate guardians. Standing a towering 28–32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 110–175 pounds, Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds in the world — the record holder stood 44 inches tall. Their short, sleek coat comes in six recognized colors: fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin (white with irregular black patches), and mantle.

Temperament & Personality

Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are famously gentle and affectionate — earning them the nickname "the world's biggest lap dog." They are patient with children and remarkably calm indoors, often preferring to lean against their owner's legs or drape across the couch rather than engage in rough play. Their friendly, confident demeanor means they greet most people warmly, though their sheer size alone is an effective deterrent to unwelcome visitors.

Pros

  • Surprisingly calm and gentle indoors — moderate exercise needs despite their enormous size
  • Naturally imposing presence deters intruders without aggressive behavior
  • Short coat requires minimal grooming — just weekly brushing and occasional baths
  • Patient and tolerant with children — gentle giants who rarely show aggression

Cons

  • Short lifespan of 7–10 years — one of the shortest of any breed due to their giant size
  • Extremely high risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a life-threatening emergency
  • Expensive to maintain — food, veterinary care, medications, and supplies all cost more at giant-breed scale
  • Prone to heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy), hip dysplasia, and osteosarcoma

Ready to share your home with a gentle giant? Explore Great Danes available for adoption on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Chow Chow and a Great Dane?
The Chow Chow is 45–70 lbs, 17–20 in sized while the Great Dane is 110–175 lbs, 28–32 in sized. They differ in size (45–70 lbs, 17–20 in vs 110–175 lbs, 28–32 in), lifespan (8–12 years vs 7–10 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Chow Chow or Great Dane?
Chow Chow is not typically good with kids. Great Dane is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Chow Chow or Great Dane?
The Chow Chow has a lifespan of 8–12 years while the Great Dane has a lifespan of 7–10 years.

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