Chow ChowVSLhasa Apso

The Chow Chow is known for being dignified, aloof, loyal, while the Lhasa Apso is typically described as confident, alert, independent. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Lhasa Apso tends to be more playful, scoring 3/5 versus the Chow Chow's 2/5. Expect the Lhasa Apso to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Lhasa Apso is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Chow Chow is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Chow Chow may be the better choice.

The Chow Chow is a medium breed standing 43–51 cm (17–20 in) tall and weighing 20–32 kg (44–71 lbs). In comparison, the Lhasa Apso is a small breed at 25–28 cm (10–11 in) and 5–8 kg (11–18 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Chow Chow is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Lhasa Apso's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Chow Chow has a long coat available in red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream, while the Lhasa Apso sports a long coat in golden, cream, honey, black, white, parti-color. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Chow Chow has low energy (2/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Lhasa Apso has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

For apartment dwellers, the Lhasa Apso is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Chow Chow's 3/5. The Chow Chow generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Chow Chow drops more fur with a shedding level of 4/5, while the Lhasa Apso is lighter at 2/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Lhasa Apso will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Lhasa Apso needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Chow Chow (4/5). The Lhasa Apso's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the Chow Chow and $300 for the Lhasa Apso. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Chow Chow has a lifespan of 8–12 years, while the Lhasa Apso lives 12–15 years. The Lhasa Apso generally has a longer lifespan.

The Lhasa Apso is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the Chow Chow's 2/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Chow Chow include hip dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, bloat. The Lhasa Apso is prone to patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, dry eye, renal dysplasia. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Chow Chow and $500 for the Lhasa Apso. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 2/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

The Lhasa Apso ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

The Lhasa Apso is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Chow Chow's 3/5. This means the Lhasa Apso generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in instinctive intelligence. Each breed is naturally talented at the tasks they were originally bred for.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Lhasa Apso edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 3/5 with children versus the Chow Chow's 2/5. The Lhasa Apso's confident temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Lhasa Apso tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Chow Chow (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Lhasa Apso is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Lhasa Apso is more welcoming to strangers (2/5), while the Chow Chow tends to be more reserved (1/5). If you frequently have guests, the Lhasa Apso's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Chow Chow ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Lhasa Apso typically costs $800–$2,000. The Chow Chow has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,610 for the Chow Chow and $1,160 for the Lhasa Apso. The Chow Chow is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the Chow Chow and $30 for the Lhasa Apso. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.