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Compare Italian Greyhound and Chow Chow side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level

Playfulness

Intelligence

Trainability

Protectiveness

Sociability

Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly

Yes

Good with kids

Yes

Good for first-time owners

Yes

Shedding

Noise level

Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span

12–15 years

Weight

3.6–5.4 kg

20–32 kg

Height

32–38 cm

46–56 cm

Origin

Italy

China

Grooming effort

Nutrition sensitivity

Health risk

Heat tolerance

Cold tolerance

The Chow Chow and the Italian Greyhound are two distinct breeds with unique characteristics suited to different lifestyles. The Chow Chow, originating from China, is known for its lion-like appearance and strong protective instincts. With a higher shedding level and grooming difficulty, it requires more maintenance compared to the Italian Greyhound. On the other hand, the Italian Greyhound, hailing from Italy, is a small, elegant breed that is playful, sociable, and more adaptable to families, making it a better choice for first-time dog owners. Both breeds share a similar lifespan, but their energy levels and exercise needs differ, with the Italian Greyhound being more active and playful. In terms of sociability, the Italian Greyhound excels, while the Chow Chow tends to be more reserved and less friendly towards children. Overall, the choice between these two breeds will largely depend on the owner's lifestyle and preferences.

Italian Greyhound — Advantages

Good with kids
Ideal for first-time owners
Low shedding level
Low grooming difficulty
Highly sociable and playful

Disadvantages

Lower protective instincts
Requires more exercise
Not as tolerant to cold climates
Can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long

Chow Chow — Advantages

Strong protective instincts
Good for experienced owners
Adaptable to apartment living
Can stay alone for moderate periods
Good tolerance to cold climates