Akita vs Chow Chow
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
Akita is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it is easier to train (3/5 vs 1/5); it scores better with children (3/5 vs 2/5); it needs less grooming (4/5 vs 5/5). Chow Chow makes more sense only if you specifically want what it offers more of.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Akita | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | Japan | China |
| Weight (kg) | 32–50 | 20–32 |
| Height (cm) | 58–70 | 43–51 |
| Lifespan (years) | 10–13 | 8–12 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $123 | $124 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1476 | $1488 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $2700 | $2200 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 4 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Energy (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 3 | 1 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 1 | 2 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 1 | 2 |
What the numbers mean
- Akita weighs 32–50 kg and lives 10–13 years; Chow Chow weighs 20–32 kg and lives 8–12 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Akita runs about $123/month versus $124/month for Chow Chow — a difference of roughly $1 a month, or $12 a year.
- Chow Chow has the higher apartment suitability score (2/5 vs 1/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
- Both have the same shedding score (5/5).
- Chow Chow has the higher grooming requirement (5/5 vs 4/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Akita has the higher energy level (3/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Akita has the higher trainability score (3/5 vs 1/5).
- Akita has the higher kid-friendliness score (3/5 vs 2/5).
- Chow Chow has the higher vocalisation score (2/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more barking or meowing.
Cost over ten years
At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $14,760 for Akita and $14,880 for Chow Chow. The gap is $120 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Akita
Chow Chow
Both breeds are associated with Hip problems, so screening for these is worth raising with a breeder either way.
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Akita if you want a more substantial dog to work with, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $123 a month.
- Choose Chow Chow if you want a more substantial dog to work with, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $124 a month.
- Neither, if you cannot tolerate heavy shedding — both score 4 or higher and will coat your furniture.