Chihuahua 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
Chihuahua is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it scores higher on apartment fit (5/5 vs 2/5); it is easier to train (2/5 vs 1/5); it sheds less (3/5 vs 5/5). Chow Chow makes more sense only if you specifically want a heavier coat to groom and live with.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Chihuahua | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | Mexico | China |
| Weight (kg) | 1.5–3 | 20–32 |
| Height (cm) | 15–23 | 43–51 |
| Lifespan (years) | 14–18 | 8–12 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $64 | $124 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $768 | $1488 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1400 | $2200 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 2 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 3 | 5 |
| Energy (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 2 | 1 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 2 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 1 | 2 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 5 | 2 |
What the numbers mean
- Chihuahua weighs 1.5–3 kg and lives 14–18 years; Chow Chow weighs 20–32 kg and lives 8–12 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Chihuahua runs about $64/month versus $124/month for Chow Chow — a difference of roughly $60 a month, or $720 a year.
- Chihuahua has the higher apartment suitability score (5/5 vs 2/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
- Chow Chow has the higher shedding score (5/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Chow Chow has the higher grooming requirement (5/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Chihuahua has the higher energy level (3/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Chihuahua has the higher trainability score (2/5 vs 1/5).
- Chow Chow has the higher kid-friendliness score (2/5 vs 1/5).
- Chihuahua has the higher vocalisation score (5/5 vs 2/5) — 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 $7,680 for Chihuahua and $14,880 for Chow Chow. The gap is $7,200 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Chihuahua
Chow Chow
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Chihuahua if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $64 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 the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.