Chow Chow vs Labrador Retriever
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
Labrador Retriever is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it is easier to train (5/5 vs 1/5); it scores better with children (5/5 vs 2/5); it sheds less (4/5 vs 5/5). Chow Chow makes more sense only if you specifically want a heavier coat to groom and live with.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Chow Chow | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | China | Canada |
| Weight (kg) | 20–32 | 25–36 |
| Height (cm) | 43–51 | 54–62 |
| Lifespan (years) | 8–12 | 10–13 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $124 | $103 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1488 | $1236 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $2200 | $2350 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 5 | 3 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 5 | 4 |
| Energy (1–5) | 2 | 4 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 1 | 5 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 2 | 2 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 2 | 5 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 2 | 1 |
What the numbers mean
- Chow Chow weighs 20–32 kg and lives 8–12 years; Labrador Retriever weighs 25–36 kg and lives 10–13 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Labrador Retriever runs about $103/month versus $124/month for Chow Chow — a difference of roughly $21 a month, or $252 a year.
- Both have the same apartment suitability score (2/5).
- Chow Chow has the higher shedding score (5/5 vs 4/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Chow Chow has the higher grooming requirement (5/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Labrador Retriever has the higher energy level (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Labrador Retriever has the higher trainability score (5/5 vs 1/5).
- Labrador Retriever has the higher kid-friendliness score (5/5 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 $14,880 for Chow Chow and $12,360 for Labrador Retriever. The gap is $2,520 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Chow Chow
Labrador Retriever
Which one should you pick?
- 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.
- Choose Labrador Retriever if you want a more substantial dog to work with, can commit to serious daily exercise, and your budget covers about $103 a month.
- Neither, if you cannot tolerate heavy shedding — both score 4 or higher and will coat your furniture.