Basset Hound or Chow Chow? On paper they differ most on good with other dogs, and on the scales Chow Chow is the heavier at 45–70 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Basset Hound and Chow Chow and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on good with other dogs and friendly to strangers, so those are covered first and in most detail. Both rate 4/5 for flats, so housing does not settle this one. There is no origin story here — only what changes about your week.
Between Basset Hound and Chow Chow, good with other dogs is what separates them, and Basset Hound is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose Basset Hound if this is your first dog, you do not want a standing grooming appointment and shedding is a problem in your house.
Choose Chow Chow if the dog will be alone during the working day and you want a dog that is more watchful with visitors.
| Feature | basset hound | chow chow | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | medium | medium | Equal |
| Weight | 40–65 lbs | 45–70 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 12–15 in | 17–20 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 9–15 years | chow chow |
| Exercise need | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Grooming need | Moderate (3/5) | Very high (5/5) | basset hound |
| Shedding | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | basset hound |
| Energy level | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | basset hound |
| Apartment suitability | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Good for first-time owners | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | basset hound |
| Tolerates being alone | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | chow chow |
| Trainability | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Good with kids | Very high (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) | basset hound |
| Good with other dogs | Very high (5/5) | Low (2/5) | basset hound |
| Friendly to strangers | Very high (5/5) | Low (2/5) | basset hound |
| Cost level | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | basset hound |
| Coat | Short, dense | Thick double coat | Equal |
| Origin | France | China | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $80–$150 | $120–$250 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,300–$2,300 | $1,600–$3,000 | Equal |
Both sit in the medium class, but the Chow Chow's thick double coat makes it look considerably bulkier than its 45-70 lb frame, which is actually close to the Basset Hound's 40-65 lbs. The real visual difference is height: the Chow stands 17-20 inches versus the Basset's ground-hugging 12-15. Underneath all that fur, the Chow's actual frame is closer to the Basset's than most people assume from photos alone.
Both are low-key breeds, rating low (2/5) on exercise need and low (2/5) on general energy. Neither breed is going to ask for a jog, and both are content with a modest daily walk. A short daily walk satisfies either dog, and neither is likely to develop the restlessness that comes with unmet exercise needs in higher-drive breeds.
This is the clearest split in the data - the Chow Chow's double coat demands very high (5/5) grooming and sheds at a high (4/5) rate, both well above the Basset's moderate (3/5) scores on each. Anyone who dislikes brushing should look elsewhere entirely. Skipping regular brushing on a Chow isn't really an option - mats form quickly in a double coat left untouched for more than a week or two.
Both rate high (4/5) for apartment suitability, but the Chow barks more, moderate (3/5) against the Basset's low (2/5). The Chow also handles alone time slightly better, moderate (3/5) versus the Basset's low (2/5), despite its more independent, reserved reputation. Either breed can do fine in a smaller home, but the Chow's slightly better alone-time tolerance may matter more for a household with an unpredictable schedule.
Trainability ties at low (2/5) for both - the Chow's temperament list includes "independent" and "reserved," which lines up with a dog that doesn't take direction eagerly. First-time-owner suitability splits sharply though: high (4/5) for the Basset against low (2/5) for the Chow. Neither breed responds well to repetitive drilling, so shorter, more purposeful training sessions tend to work better for both.
The Basset again scores very high (5/5) across kids, other dogs, and strangers. The Chow Chow drops to moderate (3/5) with kids and low (2/5) with both other dogs and strangers - consistent with a reserved, dignified temperament that leans toward selective loyalty over broad friendliness. If your household hosts often or has other pets, that gap is worth taking seriously before committing to a Chow Chow.
The Chow Chow can live longer - up to 15 years against the Basset's 12-year ceiling - but its ten-condition health list is a longer read, including thyroid disease, diabetes, and stomach cancer alongside joint and eye issues. The two breeds share three conditions: hip dysplasia, bloat, and glaucoma. Regular eye exams are worth budgeting for with a Chow, given how many of its listed conditions - cataracts, glaucoma, distichiasis - involve the eyes.
The Chow costs more across the board - high (4/5) cost level against the Basset's moderate (3/5), $120-250 monthly against $80-150, and a first-year range topping out near $3,000 versus the Basset's $2,300. Much of that gap likely traces back to grooming. Factor in professional grooming every few weeks if you go with the Chow, since that's rarely optional for a coat this dense.
Basset Hound weighs 40–65 lbs and lives 10–12 years; Chow Chow weighs 45–70 lbs and lives 9–15 years. The two diverge most on good with other dogs, friendly to strangers and grooming need and 2 other rated axes. They are level on apartment suitability, energy level and exercise need, so those cannot decide it. Where the table declares a winner it means less work for the owner, nothing more; descriptive rows are left as ties on purpose. The value here is in the differences between the two columns; treat any single score as approximate.
The Chow Chow, rated high (4/5) against the Basset Hound's moderate (3/5), and it needs far more grooming too - very high (5/5) versus moderate (3/5).
Yes, three: hip dysplasia, bloat, and glaucoma all appear on both lists, despite otherwise different overall health profiles.
The Chow Chow, potentially - its range tops out at 15 years against the Basset Hound's 12, though its lower end (9 years) is also below the Basset's 10-year minimum.
Not according to the data - it's rated low (2/5), against the Basset Hound's high (4/5), reflecting its more independent and reserved temperament.
Roughly $40-100 more per month and up to $700 more in the first year, with a cost level rated high (4/5) against the Basset's moderate (3/5).
The Basset Hound, by a wide margin - very high (5/5) against the Chow Chow's low (2/5).
Yes - trainability ties at low (2/5) for both, so neither is an easy obedience-class dog regardless of which you choose.
The Basset Hound, for most households - it needs far less grooming, costs less, and scores higher with kids, other dogs, and strangers, though the Chow Chow can live somewhat longer.
A fair amount - its cost level is rated high (4/5) against the Basset Hound's moderate (3/5), and monthly costs run $120-250 versus $80-150.
No, both rate low (2/5) on exercise need despite very different coats and temperaments.
The Chow Chow, with a range extending to 15 years versus the Basset Hound's 12-year ceiling.
Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.
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