Bloodhound vs Chow Chow: Which Suits Your Home?

Both breeds land in the large-to-medium range, but the Bloodhound is still the bigger of the two — 90–110 pounds and 23–27 inches, against the Chow Chow's 45–70 pounds and 17–20 inches. A Chow Chow is stockier and shorter, built around its dense double coat rather than the Bloodhound's long, lean tracking frame.

The Chow Chow needs less exercise, rated Low (2/5) against the Bloodhound's Moderate (3/5), and its energy level runs lower day to day as well. Chow Chows are famously low-key indoors, content with modest walks, while a Bloodhound's nose tends to demand more purposeful time outside regardless of how calm it seems at home.

This is the sharpest contrast in the whole comparison: the Chow Chow rates Very High (5/5) for grooming need against the Bloodhound's Low (2/5), and High (4/5) for shedding against Moderate (3/5). A Chow Chow's thick double coat needs frequent, serious brushing to avoid matting — plan on a real time commitment that the Bloodhound simply doesn't ask for.

The Chow Chow rates High (4/5) for apartment suitability against the Bloodhound's Low (2/5), and it tolerates being left alone better too — Moderate (3/5) versus Low (2/5). Barking ties at Moderate (3/5) for both, so don't expect a quiet dog just because the Chow Chow scores better on space and independence.

Neither breed trains easily — both rate Low (2/5) for trainability and first-time-owner suitability. The Chow Chow's independent, reserved, dignified temperament doesn't lend itself to eager obedience work, and neither does the Bloodhound's nose-first focus. Expect a slower training timeline with either breed, especially without prior dog-handling experience.

The Bloodhound wins clearly across kids, other dogs, and strangers — High (4/5) on all three against the Chow Chow's Moderate (3/5) for kids and Low (2/5) for the other two. A Chow Chow's reserved, dignified nature makes it more of a one-family, low-visitor dog, which matters if you entertain often or have other pets.

The Chow Chow lives somewhat longer, 9 to 15 years against the Bloodhound's 7 to 10, but its health list runs just as long — ten conditions, including thyroid disease, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and stomach cancer, alongside hip and elbow dysplasia it shares with the Bloodhound. Both breeds also carry bloat risk, worth watching regardless of which you choose.

The Chow Chow costs more to keep, rated High (4/5) against the Bloodhound's Moderate (3/5), and the numbers back that up: $120–$250 a month versus $100–$200, and $1,600–$3,000 in the first year against $1,500–$2,800. Grooming supplies and time, or professional grooming bills, are the likely driver of that gap.