Behavior
Chow Chow or Dachshund overall?
If daily grooming and cost matter most, the Dachshund is the lighter lift; if you need a dog that tolerates solo time, the Chow Chow does better there.
Chow Chow vs Dachshund: Which Suits Your Home?
Chow Chow or Dachshund? On paper they differ most on grooming need, 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 Chow Chow and Dachshund and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on grooming need and shedding, so those are covered first and in most detail. Anyone choosing from a flat has a clear answer here: Dachshund rates 5/5 against 4/5. It is written for the decision rather than the breed history.
Quick verdict
Between Chow Chow and Dachshund, grooming need is what separates them, and Dachshund is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose chow chow if...
Choose Chow Chow if your walking routine is modest and the dog will be alone during the working day.
Choose dachshund if...
Choose Dachshund if you are in a flat or a smaller home, this is your first dog and you do not want a standing grooming appointment.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | chow chow | dachshund | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | medium | small | Equal |
| Weight | 45–70 lbs | 11–32 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 17–20 in | 5–9 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 9–15 years | 12–16 years | dachshund |
| Exercise need | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | chow chow |
| Grooming need | Very high (5/5) | Low (2/5) | dachshund |
| Shedding | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | dachshund |
| Energy level | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | chow chow |
| Apartment suitability | High (4/5) | Very high (5/5) | dachshund |
| Good for first-time owners | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | dachshund |
| Tolerates being alone | Moderate (3/5) | Very low (1/5) | chow chow |
| Trainability | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | dachshund |
| Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | dachshund |
| Friendly to strangers | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Cost level | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | dachshund |
| Coat | Thick double coat | Short, wirehaired, or longhaired | Equal |
| Origin | China | Germany | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $120–$250 | $80–$150 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,600–$3,000 | $1,200–$2,500 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
The size gap is dramatic, the Chow Chow runs 45-70 lbs and 17-20 inches, while the Dachshund tops out around 32 lbs and stands just 5-9 inches. Build matters too: the Dachshund's long, low frame is built completely differently from the Chow's compact, solid one.
Energy and exercise
The Dachshund actually needs slightly more daily activity (3/5) than the Chow Chow (2/5), which surprises people given the size difference. Small doesn't mean low-energy, Dachshunds were bred to dig and chase, and that drive still needs an outlet.
Grooming and shedding
The Chow Chow demands far more grooming, 5/5 versus the Dachshund's 2/5, and sheds more heavily too (4/5 vs 2/5). A Dachshund's short or wire coat, longhaired varieties aside, is close to wash-and-go compared to the Chow's thick double coat.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
The Dachshund is the better apartment fit, rated 5/5 against the Chow's 4/5, but it's also the louder dog, 4/5 barking versus the Chow's 3/5. Alone-time tolerance flips the other way hard: the Chow scores 3/5, the Dachshund just 1/5. Dachshunds are known to struggle with solitude.
Training and owner experience
The Dachshund is somewhat friendlier to first-time owners (3/5 vs 2/5) and a bit more trainable (3/5 vs 2/5), though neither breed is considered especially easy. Both carry independent streaks that show up directly in their temperament lists. The Chow Chow originated in China as an all-purpose working dog, while the Dachshund was bred in Germany to go underground after badgers — working backgrounds that still show up today in how independently each one thinks for itself.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Kids and strangers come out tied here, 3/5 and 2/5 for both breeds, but the Dachshund edges ahead with other dogs (3/5 vs 2/5). Neither breed is a natural extrovert, this isn't a category where either one really shines.
Health and lifespan
The Dachshund tends to live longer, 12-16 years versus the Chow's 9-15. Hip dysplasia is the one condition both share. Otherwise their risks reflect their body types: back and disc problems for the long-bodied Dachshund, bloat and stomach cancer for the deep-chested Chow.
Cost to keep
The Chow Chow costs considerably more to keep, $120-250 monthly against the Dachshund's $80-150, and $1,600-3,000 in year one versus $1,200-2,500. Grooming and general upkeep on a bigger, heavier-coated dog simply cost more.
Chow Chow vs Dachshund at a glance
Chow Chow weighs 45–70 lbs and lives 9–15 years; Dachshund weighs 11–32 lbs and lives 12–16 years. The two diverge most on grooming need, shedding and tolerates being alone. They are level on good with kids and friendly to strangers, so those cannot decide it. In the table, a "winner" means easier for an ordinary household — not better. Size, coat and origin are recorded without a verdict. Because both breeds are scored the same way, the gaps are reliable even where the absolute numbers are rough.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the size difference?
Huge, a Chow Chow can outweigh a Dachshund by more than double.
Which needs more exercise?
Surprisingly the Dachshund, at 3/5 versus the Chow's 2/5.
Which is easier to groom?
The Dachshund, by far, 2/5 versus the Chow's 5/5.
Which handles being alone better?
The Chow Chow, clearly, 3/5 versus the Dachshund's 1/5, a breed known for separation struggles.
What's the cost gap?
Significant, the Chow runs $120-250 monthly against the Dachshund's $80-150.
Do their health risks overlap?
Only hip dysplasia, according to this data. Otherwise their risks track their very different body shapes.
Which lives longer?
The Dachshund, typically 12-16 years versus the Chow's 9-15.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
What's the monthly cost?
The Chow costs more, $120-250 a month versus the Dachshund's $80-150.
Living
How much exercise does each need?
The Dachshund needs slightly more, 3/5 against the Chow's 2/5, despite its small size.
Health
Which lives longer?
The Dachshund, 12-16 years versus the Chow's 9-15.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Chow Chow breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Chow Chow before deciding.
- Dachshund breed guide – The same for Dachshund, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- Chow Chow vs Chinese Shar-Pei – Chinese Shar-Pei is the closest breed to Chow Chow on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
- Dachshund vs Brussels Griffon – Brussels Griffon sits closest to Dachshund, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
- Chow Chow vs Brussels Griffon – Brussels Griffon is the other breed Dachshund is most often weighed against.
- Dachshund health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
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Important reminder
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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