Smithfield vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Smithfield vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonSmithfield is originated from United Kingdom but Chow Chow is originated from China. Both Smithfield and Chow Chow are having almost same height. Smithfield may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Chow Chow. Both Smithfield and Chow Chow has almost same life span. Both Smithfield and Chow Chow has same litter size. Smithfield requires Moderate maintenance. But Chow Chow requires High maintenance

History

smithfield - historyThe Smithfield is also known as the Smithfield, Smithy or Tasmanian Smithfield and is a herding dog found in Australia but originating in the UK. There is also the possibility that there was an Australian dog bred at a place known as Smithfield, near Texas which is just inside the Queensland border.

It is thought by some that the Smithfield is extinct. The dog was first introduced to the Land Down Under in colonial times.

The Smithfield isn’t recognised by the Canine Councils, but in 1862 the first Dog Show was held in Australia.

chow chow - historyNorthern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.

It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.

Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Non sporting dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
China
Height Male:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Smithy, Tasmanian Smithfield
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Colors Available:
grey or reddish brown., black, White
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
Coat:
Medium length, rough shaggy
double thick and coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

smithfield puppy - descriptionThe Smithfield is a medium to large sized dog, strong and square-bodied with a wedge shaped head. Many people liken his looks to a Bearded Collie.

He has a rough, medium length coat. The coat has different colors such as white, black, grey or reddish brown. The coat is shaggy and in fact they are often clipped to give them a groomed look and to prevent grass and burrs clinging to the coat.

The tail of the dog can either be a natural bobtail or it could have a longer tail. When the tail is long it is carried low with an upward turn at the tip. The ears are mostly floppy and held close to the head.

He stands at between 46 to 53cm in height and weighs between 16 and 25kg. A bright, alert expression is a distinctive feature of the Smithfield.

Temperament:

The Smithfield is an active, robust dog and they have well balanced, stable personalities. They are often described as being laid-back.

You won’t find any signs of shyness or aggression with these dogs and they are known to be gentle and calm. They are self confident and well adjusted and also hard working.

They are devoted and loving to their human family and are also intelligent. When they’ve been trained and socialized they make splendid family pets, wonderful with children, just loving to run and play. These are dogs you can rely on to be consistent in nature.

chow chow puppy - descriptionThe Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.

These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.

Characteristics

smithfield dog - characteristicsThose who have owned a Smithfield love them and say that once you’ve owned one, you’ll want another.

These easy going dogs have all the characteristics necessary to ensure a good pet, playmate and companion. They are devoted to their human family, and given the chance will become a very special 4-legged member of any family who appreciates the friendship a such a dog offers.

chow chow dog - characteristicsLoyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.

They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.

Health Problems

smithfield puppies - health problemsThese dogs enjoy exceptional good health and can reach between 10 and 14 years of age.

You have to be careful with your pet however, because there are quite a few common dog illnesses that can plague your pet, and we look at a few -

Canine Distemper:

This is caused by a contagious virus. Infected dogs develop symptoms such as runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting and even seizures. Unfortunately this disease is often fatal. There is luckily a vaccine against it and it is highly recommended for your pet.

Canine parvovirus:

Also a very contagious disease which attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It is often spread by contaminated stools and feeding utensils of dogs. Many dogs die from parvo but there is also a vaccine against it.

Heatstroke:

This is terrible for your pet and is a huge risk for dogs during Summer. Never leave your pet in a car unattended, especially on a hot day. Remember that stub-nosed dogs such as Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are more prone to respiratory problems and heat can be deadly for them.

chow chow puppies - health problemsAlthough an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:

Eyelid Entropion

This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.

Hip Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Stomach Cancer

Ear Infections

Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

smithfield dogs - caringThe Smithfield has plenty of energy and loves nothing more than lots of games with the children. He will also look forward to a walk every day as well as other activities.

Grooming:

When it comes to grooming, you can save money by grooming your dog at home. Whether you have your pet’s hair cut or you leave it as is, get into the habit of brushing the fur at least twice a week. You can speak to your vet or groomer and get advice on what comb of brush to use on your Smithfield.

It you want to cut your pet’s hair, it is important to use the right equipment so you don't accidentally injure him. Certainly if you feel unsure about shaving your dog at home, leave this grooming aspect to the experts.

Have your pet’s nails trimmed.

Check your pet’s eyes. They must be clear and bright. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Check inside his ears to make sure they aren’t red with infection.

Diet:

Your Smithfield is relying on you to provide him with good food. For convenience, it is always a good idea to have a packet of the best dry kibble there is. Check out the label and make sure to buy one that has a good balance of vitamins and minerals.

Give him some tasty homemade food too. Remember to keep it plain and simple. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are nutritious and tasty. This food can all be chopped up and small portions added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

You’ll never have to worry about digestion problems with your dog. A little bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections. Ensure that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

chow chow dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues include:

Glaucoma

This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.

Juvenile Cataracts

These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.

Lymphoma

Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.

Diabetes

Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.

Hot Spots/Allergies/Melanoma

Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.

Exercise and games

The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chow Chow vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Chow Chow vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  3. Chow Chow vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  4. Chow Chow vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  5. Dalmatian vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  6. Keeshond vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  7. Mexican Hairless vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  8. Tibetan Terrier vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  9. Standard Poodle vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  10. Norwegian Lundehund vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  11. Chow Chow vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  12. Chow Chow vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Chow Chow vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Chow Chow vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  15. Chow Chow vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Chow Chow vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  17. Chow Chow vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  18. Chow Chow vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Chow Chow vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  20. Chow Chow vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  21. Chow Chow vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Chow Chow vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  23. Smithfield vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  24. Smithfield vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Smithfield vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Smithfield vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  28. Smithfield vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Smithfield vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Smithfield vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Smithfield vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  32. Smithfield vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Smithfield vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Smithfield vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  35. Smithfield vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Smithfield vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Smithfield vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Smithfield vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  39. Smithfield vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  40. Smithfield vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Smithfield vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  42. Smithfield vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  43. Smithfield vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Smithfield vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  45. Smithfield vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  46. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  47. Smithfield vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds