Shetland Sheepdog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison

Shetland Sheepdog vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonChow Chow is originated from China but Shetland Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom. Chow Chow may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Shetland Sheepdog. Chow Chow may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Shetland Sheepdog. Both Chow Chow and Shetland Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Chow Chow and Shetland Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Chow Chow requires High Maintenance. But Shetland Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Herding dogs
undefined
China
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
Height Female:
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Sheltie
Colors Available:
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
Mix of colors - golden, black or a steel grey color with white
Coat:
double thick and coarse
Long and thick
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chow chowNorthern 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.

shetland sheepdogThe Shetland Sheepdog was crossed with working collies and brought to the islands. They were bred on the Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

These little dogs have always been particularly valuable to farmers who used them to herd their sheep.

During the early 20th century other crosses occurred an in 1909 and the little dog received recognition by the English Kennel Club. The first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club was in 1911.

Description

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.

shetland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe small Shetland Sheepdog stands at between 33 to 41cm and weighs roughly between 6 and 12kg for both males and females. The long double coat of this dog sheds consistently, he will need to be brushed regularly.

The coat is golden, black or a steel grey color with white. The ears are erect and the tail long and feathery and the expression on this dogs face is sensitive, alert and gentle.

Temperament:

Shelties make wonderful pets for their human families and are great with children too. They’re protective, making good watchdogs. They are somewhat wary around strangers.

Smart and alert, you can train this little dog plenty of tricks because he is quick to learn. They’re such agile little dogs and are great athletes. It’s always a good idea to keep such a smart little dog busy so he doesn’t become bored.

He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he is kept busy, otherwise he takes to a piercing kind of bark.

Characteristics

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.

shetland sheepdog dog - characteristicsYou’re certainly not going to have one dull moment with the Shetland sheepdog – its such a lively, intelligent, entertaining, playful and also eager to please - that's your Sheltie.

They also have a gentle, quiet side. They love the company of their human family and are able to adapt to life in the city or countryside, so long as he gets lots of attention and exercise.

They’re highly strung dogs, and an excitable child can get them barking in a high pitched way which wont be good if you live close to your neighbors.

Shelties are essentially peaceful dogs who prefer a home where its quiet and orderly. If you give this dog what it needs, just like you would for any family member of yours, you’ll be blessed with an awesome pet and companion.

Health Problems

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.

shetland sheepdog puppies - health problemsEvery dog, no matter how healthy, can succumb to any one of the many dog illnesses there are.Some of the dog illnesses to look out for include cancer, bloat, ear infections, dental problems, hypothyroidism, skin allergies and obesity among others.

Hypothyroidism:

This illness occurs when the dog’s body doesn’t maintain sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Your pet will be sensitive to the cold, the thick hair will be thinning and there will be weight gain. It will be wise to have your dog checked out by your vet as this is an ailment which can be managed with medication.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

This is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in some dogs. It can occur in both eyes. It can be diagnosed by your vet but regrettably there is no treatment. Not spaying or neutering your dog will mean that if the have puppies the gene can be carried down to the puppies.

Dermatomyositis:

This is an inherited disorder that can cause skin lesions but also affect the muscles. Skin lesions can appear on the head and the front legs and there can be hair loss.

Caring The Pet

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.

Exercise:

shetland sheepdog dogs - caringThese little dogs have always been farm dogs and they will need a lot of exercise. Even so, with their small size, they can adapt to life in the city or the countryside, but will always need exercise.They love going for walks and playing games with the kids.

Grooming:

Your Sheltie will need brushing every day because the hair can so easily pick up leaves, twigs and burrs. In the warmer months some people prefer to trim the coat themselves or take the dog along to a professional groomer.

Diet:

It is best to feed adult dogs two meals a day instead of one. One can make your dog want to gobble up his food too quickly and this can result in a life threatening condition known as bloat.

How much any adult dog eats will depend on his size, his age and his activity levels.The quality of dog food you buy also makes a huge difference – the better quality the food, the more satisfied your Sheltie will be.

Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you go with the best brands that have high levels of vitamins and minerals in them. Dry kibble can be made more enticing when you add some homemade food into it.

Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will do him the world of good. Chop it up and add small portions to the kibble about twice a week. His wagging tail and prancing antics will be all the thanks you need.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chow Chow vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Chow Chow vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Chow Chow vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Chow Chow vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Chow Chow vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Chow Chow vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Chow Chow vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Chow Chow vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Chow Chow vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Chow Chow vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Chow Chow vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Chow Chow vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Chow Chow vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Chow Chow vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Chow Chow vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Chow Chow vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Chow Chow vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Chow Chow vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Chow Chow vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Chow Chow vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Chow Chow vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Chow Chow vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Chow Chow vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Chow Chow vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Chow Chow vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Shetland Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Shetland Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Shetland Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Shetland Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Shetland Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Shetland Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Shetland Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Shetland Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Shetland Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Shetland Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Shetland Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Shetland Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Shetland Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Shetland Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Shetland Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Shetland Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Shetland Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Shetland Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Shetland Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Shetland Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Shetland Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison