Chow Chow vs Papillon
Non-Sporting · Medium vs Toy · Toy
Chow ChowMedium
A dignified, bright, serious-minded ancient Chinese breed with a famous purple-blue tongue.
Weight: 45–70 lbsLifespan: 8–12 years
PapillonToy
A friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums.
Weight: 5–10 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Quick take
- • Chow Chow is the larger breed at 45–70 lbs (males) vs 5–10 lbs for the Papillon.
- • The Papillon typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Papillon has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Papillon sheds less.
- • The Papillon is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Chow Chow | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Toy |
Size | Medium | Toy |
Origin | China | France |
Height (male) | 17–20" | 8–11" |
Height (female) | 17–20" | 8–11" |
Weight (male) | 45–70 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–70 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 8–12 years | 14–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a dignified, bright, serious-minded ancient Chinese breed with a famous purple-blue tongue. Originally from China, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 45–70 lbs and lives 8–12 years. Breeders describe them as dignified, bright, serious-minded.
About the Papillon
The Papillon is a friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums. Originally from France, this toy toy breed typically weighs 5–10 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, alert, happy.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Chow Chow health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Skin issues
- • Bloat
Papillon health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Dental issues
- • Progressive retinal atrophy