Bulldog vs Chow Chow
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
VS
Chow Chow
An ancient, lion-maned breed famous for its blue-black tongue and dignified bearing. Chow Chows are deeply loyal to their owners but reserved and territorial, making them excellent watchdogs.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly. Choose Chow Chow if you want better health.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
Chow Chow
medium
Size
medium
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
20–32 kg (44–71 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
43–51 cm (17–20 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
8–12 yrsBetter
2/5
Trainability
2/5
2/5
Energy
2/5
Better4/5
Good with Kids
2/5
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
Better5/5
Apartment
3/5
1/5
Health
2/5Better
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$1,500–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Family and Social Compatibility: Bulldog vs Chow Chow
Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Good with Kids
Better4/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
Better3/5
vs2/5
Strangers
Better4/5
vs1/5
For families with children, the Bulldog is the significantly stronger choice. With a kid-friendliness score of 4/5, the Bulldog's docile nature makes it a natural family companion.
Which Sheds More — Bulldog or Chow Chow? Grooming Compared
Chow Chow sheds more; Bulldog is easier to maintain.
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
The Chow Chow sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Bulldog (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Bulldog has a slight edge.
Which Is Healthier — Bulldog or Chow Chow? Health Compared
Chow Chow tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs8–12Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs2/5Better
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Bulldog lives roughly 8–10 years while the Chow Chow averages 8–12 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Bulldog vs Chow Chow: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Energy Level
2/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs3/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (Bulldog: 2/5, Chow Chow: 2/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Bulldog and Chow Chow Temperament: What to Expect
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Playfulness
Better3/5
vs2/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
2/5
vs2/5
Bulldogs from the Non-Sporting group carry a docile, willful and friendly personality, shaped by their heritage as non-sporting dogs. Chow Chows, belonging to the Non-Sporting group, are dignified, aloof and loyal — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Bulldog vs Chow Chow: Training and Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Trainability
2/5
vs2/5
Intelligence
2/5
vs3/5Better
Both breeds score 2/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both require patient, persistent training — don't expect instant obedience from either.
Bulldog vs Chow Chow: Size and Coat
Chow Chow is the larger breed; Bulldog is more compact.
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs20–32
Height (cm)
31–40
vs43–51
The Bulldog stands 31–40 cm (12–16 in) and weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs), while the Chow Chow measures 43–51 cm (17–20 in) and 20–32 kg (44–71 lbs). The Chow Chow is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Bulldog vs Chow Chow: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600 ✓
Chow Chow
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$250
Annual Total$1,610
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,500–$4,000 for a Bulldog and $1,500–$4,000 for a Chow Chow. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Summary and Final Take: Bulldog or Chow Chow?
The Bulldog comes out ahead in most categories — it's better with children (4/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5), less shedding (3/5). If you can meet its low exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Bulldog is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bulldog and Chow Chow are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Bulldog is much more kid-friendly, Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 3/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You have young children — Bulldogs are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Choose Chow Chow if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Chow Chows are generally more robust (2/5 health score).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both breeds have significant health concerns and above-average vet costs. If budget is a constraint, consider looking at breeds with health robustness scores of 4–5/5, such as the Beagle or Australian Cattle Dog.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or Chow Chow?
The Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Chow Chow's 2/5. The Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bulldog or Chow Chow easier to train?
The Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 2/5, matching the Chow Chow. The Bulldog is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or Chow Chow?
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Chow Chow costs $1,500–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,610 for the Chow Chow. The Chow Chow costs more to maintain annually.
Do Bulldogs or Chow Chows live longer?
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the Chow Chow lives 8–12 years. The Chow Chow tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bulldog or Chow Chow live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Chow Chow (3/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.