Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
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.
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
Quick Answer
Choose Chow Chow if you want a great companion. Choose French Bulldog if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Chow Chow
Attribute
French Bulldog
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
French Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
Chow Chow
French Bulldog
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
If kids are part of the equation, the data is clear: the French Bulldog scores 4/5 with children while the Chow Chow manages 2/5. The French Bulldog is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Chow Chow sheds more; French Bulldog is easier to maintain.
Chow Chow
French Bulldog
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Chow Chow is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Chow Chow is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
Chow Chow
French Bulldog
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Chow Chow tips the scales at 20–32 kg (44–71 lbs), dwarfing the French Bulldog's 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs).
Chow Chow is calmer; French Bulldog is more energetic.
Chow Chow
French Bulldog
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
When you live with a Chow Chow, you'll notice their dignified, aloof and loyal character in everything they do. A French Bulldog, by contrast, shows a playful, adaptable and affectionate nature.
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Chow Chow
French Bulldog
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Chow Chow and French Bulldog need low daily activity (2/5). Neither breed will overwhelm you with exercise demands.
French Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
Chow Chow
French Bulldog
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$4,000 for a Chow Chow versus $1,500–$5,000 for a French Bulldog. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Chow Chow
French Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 8–12 years for the Chow Chow and 10–12 years for the French Bulldog. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
French Bulldog is generally easier to train.
Chow Chow
French Bulldog
Trainability
Intelligence
The French Bulldog has a slight training edge (3/5 vs 2/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the French Bulldog tends to catch on a bit faster.
On balance, the French Bulldog has the edge — it's easier to train (3/5 vs 2/5), better with children (4/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5). For most families, the French Bulldog is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Chow Chow and French Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Chow Chow sheds considerably more, French Bulldog is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are lower for the French Bulldog by roughly $200/year.
Choose Chow Chow if...
Choose French Bulldog if...
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?
The French Bulldog is generally better with children, scoring 4/5 compared to the Chow Chow's 2/5. The French Bulldog is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
The French Bulldog is easier to train, scoring 3/5 versus the Chow Chow's 2/5. The French Bulldog's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
A Chow Chow puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,610 for the Chow Chow and $1,380 for the French Bulldog. The Chow Chow is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Chow Chow lives 8–12 years on average, while the French Bulldog lives 10–12 years. The French Bulldog tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Chow Chow (3/5). The French Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.