Bulldog vs Chow Chow
Everything we know about the Bulldog and the Chow Chow, in the same order for both. Every figure comes from our own breed guides — follow the links under each column to read the detail.
| Trait | Bulldog | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 30–38 cm (12–15 in) | 46–56 cm (18–22 in) |
| Weight | 18–25 kg (40–55 lb) | 20–32 kg (45–70 lb) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years | 8–12 years |
| Coat | Short, smooth coat with deep facial wrinkles | Dense double coat, lion-like mane; rough or smooth |
| Shedding | Moderate — short hairs, year-round | Heavy — year-round, with two big seasonal moults |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing; clean and dry the face folds daily | Brushing several times a week; daily during a moult |
| Exercise | 20–30 min/day, gentle and never in the heat | 30–60 min/day, split across two walks |
| Good with | Children — calm and patient; other pets with introduction | Older children who respect its space; other pets with early socialisation |
Which one suits you
Bulldog
Right for you if…
- You want a calm, affectionate dog that is happiest on the sofa beside you
- There are children at home — Bulldogs are famously patient with them
- Short, gentle walks suit your life better than long ones
- You will clean and dry the face folds every day, and mean it
Wrong for you if…
- You live somewhere hot — heat sensitivity in this breed is serious, not fussiness
- You want a swimming, running or hiking companion; Bulldogs cannot safely do any of the three
- A surprise vet bill would be a crisis — breathing, skin and joint problems are common
- You want a biddable dog; Bulldogs are affectionate and genuinely stubborn
Chow Chow
Right for you if…
- You want a calm, dignified dog rather than a demonstrative one
- You are home enough to build the bond — Chows attach to one or two people
- You will brush several times a week, and daily when the coat blows
- You have space and a secure garden rather than a busy flat
Wrong for you if…
- This is your first dog — an aloof, independent breed is a hard place to start
- You want a dog that greets visitors warmly; Chows are reserved with strangers
- You live somewhere hot — that thick coat makes Chows overheat easily
- Nobody at home will do early, consistent socialisation