Chow Chow VS Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Quick Comparison

Rating Comparison

Detailed Comparison

The Chow Chow and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are both popular choices in 2026, but they suit different lifestyles. Often compared to cats for their independence, cleanliness, and aloofness, Chow Chows are fiercely loyal to one person while maintaining a dignified reserve that commands respect.. The thinking person's gundog. Griffons combine quiet intelligence with tireless field ability, all wrapped in a ruggedly handsome wire-coated package..

Size and Appearance

The Chow Chow (45–70 lbs, 17–20") is smaller than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (50–70 lbs, 20–24"). This affects everything from food budget to the size of bed and crate you'll need.

Temperament

Energy: Chow Chow 2/5 vs. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 4/5. Trainability: 2/5 vs. 4/5. With children: 2/5 vs. 4/5. Extremely independent and strong-willed, ranked among the least trainable breeds. They require an experienced owner who can establish firm leadership without provoking their stubborn nature. Cooperative and willing to learn. Less stubborn than some pointing breeds. Responds well to positive reinforcement and benefits from early socialization.

Health and Lifespan

Lifespan: Chow Chow 8–12 years vs. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 12–15 years. Each breed has its own health profile—Hip Dysplasia is a concern for the Chow Chow, while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is prone to Hip Dysplasia. Health testing by breeders reduces both risks.

Cost

Purchase price: Chow Chow $1000–$2500 vs. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon $1000–$2000. Ongoing costs run $179/month for the Chow Chow and $182/month for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

Grooming and Maintenance

The Chow Chow (dense double coat, either rough (long) or smooth (short) coat, grooming 4/5, shedding 5/5) and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (wire coat, grooming 3/5, shedding 2/5) have similar maintenance levels.

Living Situation

Apartment suitability: 3/5 (Chow Chow) vs. 2/5 (Wirehaired Pointing Griffon). Exercise: 2/5 vs. 5/5. Exercise needs differ significantly between these two breeds.

Size and Physical Differences

When comparing the Chow Chow and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Chow Chow weighs 45–70 lbs, while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon comes in at 50–70 lbs. In terms of height, the Chow Chow stands 17–20" tall compared to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon at 20–24". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.

Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Chow Chow typically lives 8–12 yrs, whereas the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has an expected lifespan of 12–15 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.

Temperament and Lifestyle Fit

Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Chow Chow and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon brings more energy at 4/5 versus the Chow Chow's 2/5, requiring more vigorous daily activity to stay content. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon edges ahead in trainability at 4/5 compared to 2/5 for the Chow Chow, suggesting faster learning during obedience training.

Both breeds are equally vocal at 2/5 for barking tendency. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.

Cost of Ownership

The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Chow Chow typically costs $1000–$2500, while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon runs $1000–$2000. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.

Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Chow Chow and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.

Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choose the Chow Chow if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Chow Chow's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Chow Chow demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Chow Chow profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.

Choose the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.

Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.