Irish Wolfhound VS Chow Chow
A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose between these two popular breeds.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Irish Wolfhound | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 6–8 yrs | 8–12 yrs |
| Weight | 105–120 lbs | 45–70 lbs |
| Height | 30–32" | 17–20" |
| Price | $1500–$3000 | $1000–$2500 |
| AKC Rank | #67 | #89 |
| Group | Hound | Non-Sporting |
| Size | Giant | Medium |
Rating Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Irish Wolfhound and Chow Chow are both popular choices in 2026, but they suit different lifestyles. A gentle giant who combines the imposing stature of a horse with the sweet disposition of a lapdog that truly believes it is one.. 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..
Size and Appearance
The Irish Wolfhound (105–120 lbs, 30–32") is larger than the Chow Chow (45–70 lbs, 17–20"). This affects everything from food budget to the size of bed and crate you'll need.
Temperament
Energy: Irish Wolfhound 3/5 vs. Chow Chow 2/5. Trainability: 3/5 vs. 2/5. With children: 4/5 vs. 2/5. Willing to please but matures slowly; puppy training must account for their rapid growth and avoid stressing developing joints. 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.
Health and Lifespan
Lifespan: Irish Wolfhound 6–8 years vs. Chow Chow 8–12 years. Each breed has its own health profile—Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a concern for the Irish Wolfhound, while the Chow Chow is prone to Hip Dysplasia. Health testing by breeders reduces both risks.
Cost
Purchase price: Irish Wolfhound $1500–$3000 vs. Chow Chow $1000–$2500. Ongoing costs run $218/month for the Irish Wolfhound and $179/month for the Chow Chow.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Irish Wolfhound (rough and wiry coat, grooming 3/5, shedding 3/5) and Chow Chow (dense double coat, either rough (long) or smooth (short) coat, grooming 4/5, shedding 5/5) have similar maintenance levels.
Living Situation
Apartment suitability: 1/5 (Irish Wolfhound) vs. 3/5 (Chow Chow). Exercise: 3/5 vs. 2/5. Exercise needs differ significantly between these two breeds.
The Verdict
Your lifestyle determines which breed is the better fit. Consider your space, schedule, experience level, and what you want from a canine companion.
Irish Wolfhound: A giant hound breed, 6–8 year lifespan, $1500–$3000. Best for: families with kids, needs space, moderate activity. A gentle giant who combines the imposing stature of a horse with the sweet disposition of a lapdog that truly believes it is one.
Chow Chow: A medium non-sporting breed, 8–12 year lifespan, $1000–$2500. Best for: experienced owners, needs space, moderate activity. 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.
Size and Physical Differences
When comparing the Irish Wolfhound and Chow Chow side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Irish Wolfhound weighs 105–120 lbs, while the Chow Chow comes in at 45–70 lbs. In terms of height, the Irish Wolfhound stands 30–32" tall compared to the Chow Chow at 17–20". 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 Irish Wolfhound typically lives 6–8 yrs, whereas the Chow Chow has an expected lifespan of 8–12 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 Irish Wolfhound and Chow Chow reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Irish Wolfhound is the higher-energy breed at 3/5 compared to the Chow Chow's 2/5, meaning it demands more daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-behaved. For trainability, the Irish Wolfhound scores 3/5 versus 2/5 for the Chow Chow, making it generally easier to train for first-time owners.
The Chow Chow tends to bark more frequently at 2/5 versus 1/5, an important consideration in shared-wall living situations. 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 Irish Wolfhound typically costs $1500–$3000, while the Chow Chow runs $1000–$2500. 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 Irish Wolfhound and Chow Chow, 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 Irish Wolfhound if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Irish Wolfhound'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 Irish Wolfhound demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Irish Wolfhound profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.
Choose the Chow Chow if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Chow Chow's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Chow Chow 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.