Wirehaired Pointing Griffon VS Chow Chow

Quick Comparison

Rating Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Bred as the 'supreme gundog' capable of pointing and retrieving on all terrain and in water, with a harsh coat to protect against thorns and cold water.. Versatile working dogs in China used for guarding, pulling sleds, herding, hunting, and unfortunately also raised for their fur and meat in some regions historically.. Both breeds remain popular in 2026, but they offer very different ownership experiences.

Size and Appearance

At 50–70 lbs and 20–24" tall, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog. The Chow Chow stands 17–20" and weighs 45–70 lbs (medium size). This difference matters for living space, transportation, and physical handling.

Temperament

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon brings energy (4/5), trainability (4/5), and a kid-friendliness score of 4/5. The Chow Chow offers energy (2/5), trainability (2/5), and kid-friendliness of 2/5. Devoted, eager, and willing. Griffons are less intense than some pointing breeds and more naturally cooperative. They tend to be calm indoors and energetic outdoors. Dignified, serious, and intensely loyal to their chosen person. They are naturally clean, quiet, and well-mannered but can be territorial and aggressive toward other dogs without proper socialization.

Health and Lifespan

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: 12–15 years, watch for Hip Dysplasia. Chow Chow: 8–12 years, watch for Hip Dysplasia. Both breeds need health-tested parents to minimize genetic risks.

Cost

Initial cost: $1000–$2000 (Wirehaired Pointing Griffon) vs. $1000–$2500 (Chow Chow). Monthly: ~$182 vs. ~$179. First-year total: ~$4,638 (Wirehaired Pointing Griffon) vs. ~$5,395 (Chow Chow).

Grooming and Maintenance

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: wire coat, grooming 3/5, shedding 2/5. Chow Chow: dense double coat, either rough (long) or smooth (short) coat, grooming 4/5, shedding 5/5.

Living Situation

Apartment: 2/5 vs. 3/5. Exercise: 5/5 vs. 2/5. Barking: 2/5 vs. 2/5. Consider these factors carefully if you're in a shared-wall living situation.

Size and Physical Differences

When comparing the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon weighs 50–70 lbs, while the Chow Chow comes in at 45–70 lbs. In terms of height, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands 20–24" 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically lives 12–15 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and Chow Chow reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is the higher-energy breed at 4/5 compared to the Chow Chow's 2/5, meaning it demands more daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-behaved. For trainability, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon scores 4/5 versus 2/5 for the Chow Chow, making it generally easier to train for first-time owners.

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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically costs $1000–$2000, 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon'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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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.