Chow Chow vs Havanese
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed from China known for its distinctive lion-like mane, deep-set eyes, and unique blue-black tongue. Renowned for their aloof yet loyal nature, these dignified dogs often exhibit a strong sense of independence and a protective demeanor.
Large
Low
8-12 yrs
43-51 cm
Havanese
Also known as: Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanais, Cuban Bichon
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive silky coat. Originating from Cuba, this breed is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and urban dwellers alike.
Extra Small
Medium
14-16 yrs
23-28 cm
3.2-5.9 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Low | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Easy |
| Barking Level | Low | Medium |
| Shedding Level | High | Low |
| Chew strength | Hard | Light |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Chow Chow. | Someone who works from home or has flexible schedule. Willing to commit to grooming maintenance. Patient with housebreaking challenges. Looking for affectionate companion who wants to be with them 24/7. |
Chow Chow Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 45-65 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Havanese Dealbreakers
- Work 8+ hours away from home daily
- Want a dog that lives outside
- Cannot afford professional grooming ($800+/year)
- Want a dog that is instantly potty trained
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Low |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Low | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Chow Chow Social Traits
Moderate
Selective
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Training
Chow Chow
- ** Positive reinforcement is the only viable path. Harsh methods or physical correction will trigger defensive aggression or total shutdown [cite: 5, 6].
Havanese
- Use their high food drive and social drive for training
- Sensitivity means harsh corrections cause shutdown or submissive urination
- Consistency is key - don't let them get away with bad behavior just because they're small
Chow Chow Considerations
The Chow Chow is frequently cited in insurance blacklists and dangerous dog legislation discussions due to a history of high-severity bite incidents. This aggression is typically territorial or protective rather than predatory toward humans, but the result is the same.
This breed has a well-documented intolerance for dogs of the same sex. This trait often emerges at sexual maturity (18-24 months) and may not be "trained out," requiring lifelong management and separation.
Unlike breeds that fawn over guests, the Chow Chow is naturally suspicious. Without intense, early socialization, this suspicion can escalate to snapping or biting when a stranger reaches to pet the "teddy bear".
Many Chows have a low tolerance for physical manipulation, making veterinary visits and grooming sessions dangerous without muzzle training and desensitization.
Havanese Considerations
Bred for centuries solely as companions to Cuban aristocracy - genetically wired to be with humans. Leaving them alone 8+ hours results in destructive chewing, excessive barking, and house soiling.
Notoriously slow to potty train. Small bladders and 'sneaky soiling' means they may not be fully reliable until 6-8 months old, sometimes older. Requires consistent positive reinforcement.
Excellent watchdogs who announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and squirrel. In apartments with thin walls, this requires dedicated training to manage.
Unless you learn to groom yourself, expect $60-100 every 4-6 weeks for professional grooming. That's $700-1,200 annually just for haircuts.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | Excellent - generally great with cats |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Havanese: May 'Eye' and 'Chase' for play but 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' largely absent. Safe with hamsters and birds if supervised. High biddability but can learn bad habits fast (like barking for attention).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-12 |
| House Training | Easy | Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Chow Chow: Chow Chow puppies require consistent training and patience.
Havanese: Sweet and generally non-destructive compared to larger breeds. Main challenge is housebreaking frustration - their 'tell' (sign they need to go) is subtle. Adolescent regression at 6-10 months coincides with 'blowing coat' phase where grooming becomes a nightmare.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 43-51 cm | 23-28 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years | 14–16 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-6 |
Chow Chow Coat
Havanese Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | The Chow Chow is a basal breed, originating in Northern China/Mongolia over 2,000 years ago | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain |
| Origin | in Northern China/Mongolia over 2 | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Chow Chow Health Issues
Havanese Health Issues
Chow Chow Suggested Tests
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Orthopedic Screening (OFA or PennHIP)
- Thyroid Panel
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Chow Chow Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Havanese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs (Mitral Valve Disease)
- Hearing loss
- Arthritis
Generally stay sharp mentally. Ramps for furniture recommended to protect backs and joints in senior years.
Grooming & Care
Chow Chow
high maintenanceHavanese
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Chow Chow Daily Life
Havanese Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $1,500-3,500+ |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $150–$250 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $1,800–$3,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | N/A | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $100-150 | $30-50 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $100-150 | $300-500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Chow Chow Lifetime Cost
N/A
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Chow Chow | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Low | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | None |
Havanese Quirks
Paper Shredding
Many Havanese love to shred tissues, toilet paper, and napkins - it's a common breed quirk
Perching Like a Cat
Often sit on backs of sofas or look out windows from high vantage points
Run Like Hell (RLH)
The Havanese version of zoomies - they tuck their butts and sprint in circles at high speed
Shadow Dog
Will follow you to the bathroom - they are true velcro dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
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