Last updated on March 20th, 2023 at 03:49 pm

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The 12 Dogs That Are Similar To Chow Chows 

Chow chows are adorable bear-like dogs with many unique traits. They are medium-sized, ranging in height from 17 to 20 inches and weighing 50 to 75 pounds. Loyal, stubborn, calm, and aloof chow cows look cute in their short or medium coat, and you can expect 5 coat colors, including red, blue, black, cinnamon, and cream. With moderate exercise requirements, Chow chows are best for people in apartments, but the leading cause of concern is their less tolerance towards kids’ misbehavior, and they may respond poorly.  

The furry coat and body folds of Chow chows are the main things dog lovers praise and find in other dog breeds and often get successful.  

Quick Answer

Dogs similar to Chow chows include Akita, Great Pyrenees, Pekingese, Keeshond, Leonberger, Eurasier, Pomeranian, Newfoundland, Caucasian Shepherds, Old English sheepdog, Bouviers, and Samoyed. All these dog breeds either have a physical resemblance to Chow chows or carry their temperament.  

Thus, here is the best chance to explore all the traits of dogs that look like Chow chows and mark your favorite one. You will find the size, weight, coat characteristics, temperament, and grooming requirements of all the dogs mentioned above. So, let’s dig in deeply!  

1. Akita 

Akita is a large, powerful dog breed with a sturdy appearance and Akita pups prove an excellent replacement for Chow chows as they both look alike. Male Akita stands between 26 to 28 inches, and female ranges anywhere between 24 to 26 inches. Being a large dog, you can expect their weight to range between 36 to 50 kilograms.   

The thick, dense coat of Akita is most liked among Akita lovers; that is short to medium in length. The outer coat is long and coarse, while the undercoat is soft to keep them warm. The colors of Akita include white, brown, or pinto, and there is no mask on white Akitas.  

Akitas are born to rule alone, and they love to be the only dog in the house. However, they are loyal and affectionate towards their families but do not appreciate the presence of other dogs. The Akita will show aggression or tolerate other animals keeping his status as the top dog. They are also aloof with strangers, but training can help improve their behavior. Proper training helps establish a solid bond between Akita and children under your supervision.  

Overall grooming requirements of Akita are moderate, and brushing twice a week can keep your dog well groomed.  

2. Great Pyrenees 

The Great Pyrenees are large majestic dogs, and males can grow taller, taking a height of 24–28 inches, while females are 21–25 inches at the shoulder. It’s one of the giant breeds, and a healthy dog can weigh up to 150 pounds. They have a thick double coat that is coarse to touch. The coarse outer coat is water resistant and protective. The soft undercoat keeps the dogs warm in cold weather. They are known for the long white wool-like fur that covers their body. Their face has fur like Chow chows, but it is shorter and coarse. 

The color of the coat may vary from white to grey to black.  

The Great Pyrenees are protective, loyal dogs that make excellent pets for families, especially those with young children. They are very adaptable, so they can live in various environments. If you are not that good with dog training, the good news is the Great Pyrenees are easy to train and eager to please their owners.  

These dogs are very calm and quiet, proving your best buddies. They are brilliant but also independent and don’t require too much attention.  

The Great Pyrenees requires daily brushing to keep their fur clean and healthy. 

3. Pekingese  

Pekingese belongs to a distinct toy dog breed and is a tine dog ranging in height from 6 to 9 inches. Pekingese are the tinniest among all dogs, their weight falls between 6 to 14 pounds, which aligns them with Chow chows. They have a profuse double coat. The outer hairs are long and straight with a harsh texture, while the undercoat is pretty soft to touch. Black, cream, fawn, gray, red brindle, red sable, white, and even more colors are acceptable in Pekingese. 

Pekingese are loyal friends, but aloofness and dignity are part of their personality. They need training or early socialization to help them understand people. Your dog may also give the cold shoulder to strangers or people he is not fond of meeting, and the best way to figure this problem out is more socializing from puppyhood. On the other hand, Pekingese are well aware of living with their owners and are happy to be lap dogs often.  

Quick daily grooming of Pekingese is necessary for tangle-free hair.  

4. Keeshond 

Keeshond proves one of the best furry babies for people searching for Chow chows like dogs as their size and looks are similar. They are medium-sized, ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches, and weigh anywhere between 35 to 45 pounds.  

The Keeshond coat looks interesting, consisting of a wooly undercoat and a longer guard coat. Because of their thick coat, you will be amazed to know that Keeshonda appears larger than they really are.  

Their undercoat is a pale gray or cream color, while outer hairs are a mix of gray and black. You can have their most prominent colors as cream, black, or gray with black markings around the eyes.  

Unlike chow chows, Keeshond love being in the family and are naturally inclined towards people or other dogs. They rarely bite and often needs no training for socializing. The smiling expression on their face makes them welcoming but poor watchdogs. 

Almost all dogs with thick furry coats require frequent brushing, and so with Keeshond. Brushing twice a week prevents thick mats and tangles. You can also brush his coat daily to give an impression of a well-groomed pet.  

5. Leonberger 

Leonberger can suffice your desire if you are a huge fan of large dogs but want a pup with Chow Chow traits. Male Leonbergers are about 28 to 32 inches tall, while females are smaller and can take a height of 27 inches.  

It will be a pleasant surprise for you that Leonbergers can reach their full size in one year and give the appearance of large dogs from early life. On the other hand, the weight of Leonbergers is also comparatively more than Chow chows, which weigh anywhere between 90 to 150 pounds.     

The double coat of Leonbergers is the best part that is medium in length and has the same shade as of Chow chows – golden yellow to red. The coat could be straight or wavy with a medium soft to rough texture. They also have a black mask, and the fur is more black on the neck plus head.  

The personality or temperament of Leonberger can make you feel happy as they are more family oriented. Leonbergers are calm and quiet but not lethargic. They do really well with children and become reserved with strangers. Proper training from early childhood helps in more socialization.  

Plus, do not forget to comb Leonbergers at least twice a week.   

6. Eurasier 

Eurasiers are adorable and furry, just like Chow chows, and the good news is you will find many features common in both breeds. Eurasiers are medium-sized and can grow 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Their weight comes in the range of 40 to 70 pounds. 

Like Chow chows, Eurasiers are double coats – the outer coat is medium long, straight, and loose, and the undercoat is thick. The hairs are shorter on the face, ears, and front of the legs but longer on the tail, neck, and back of the legs. The coat color combination of Eurasier gives more flexibility to choose one as they are of any color except pure white and piebald.  

When it comes to their temperament or personality of Eurasirs, they earn full marks as they are intelligent and eager to please their owners. They do not like to be alone at home and want their owner’s company to be lively. Eurasiers are also loyal and watchful.  

Eurasiers do not require frequent grooming as they are naturally clean dogs and are good to go with weekly brushing.  

7. Pomeranian 

Pomeranians are tiny dogs, standing only up to 9 inches tall and weighing as much as 9 pounds. They look cute and funny, at the same time resembling Chow chows. Pomeranians have a thick double coat of fur to keep them warm in their frigid homeland. You can also see thick fur around their neck.   

Pomeranians have a very fox-like face, and their large, dark eyes make them look even cuter. This dog breed comes in a beautiful array of colors; you can expect almost every color. Red Pomeranians are most common, while black, white, sable, and mixed shades are also loved among people.  

Pomeranians are alert, highly active, and energetic dogs who need a great deal of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They crave attention from their owners and can quickly become very clingy if they don’t receive it. They also need a daily walk or exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Because of their size, these dogs are not recommended for children. Even if you wish to have this toy dog breed, be sure kids are cautious and do not take them as large dogs.   

Give regular grooming attention to your Pomeranian by brushing his furry coat at least once or twice a week.  

8. Newfoundland 

The Newfoundland is a large dog breed with 28 inches average male height and 26 inches height of female. Their weight is also considerably more than Chow chows and ranges anywhere between 45 to 54 kilograms. Don’t get afraid by their large size, their loyalty and companionship are worth raising this dog.   

Newfoundland looks more like a bear and has a flat, coarse outer coat. There is a strange water-resistant quality in their outer coat, as it is somewhat oily, while the undercoat is quite soft. The Newfoundland coat color could be solid black, black with white, or brown with white splashes on the chest. Each color suits its style of fur and physique.  

Unlike Chow chows, Newfoundland is more suitable for families with kids. Despite its large size, Newfoundland does well with children and happily adjusts to large families. Above all, this dog breed does not mind kids’ misbehavior; that is the primary concern with Chow chows, and they may respond aggressively. Remember, early socialization and training also have a significant role in their personality, ultimately leading to a friendly house environment.  

Newfoundland needs frequent grooming, and you should daily brush their dense coat.  

9. Caucasian Shepherd Dog 

Caucasian shepherd dogs are large but are as furry as Chow chows. The overly dense coat makes them close cousins of Chow chows, but size takes them apart. Still, mark this dog in your favorite list of dogs as a Caucasian puppy looks exactly like your favorite Chow chows.  

Caucasians can stand 30 inches tall and get a weight ranging from 45 to 78 kilograms. They are muscular, and the coat is medium length. You can find different shades in their coat, including red, cream, fawn chocolate, white or gray.  

When talking about the temperament of Caucasian shepherd dogs, their calm and gentle behavior surprises people. Large dogs often have an impression of aggression, but Caucasian Shepherd is sweet and affectionate. Caucasians are companions to their families and can even read their owners’ emotions to make them feel good. The good news is Caucasian shepherds also get along with other animals, but early socialization is the key.  

Caucasian shepherds come in different coats, so remember, the grooming process depends on the coat length. Long-coated Caucasian shepherds require more brushing and vice versa.  

10. Old English Sheepdog 

Old English sheepdogs are one of the most adorable fluff balls you will ever see and give an impression of Chow chows. They can reach a height of 22 inches and above while weighing up to 90 pounds. The thick double coat of the Old English Sheepdog is worth praising. It is long and curly. Most people love raising their pups with a long coat, while others shave for ease of care, and deciding their coat length is also up to you.  

Fun fact, you cannot find Old English Sheepdogs in numerous colors because the shades are limited to blue or gray with white. The most common things in Chow chows and English sheepdogs are their eyes and furry face though both are ideal bear-like dogs.  

Old English Sheepdogs are good with their families, but early socialization plays a crucial role in their personality. Sometimes they become aggressive and prove themselves ill-tempered, so be careful when kids have playtime with their pets.  

You might have correctly guessed their grooming requirements from furry features, and Old English Sheepdog indeed needs more grooming than other dogs. Daily brushing is necessary to keep your dog presentable.   

11. Bouvier Des Flandres 

Bouvier Des Flandres are confident, large herding dogs that can grow to about 27 inches high and weigh as much as 43 kilograms. You will find Chow chows and Bouvier Des Flandres on the same line, or the latter is one step ahead in his furry appearance as their eyes are fully covered in hair. They have a double coat – the outer is rough and shaggy, while the soft undercoat is protective. Bouvier Des Flandres come in various colors, including black, fawn, brindle, gray, and salt and pepper. Black is the most daring among all.  

Despite their large size and rough looks, Bouvier is calm, docile, and pleasant. These dogs happily become part of the family and go along with other pets if raised with them from an early age. Adult dogs may take the time or show aggression towards other animals if raised with them. So, proper training and early socialization mean a lot for Bouviers.  

Bouvier Des Flandres require grooming more often, and brushing their shaggy coat twice a week works fine.  

12. Samoyed 

Samoyed is a medium-sized dog breed with a tendency in males to grow as high as 22 inches, and females can get a height of 20 inches. Their weight is around 35 to 65 pounds. The thick furry coat of Samoyed is the most prominent feature that makes them look like Chow chows. Their outer coat is thick, harsh, and straight while the undercoat is super soft.  

White Samoyed coat is the real charm for dog lovers, and they wholeheartedly wish to own one. Other colors are cream, all biscuit or white, and biscuit but white stands out.  

Samoyeds are active, energetic, and great friendly dogs. They eagerly please their owners and get along well with children.  

Samoyeds have more grooming needs, and spending time brushing their coat will definitely reflect.   

Conclusion – Dogs Similar to Chow Chows  

Chow chows are medium-sized dogs with bear-like appearance and somewhat aloof temperament. Their dense coat, short legs, and droopy eyes make them a favorite of dog parents. Similarly, body folds and facial wrinkles make them stand out.  

People exploring dogs similar to Chow chows consider Akita, Great Pyrenees, and Pekingese are the best substitutes for Chow chows as their looks closely resemble. As mentioned above, other breeds have countless features parallel to Chow chows.  

The choice is open, finding a dog similar to Chow chows is not hard.