Komondor vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Komondor vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonChow Chow is originated from China but Komondor is originated from Hungary. Chow Chow may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Komondor. Chow Chow may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Komondor. Both Chow Chow and Komondor has almost same life span. Both Chow Chow and Komondor has almost same litter size. Both Chow Chow and Komondor requires High Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Working dog
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China
Hungary
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
40 - 60 kg
88 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
40 - 60 kg
88 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Hungarian sheepdog, Mop dogs
Colors Available:
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
White
Coat:
double thick and coarse
Long, thick, corded or dreadlocks
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chow chowNorthern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.

It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.

Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.

komondorLooking like a giant mop, and sometimes being referred to as 'mop dogs' the Komondor, known also as the Hungarian sheepdog, hails from Hungary.

The dog was brought to Europe centuries ago so he is a well established breed. It has been declared as one of the country's national treasures.

He is a dog related to many other dogs such as the Pulim the Ovcharka, the Bearded Collie, Old English Sheepdog and others.

Description

chow chow puppy - descriptionThe Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.

These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.

komondor puppy - descriptionKnown for his unique long corded, singular white coat, the Komondor, a molosser dog, is large. Females start at 64cm in height and both males and females can reach up to 76cm in height.

This unusual coat of theirs is wavy and actually forms cords or dreadlocks as the dog matures. You can't easily see the dog's face because of all the hair.You also can't see the tail easily, in fact you might think he hasn't got a tail as it is obscured by the hair. The tail is medium length and held low.

He has a large head, dark brown eyes, and floppy ears. The coat is certainly going to require grooming even though the dog doesn't shed much. His body is robust and well muscled with the body being slightly longer than the height of the dog.

Temperament:

The Komondor has been a dog used for guarding livestock, and while his character is calm and balanced, when the livestock is threatened, he can show another side – more aggressive – as he defends his flock. He makes an excellent watchdog.

He is an affectionate dog with his human family, being a gentle playmate of children. He is slightly reserved and wary of strangers, and is willing to guard and protect his human family from them.

He is also good with other family pets. When you look at him you might think of him as not being very energetic, but he is an athletic dog, fast and powerful. Because of his size and speed, it is best to have him trained and socialized as he can be obstinate. Training him makes him obedient.

Characteristics

chow chow dog - characteristicsLoyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.

They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.

komondor dog - characteristicsThe Komondor is known for his strong guardian characteristics, especially with his human family. He is loving and loyal towards them while being wary of strangers.

True, his coat can make people think twice before making this dog a pet, but if you're game and ready to attend to his coat, he can make an excellent family pet. They're fine with other pets too, and he is also an intelligent dog, capable of being easily trained.

He needs a good deal of exercise and can become noisy and destructive without the right amount of stimulation. If you do your part with the Komondor and provide him with a loving, caring home, he will be an awesome pet and guard you with his life.

Health Problems

chow chow puppies - health problemsAlthough an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:

Eyelid Entropion

This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.

Hip Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Stomach Cancer

Ear Infections

Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.

komondor puppies - health problemsThe Komondor is a healthy dog breed who can live to be 10, 11 or 12 years if you look after him well. There aren't any known genetic disorders prominent with the dog, but it pays to know about some of those that could strike -

Entropion:

This is an irritating eye problem where the eyelash rubs up against the eyes.The result can be scratching of the cornea and eye infections. It is an eye problem which can be corrected with surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is a serious genetically inherited disorder and common in large dog breeds. It is caused by a malformation of the hip joint. It can cause problems for the dog, weakening the hip and making it incapable of supporting the weight of the dog.

It also leads to pain for the dog, difficulty with moving and even total lameness. Weight, size of dog, age and genetics are all factors which can increase the dog's likelihood of developing hip dysplasia.

Whimpering, lethargy and refusing to put weight on the leg are common signs of hip dysplasia and your vet will go ahead with ways to relieve the pain and symptoms of your Komondor.

Caring The Pet

chow chow dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues include:

Glaucoma

This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.

Juvenile Cataracts

These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.

Lymphoma

Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.

Diabetes

Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.

Hot Spots/Allergies/Melanoma

Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.

Exercise and games

The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.

Grooming:

komondor dogs - caringThe Komondor is most certainly not a low maintenance dog with that extraordinary coat.Before the dog turns 1, the coat begins to form its cords. These cords can become discolored and matted, In fact the cords will need to be separated to keep the dog clean and free of matted hair.

For those who keep the dog as a pet and who don't want him to be a show dog, he can be trimmed, otherwise the coat and its maintenance could turn out to be a real issue.

Of course once the distinctive coat has been sheared, he loses that typical and recognizable Komondor look.

Check his ears on a regular basis for wax- and dirt buildup so as to prevent ear infection.

Teeth need to be checked regularly to prevent tartar buildup and if you don't have the time or the knowledge to keep his teeth clean and maintained, take him to the vet as the teeth-treatments they do there will promote healthy teeth and gums.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chow Chow vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Chow Chow vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
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  5. Chow Chow vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Chow Chow vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Chow Chow vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Chow Chow vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Chow Chow vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Chow Chow vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Chow Chow vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Chow Chow vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
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  26. Komondor vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Komondor vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Komondor vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Komondor vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Komondor vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Komondor vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Komondor vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Komondor vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Komondor vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Komondor vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Komondor vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Komondor vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Komondor vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Komondor vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Komondor vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Komondor vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Komondor vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Komondor vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Komondor vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Komondor vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Komondor vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Komondor vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Komondor vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Komondor vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Komondor vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison