Kuvasz vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Kuvasz vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonChow Chow is originated from China but Kuvasz is originated from Hungary. Chow Chow may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Kuvasz. Chow Chow may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Kuvasz. Both Chow Chow and Kuvasz has almost same life span. Both Chow Chow and Kuvasz has same litter size. Chow Chow requires High Maintenance. But Kuvasz requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Working dog
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China
Hungary
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
65 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
65 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
35 - 52 kg
77 - 115 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
35 - 52 kg
77 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Hungarian Kuvasz
Colors Available:
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
White
Coat:
double thick and coarse
Medium length to long, wavy or straight
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate 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.

kuvaszThe Kuvasz is an ancient dog breed from Hungary. It is believed that the dog is the oldest of the ancient Hungarian dog breeds, and in fact a fossilized skeleton dating back to the 9th century, and almost identical to the modern Kuvasz, was found near Keszthely.

During the 15th century the Kuvasz became very sought after, being found in royal courts. Puppies were given as royal gifts. Later the popularity of the breed waned and then it was found in its traditional role of guarding livestock.

As Kuvasz numbers dwindled, breeding efforts were started but it is believed that other large dogs such as the Great Pyrenees were used with the Kuvasz to continue with the breeding programs.

In 1884, the first Hungarian standard for the breed was written. It was in 1966 that the Kuvasz Club of America was established.

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.

kuvasz puppy - descriptionThe beautiful Kuvasz is a large, muscled dog standing at 65 – 76cm in height and weighing 35 – 52kg. He has a double coat of dense white hair which can be straight or wavy.

It is natural for the dog to lose most of the long coat during the Summer months. In other words this dog has a seasonal coat.

The nose is black, the eyes brown and alert, the ears are of medium length and floppy and the tail is carried long and low.

Temperament:

The Kuvasz is an intelligent dog who will benefit from training and socialization. It is always wise to have large dogs like this trained because just his size can cause problems if he isn’t obedient.

He is also described as a clownish type of dog which means he’ll entertain and amuse you. Certainly he is playful as a puppy but he calms down quite a bit as he grows into maturity. He is independent, and those who have owned such a dog report that he can be loving and loyal with his human family, wanting to guard and protect them. Others will say that he tended to be aloof, even with his human family.

Used as working dogs, the Kuvasz has learned to be independent and they will need a firm, strong owner who is also fair with them, otherwise they just do their own thing. They’re active dogs and because of their size they won’t suit city living where there is a tiny garden.

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.

kuvasz dog - characteristicsKuvasz are guarding dogs, they’re intelligent and loyal, making them excellent family dogs with the right training and socialization.

They’re able to get on well with other pets in the home as well as children. He is a beautiful dog and another bonus is that he isn’t particularly high maintenance.

As is common with many other large-breed dogs, he will have a shorter lifespan than what you’d get with a smaller dog breed, but if you feed him high quality food, exercise him and involve him in your activities, this large dog can become a wonderful friend and protector for you.

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.

kuvasz puppies - health problemsThe large Kuvasz is a healthy dog breed that with good care can reach 12–14 years of age. Being the large dog that he is, he may well be prone to bone and joint problems. It is why good nutrition is so important for this dog - feeding him the best food with vitamins and minerals.

You know the saying ...you are what you eat... and this applies to dogs too. Good food can help to ward off serious illnesses. Big dogs like this often have to contend with hip dysplasia which can be both painful and debilitating as well as eye diseases.

Entropion:

This is where the eyelid of the dog rolls inwards, causing irritation and pain for the dog. There is also Ectropion, where the eyelid rolls outwards.If you see your pet has a red eye which is watery and which has pus, visit your vet. Entropion surgery will correct and repair and condition.

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:

kuvasz dogs - caringThe coat may be fairly long and thick but it doesn’t require any special kind of grooming. A good brush twice a week will be adequate and will help with getting rid of stubborn knots and matting.

He is a seasonal shedder and this frequent brushing will make sure the coat remains groomed and shiny.

General Care:

The Kuvasz is a hardy breed who just loves the outdoors. He is a dog that doesn’t do well in the heat. Make absolutely sure that he has a cool, sheltered spot where he can lie down. Ensure that there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Diet:

There is quite a bit of conflict and controversy regarding nutrition in dogs. The idea is to keep it simple. If you buy a commercially manufactured dog food, check the ingredients on the packaging.

You want to be sure your pet is getting vitamins and minerals in instead of preservatives, fillers and colorants. Try and give him some home made food too such as some chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables. You can mix this into his dry kibble occasionally with a little bit of raw meat too when you have.

Avoid feeding your dog things such as chocolates, nuts, onions, sweets and chips.

Comparison with other breeds

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