The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog that is native to Tibet. It has been used as a guard dog, herder, and companion. The breed is distinct in its coloring, with a creamy white coat and dark brown eyes. Their distinctive features include a heavy coat of coarse hair and an imposing appearance.

Chow Chow is a type of toy dog that was originally bred by the monks of Tibet and China and is now popular in the United States. These pups are small and cute with a short coat that is white, black, brown, or red. They have big eyes and their ears usually stick out.

While the Tibetan Mastiff and Chow Chow are both ‘lion-like’ dogs, these two breeds can vary quite drastically. It is important to learn the differences between them before making a decision on which dog would be best for your lifestyle.

Below are 10 main differences between Tibetan Mastiffs and Chow Chow.

1. Tibetan Mastiff Vs Chow Chow: Their History

Tibetan Mastiff History	Chow Chow History
Tibetan Mastiff originated in Tibet. It is one of the oldest breeds of dog in existence and has been domesticated for over 3,000 years.	Chow Chow dogs were originally bred in China in the 1800s. They became popular with hunters and farmers who wanted to have a companion to hunt with them.

2. Tibetan Mastiffs Are Way Bigger Than Chow Chows:

Tibetan Mastiff Height/Weight	Chow Chow Height/Weight
The height of a Tibetan Mastiff ranges from 27 to 34 inches and its weight can range from 100 to 130 pounds.	The height of a Chow Chow is typically between 17 to 20 inches and with an average weight of between 50 to 75 pounds.

3. Chow Chows Have More Interesting And Unique Coat:

Tibetan Mastiff Coat	Chow Chow Coat
The Tibetan Mastiff’s long, coarse outer coat and a softer undercoat come in many different colors and patterns like black-brown-tan, gray-black-brown, gray-brown-black, and so on.	Chow Chow dogs have a unique coat that is curly, wavy, and fur-like. The coat is also referred to as “fur” due to its texture. The color of this coat can vary from cream, white, gray, black, or brown and has been known to change colors with age.

4. Chow Chows Are More Aggressive Than Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Temperament	Chow Chow Temperament
Tibetan mastiffs are known to be one of the most gentle, loyal, and intelligent breeds of dogs. They are not aggressive and are known for their calm nature.	Chow Chows are stubborn, independent dogs who can easily become overly aggressive to anyone who invades their personal space.

5. Tibetan Mastiffs Are Better With Children Than Chow Chows:

Tibetan Mastiff Adaptability With Children	Chow Chow Adaptability With Children
Tibetan Mastiffs have been known to be good with children because they are gentle and kind. They also have a playful side that many kids love to imitate with these dogs.	Chow Chows are not recommended for living in households with young kids. They might be aggressive and won’t tolerate a lot of roughhousing from a young child.

6. Tibetan Mastiffs Are Easier To Groom Than Chow Chows:

Tibetan Mastiff Grooming	Chow Chow Grooming
The Tibetan Mastiff’s grooming needs are minimal. They don’t need to be brushed or bathed often but should be brushed at least every two weeks.	Chow chow dogs have a double coat that sheds heavily, so they require regular grooming.

7. Tibetan Mastiffs Need More Exercise Than Chow Chows:

Tibetan Mastiff Exercise	Chow Chow Exercise
The Tibetan mastiff needs more exercise than the Chow Chow because they are bigger. They require more walking and running around as well as more playing with other dogs and people.	The Chow Chow needs regular exercise but they don’t require as much walking or running around as the Tibetan mastiff does.

8. Tibetan Mastiffs Have A Stronger Bite Force Than Chow Chows:

Tibetan Mastiff Bite Force	Chow Chow Bite Force
The Tibetan Mastiff has an impressive bite force of 552 PSI.	As adorable as these dogs may be, Chow Chows have a bite force of 220 PSI.

9. Chow Chows Have A longer Lifespan Than Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Lifespan	Chow Chow Lifespan
The Tibetan Mastiff has an average lifespan of 12-14 years.	The average lifespan of a Chow Chow is 10-15 years.

10. Tibetan Mastiffs Are More Expensive Than Chow Chows:

Tibetan Mastiff Price	Chow Chow Price
Tibetan Mastiffs are likely to cost between $2,000-$6,000.	Chow Chows can cost between $1200-$2000.

Similarities Between The Tibetan Mastiff And The Chow Chow

The Tibetan Mastiff and the Chow Chow are similar in many ways.

Both breeds of dogs are large and have black coats with white markings. They have short, curving tails that curl up over their backs and they have small ears that stand upright on their heads. They also share similar facial features such as a broad muzzle, deep-set eyes, long teeth, and a curled lip.

Both breeds are very loyal and intelligent dogs that make great family pets. They are also known for their protective nature and their ability to guard the home.

Unfortunately, Chow chows and Tibetan mastiffs are both difficult to train because of their independent nature. They are not easy to handle and they can be quite stubborn at times. This is why both these breeds are not recommended for novice owners.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a new furry family member, both Tibetan Mastiff and Chow Chow may be of interest. But you should know that adopting either one of these two beautiful breeds is a lifetime commitment. You’ll need to make sure you understand more about both breeds to know if you can offer them a suitable home.

Here are some other articles that we have on the Tibetan Mastiff and the Chow Chow!

Which is the breed of your choice? The Tibetan Mastiff or the Chow Chow? Let us know in the comments below!