Is the Chow Chow or the Kishu Ken better for families with children?

The Kishu Ken tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Chow Chow or the Kishu Ken?

The Chow Chow sheds more than the Kishu Ken. If shedding is a concern, the Kishu Ken is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Chow Chow or the Kishu Ken?

The Kishu Ken is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Chow Chow or Kishu Ken bigger?

Chow Chow and Kishu Ken are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Chow Chow or Kishu Ken?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Chow Chow or Kishu Ken?

For apartment or apartment living, Chow Chow has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Chow Chow vs Kishu Ken: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Chow Chow vs Kishu Ken: full comparison

Trait	Chow Chow	Kishu Ken
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Low	High
Trainability	Low	Medium
Friendliness	Low	Low
Good with children	Low	Medium
Grooming needs	Very High	Medium
Shedding	Very High	High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Very High	Very High
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	10 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Kishu Ken has noticeably higher energy than the Chow Chow.
The Chow Chow has noticeably higher grooming than the Kishu Ken.

Size and living space

The Chow Chow is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Chow Chow needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. The Kishu Ken needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Chow Chow is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Kishu Ken wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Chow Chow takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and can share a home with children given careful, supervised introductions. The Kishu Ken is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Chow Chow is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct, whereas Kishu Ken is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Chow Chow has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Kishu Ken has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Kishu Ken has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Chow Chow has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Kishu Ken has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Chow Chow if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Kishu Ken if you want a longer-lived breed, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Chow Chow or the Kishu Ken better for families with children?: The Kishu Ken tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Chow Chow or the Kishu Ken?: The Chow Chow sheds more than the Kishu Ken. If shedding is a concern, the Kishu Ken is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Chow Chow or the Kishu Ken?: The Kishu Ken is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Chow Chow or Kishu Ken bigger?: Chow Chow and Kishu Ken are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Chow Chow or Kishu Ken?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Chow Chow or Kishu Ken?: For apartment or apartment living, Chow Chow has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Chow Chow vs Kishu Ken