Chow Chow vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

You’re not going to find two dogs that look more different yet somehow end up on the same shortlist. probably because someone saw “medium to large,” “double coat,” and “loyal” and thought, “Wait, could this work?” But the Chow Chow and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are about as alike as a monk and a field biologist. The Chow is a stoic, cat-like relic with a lion’s ruff and a reserved demeanor. He’ll bond deeply with one or two people, but don’t expect him to warm up to your toddler or your weekend guests. He’s not mean, just dignified to a fault. You’ll need experience reading dog body language because he won’t bark much, won’t beg, and absolutely won’t tolerate nonsense. He’s happiest in a quiet home with routine, cool temperatures, and someone who values calm over chaos. The Griffon? He’s out there charging through marshes, grinning beside hunters, and licking kids’ faces after a long hike. Bred to point, retrieve, and work closely with people, he lives for partnership. This dog needs activity, yes, but more than that. he needs mental engagement. A bored Griffon will dismantle your shed. But if you’re hiking, hunting, or training weekly, he’s all in. Here’s the real difference beyond energy levels: the Chow respects you from a distance. The Griffon wants to be your teammate. Pick the Chow if you want a noble, low-drama companion who keeps his own counsel. Pick the Griffon if your life moves, and you want a dog who moves with you. muddy paws, wagging tail, and all. One honest insight: the Griffon’s “medium” shedding is misleading. That wiry coat traps burrs, mud, and slobber like a magnet. You’ll be hand-stripping or clipping regularly. No such thing as a low-maintenance griff.