Cupcake

Just like a lion, the Chow Chow has a large mane, courageous attitude, and mean streak. They bond with their owners but don’t have as good of a track record with other dogs or strangers. If you’re considering a Chow Chow, prepare for an independent pup with a dominant demeanor. Full-grown, they typically weigh 45-70 pounds and stand 17-20 inches tall.

Chow Chows are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Chow Chows don’t get along well with other dogs and will try to dominate them, especially if they don’t have a pack leader. They can be trained and socialized to co-exist with other pets, but it won’t come naturally to them. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

The Chow Chow enjoys being outdoors, but it doesn’t need a lot of exercise. A daily walk or playtime in a fenced yard should do the trick. Keep in mind their aversion to the heat. Overall, their exercise needs are low.

There are two varieties of Chow Chow coats: those with long, straight, and rough hair and those with short, smooth hair. Both coats are very dense and are thicker around the neck, making them look like they have a mane. The Chow Chow can be any solid color, including red, black, blue, and cream. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Chow Chows are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. Chow Chows are well-suited for apartment life but also enjoy houses with large yards where they can run and play. However, they don’t like the heat, so be sure to keep them indoors when it’s warm. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.

Border Collies are one of the smartest and most focused breeds around. These sweet dogs are happiest when they have an activity to do or job to work on, whether it’s playing fetch, digging a hole, or keeping an eye on you. Full-grown, they typically weigh 30-55 pounds and stand 18-22 inches tall.

Border Collies are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. The Border Collie gets along well with other pets and children, but it may try to dominate dogs of the same sex. They should be socialized as puppies with small, non-canine pets so they can overcome their natural prey instincts. They're fairly vocal dogs that bark regularly.

Border Collies need high-energy owners to satisfy their appetite for exercise and activity. If they get bored or restless, they’re known to act out. The best way to keep Border Collies active is to give them work to do, whether it’s an exercise like running or a game like Frisbee. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Border Collies have thick, shiny undercoats and colorful outer coats that come in several colors, including solid, bicolor, tricolor, merle (lighter coat with speckled patches), or sable (light undercoat with black-tipped hairs). These dogs are average shedders that don’t need much grooming. Brush them once or twice a week to keep their coats clean, and only bathe them when needed. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Border Collies are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. They’re adaptable to just about any living setting, so as long as they get enough exercise and attention, they will be happy spending time indoors, outdoors, in warm climates, or cooler places. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.