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Shiba Inu vs Akita Comparison – Which dog is better Japanese Shiba Inu or American Akita?

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Akita" Compare Shiba Inu and Akita. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Akita?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Akita
OriginsJapan flagJapan Japan flagJapan
Group Companion Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank4547
Reviews89
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shiba Inu vs Akita breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Shiba Inu or Akita? Is the Shiba Inu bigger than the Akita breed? Is a Shiba Inu smaller than an Akita?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Shiba Inu or Akita? Shiba Inu vs Akita weight comparison:
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Akita? Is a Shiba Inu taller than an Akita?
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shiba Inu or Akita? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shiba Inu and Akita?
$800-$1000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Akita?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shiba Inu or Akita smarter? Which is best? Shiba Inu vs Akita intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
Shiba Inu vs Akita trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Akita?
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Akita dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shiba Inu or Akita?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shiba Inu or Akita? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shiba Inu or Akita? Shiba Inu vs Akita behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Akita?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Akita?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Akita social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Akita?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Akita? Which can be better for hunting?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shiba Inu vs Akita playfulness comparison:
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shiba Inu vs Akita?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shiba Inu or Akita?
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shiba Inu or Akita?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shiba Inu or Akita?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Shiba Inu more dangerous than an Akita?

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shiba Inu vs Akita mouthiness comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shiba Inu vs Akita health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shiba Inu vs Akita?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Akita health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shiba Inu vs Akita?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Shiba Inu vs Akita lifespan comparison. How long do Shiba Inu and Akita breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shiba Inu and Akita?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shiba Inu vs Akita?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shiba Inu or Akita? Shiba Inu vs Akita energy level comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shiba Inu vs Akita exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shiba Inu or Akita? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shiba Inu or Akita?
Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shiba Inu or Akita? Does the Shiba Inu breed eat more than the Akita breed?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shiba Inu vs Akita weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shiba Inu vs Akita coat comparison:
Dense Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Colors
What are the original Shiba Inu and Akita color? Shiba Inu vs Akita color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shiba Inu or Akita? Shiba Inu vs Akita grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Akita? Do Shiba Inu dogs shed more than Akita dogs?
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shiba Inu or Akita?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shiba Inu vs Akita hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shiba Inu or Akita?

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Akita?
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shiba Inu or Akita?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Akita?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Akita? Can a Shiba Inu and an Akita be friends? Do Shiba Inu dogs get along with Akita dogs?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shiba Inu vs Akita?
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shiba Inu or Akita? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shiba Inu vs Akita?

Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shiba Inu and Akita have? Shiba Inu vs Akita litter size comparison:
2-4 puppies 3-12 puppies

Shiba Inu vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

Rate This Comparsion - Shiba Inu vs Akita

Reviews

  • Steen

    Aug 17, 2019, 12:58:03 PM:

    You got it all wrong about the Shiba. Are you sure you did not use the Golden Retrivers profile instead of the Shibas ?

  • Shiba inu

    Oct 21, 2020, 8:20:19 PM:

    Thanks for letting me be one of it but Akita my worst enemy kinda ruins it a kinda looks like me it also be fat drool.

  • Jami

    Nov 27, 2020, 2:48:13 PM:

    Lots of the information about the shiba is not correct. EASY to train? Good for FIRST-TIME owners? Are you kidding? This is one of the most difficult breeds in the world. Get your facts straight.

  • Steve

    Jul 10, 2021, 3:48:07 AM:

    Very inaccurate info regarding the shiba. I have one and researched the shiba b4 buying. So much is wrong!

  • Add

    Sep 20, 2021, 10:10:50 AM:

    Hay guys I hate to brake it to you but Akita’s are better than shibahs

  • Cat person

    Mar 20, 2023, 8:37:17 PM:

    I don’t really know which one is better. I have never in my life owned a dog. I have cat’s and I’m more a cat person. I would like to own a dog one day:) Especially a german shepherd.