Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Malinois or Japanese Shiba Inu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu" Compare Akita and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Akita	Belgian Malinois	Shiba Inu
Origins	Japan	Belgium	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	47	44	45
Reviews	9	10	9
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu breeds.	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog	Malinois	Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)	Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)	Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)	Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu? Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu height comparison:	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)	Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)	Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$1200-$1400	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu?	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which is easiest to train?	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most alert?	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most protective?	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu? Compare temperaments.	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing	Active Stubborn Protective Alert Confident Friendly Watchful Hard working	Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu?	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu social needs comparison:	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Belgian Malinois 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.	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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.	Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Belgian Malinois indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most flexible?	Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Belgian Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which has lowest bite risk?	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which uses mouth most during play?	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which has fewer health issues?	The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis	Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most active?	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.	Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu?	Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.	Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. What colors are available?	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Black Cream Fawn Brindle	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which drools least?	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.	The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Weather-resistant Straight	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu? Akita or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which is best with kids?	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.	Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.	Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu? Which dog is more friendly?	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Belgian Malinois or Shiba Inu?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu?	Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.	Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.	Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which has most puppies?	3-12 puppies	6-10 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Shiba Inu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Shiba Inu. Which has most recognition?	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	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club 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 United Kennel Club	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

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