• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Shiba Inu" Compare Akita and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Akita or Shiba Inu?
 
 
 
Name Akita Shiba Inu
OriginsJapan flagJapan Japan flagJapan
Group Working Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank4745
Reviews98
User Ratings

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

Akita vs Shiba Inu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Akita or Shiba Inu? Is the Akita bigger than the Shiba Inu breed? Is an Akita smaller than a Shiba Inu?
Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Akita or Shiba Inu? Akita vs Shiba Inu weight comparison:
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 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: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Akita or Shiba Inu? Is an Akita taller than a Shiba Inu?
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

Akita vs Shiba Inu Price and Availability Comparison

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

Akita vs Shiba Inu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Akita or Shiba Inu smarter? Which is best? Akita vs Shiba Inu 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
Akita vs Shiba Inu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Akita vs Shiba Inu?
Akita dogs are easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Akita or Shiba Inu?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Akita or Shiba Inu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Akita vs Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Akita or Shiba Inu? Akita vs Shiba Inu behavior/temperament comparison:
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Akita vs Shiba Inu?
Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs Shiba Inu?
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Akita vs Shiba Inu social needs comparison:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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? What's the difference between Akita vs Shiba Inu?
The wanderlust potential of the Akita 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? What's the difference between Akita vs Shiba Inu? Which can be better for hunting?
Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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.

Akita vs Shiba Inu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Akita vs Shiba Inu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Shiba Inu?
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.

Akita vs Shiba Inu Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Akita vs Shiba Inu mouthiness comparison:
Akita 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.

Akita vs Shiba Inu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Akita vs Shiba Inu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Akita vs Shiba Inu?
The Akita 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Shiba Inu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Shiba Inu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Akita vs Shiba Inu?
Average
The Akita 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.
Life Expectancy
Akita vs Shiba Inu lifespan comparison. How long do Akita and Shiba Inu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Akita and Shiba Inu?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Akita vs Shiba Inu?
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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.

Akita vs Shiba Inu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Akita vs Shiba Inu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Akita or Shiba Inu? Does the Akita breed eat more than the Shiba Inu breed?
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Akita vs Shiba Inu weight gain potential comparison:
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 Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

Akita vs Shiba Inu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Akita vs Shiba Inu coat comparison:
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Dense
Colors
What are the original Akita and Shiba Inu color? Akita vs Shiba Inu color comparison:
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Akita or Shiba Inu? Akita vs Shiba Inu grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or Shiba Inu? Do Akita dogs shed more than Shiba Inu dogs?
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Akita or Shiba Inu?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Akita vs Shiba Inu 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, Akita or Shiba Inu?

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Akita vs Shiba Inu?
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 Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Akita vs Shiba Inu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Akita 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 Shiba Inu? Which dog is more friendly?
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Akita or Shiba Inu?
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Shiba Inu?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Shiba Inu? Can an Akita and a Shiba Inu be friends? Do Akita dogs get along with Shiba Inu dogs?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Akita vs Shiba Inu?
Yes
Akita 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
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.
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Akita vs Shiba Inu 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: Akita or Shiba Inu? 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: Akita vs Shiba Inu?

Not really

Akita 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.
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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Akita vs Shiba Inu 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 Akita and Shiba Inu have? Akita vs Shiba Inu litter size comparison:
3-12 puppies 2-4 puppies

Akita vs Shiba Inu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting 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
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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Akita vs Shiba Inu

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.