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

"Find similarities and differences between Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita" Compare Boston Terrier and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita?
 
 
 
Name Boston Terrier Shiba Inu Akita
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Japan flagJapan Japan flagJapan
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank214547
Reviews499
User Ratings

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

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita? Compare adult weight ranges.
10-25 pounds (6-11kg) 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?
17.5 pounds (8.5 kg) 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, Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita? Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita height comparison:
15-17 inches (38-43 cm) 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?
16 inches (40.5 cm) Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita?
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which is easiest to train?
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed is most alert?
Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
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Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed is most protective?
Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
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?
Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita?
High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita social needs comparison:
Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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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.
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Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed is most flexible?
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita?
Boston Terrier 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which uses mouth most during play?
Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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.
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Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which has fewer health issues?
The Boston Terrier 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.
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Boston Terrier 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.
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing
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

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which breed is most active?
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
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
Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita?
Boston Terrier 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 dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which needs most food?
0.5 to 1.5 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. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brindle
Seal
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which drools least?
The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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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.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Dense Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. 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.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita? Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or {name3 shedding:
Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which is best with kids?
Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
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 Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?
Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita?
Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
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 Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu or Akita?
Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly 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 good for the first-time owners: Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita?
Yes
Boston Terrier 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.
Yes
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Boston Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
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?
Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

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 Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. 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.

Yes

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

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 2-4 puppies 3-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Boston Terrier vs Shiba Inu vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed. 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 Classification
Compare FCI groups for Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section. 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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Boston Terrier, Shiba Inu, and Akita. Which has most recognition?
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
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

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