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Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Comparison – Which dog is better Lab or Japanese Shiba Inu?

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu" Compare Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Shiba Inu?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Shiba Inu
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Japan flagJapan
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank145
Reviews119
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu. What other names are these breeds known by?
Lab
Labrador
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Labrador Retriever and a Shiba Inu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Labrador Retriever and a Shiba Inu. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Shiba Inu? Is a Labrador Retriever taller than a Shiba Inu?
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Labrador Retriever and a Shiba Inu. Which breed costs more?
$1000-$2000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Shiba Inu?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare training requirements.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare alertness levels.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare territorial behaviors.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Labrador Retriever and a Shiba Inu. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever 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: Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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 Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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 Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu? Which can be better for hunting?
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare play drive and energy.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare adaptability levels.
Labrador Retriever 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: Labrador Retriever or Shiba Inu?
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare biting tendencies.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, 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
Which has a stronger bite: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare climate tolerances.
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 common health issues between a Labrador Retriever and a Shiba Inu. Which breed is healthier?
The Labrador Retriever 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu?
Average
The Labrador Retriever 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu? Compare breed colors.
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare drooling amounts.
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Labrador Retriever and a Shiba Inu? Compare fur types.
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Shiba Inu? Do Labrador Retriever dogs shed more than Shiba Inu dogs?
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare kid-friendliness.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Shiba Inu? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Shiba Inu?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Shiba Inu? Can a Labrador Retriever and a Shiba Inu be friends? Do Labrador Retriever dogs get along with Shiba Inu dogs?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu?
Yes
Labrador Retriever 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
Labrador Retriever 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?
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Labrador Retriever or a Shiba Inu? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu. Which has larger litters?
5-10 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Labrador Retriever and Shiba Inu. Which is more widely recognized?
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
Canadian Canine Registry
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 - Labrador Retriever vs Shiba Inu

Reviews

  • Chris

    Nov 20, 2019, 7:51:00 PM:

    The information for Shibas does not seem to be accurate. "Good For First Time Owners" everwhere else online says no. Trainability: "Shiba Inus are easy to train." -- everywhere else online says no.