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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
Reviews99
User Ratings

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shiba Inu and an Akita. Which breed is heavier?
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 Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shiba Inu and an Akita. Which breed costs more?
$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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
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.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare training requirements.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Akita dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare alertness levels.
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare territorial behaviors.
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

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shiba Inu and an Akita. How do their temperaments differ?
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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare adaptability levels.
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: 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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare mouthing behaviors.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shiba Inu and an Akita. Which breed is healthier?
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: 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.
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

Shiba Inu vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare activity levels.
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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare obesity risks.
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.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shiba Inu and Akita? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare maintenance needs.
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.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare drooling amounts.
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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shiba Inu and an Akita? Compare fur types.
Dense Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
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.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare kid-friendliness.
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?
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare service capabilities.

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 Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare therapy capabilities.

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare scenting abilities.

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

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
Which is better on boats: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shiba Inu or an Akita? 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 Shiba Inu and Akita. Which has stronger military background?

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shiba Inu and Akita. Which has larger litters?
2-4 puppies 3-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shiba Inu and Akita breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shiba Inu and Akita. 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.

Shiba Inu vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shiba Inu and Akita. Which groups do they belong to?
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 classifications of Shiba Inu and Akita. Which groups are they in?
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 kennel club recognition between Shiba Inu and Akita. Which is more widely recognized?
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.