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

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

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	Shiba Inu	Akita	Japanese Terrier
Origins	Japan	Japan	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Working Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	45	47	359
Reviews	8	9	0
User Ratings

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	Medium	Large	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Shiba Inu or Akita or Akita? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier weight comparison:	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)	5-9 pounds
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)	7 pounds
Height Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier height comparison:	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)	8-13 inches
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)	10.5 inches

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1000	$800-$1200	$1000-$1300
Availability Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.	Average: The Japanese Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier 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.	Very smart: Japanese Terrier is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier trainability comparison.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.	Japanese Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Japanese Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:	Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing	Active Affectionate Lively Cheerful Vigilant Swift
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: Japanese Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier?	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.	High: Japanese Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier social needs comparison:	Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Japanese Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	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.	Japanese Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.	Japanese Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier playfulness comparison:	Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Japanese Terrier is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier?	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. See more.	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.	Average to High: The Japanese Terrier is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Japanese Terrier breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier mouthiness comparison:	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.	Japanese Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier?	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.	Japanese Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier 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	No data available
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Rare The Japanese Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Shiba Inu, Akita and Japanese Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Japanese Terrier: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier?	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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier energy level comparison:	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Japanese Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? 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.	Japanese Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	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.	Japanese Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	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.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier weight gain potential comparison:	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.	Low: The Japanese Terrier has good luck with genetics. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier coat comparison:	Dense	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Fine Dense Smooth Glossy Slick
Colors What are the original Shiba Inu, Akita and Japanese Terrier color?	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Black White Tricolor
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier grooming comparison:	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.	Effortless: The Japanese Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Shiba Inu or Akita or {name3 shedding:	Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. See more.	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Japanese Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier?	Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	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.	The Japanese Terrier is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.	Japanese Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Japanese Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Japanese Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Japanese Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier?	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Japanese Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier?	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.	Yes Japanese Terrier 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.	No Japanese Terrier 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.	Japanese Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier 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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Shiba Inu or Akita or Japanese Terrier? 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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.	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.	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: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier?	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.	Not really Japanese Terrier 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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat 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.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	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.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Shiba Inu and Akita and Japanese Terrier have?	2-4 puppies	3-12 puppies	4-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs Japanese Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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.	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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	No data available

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