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Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Shiba Inu or Finnish Hunting Dog or Norwegian Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund" Compare Shiba Inu and Finnish Spitz. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Finnish Spitz Norwegian Buhund
OriginsJapan flagJapan Finland flagFinland Norway flagNorway
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank45177170
Reviews930
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund breeds.
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Finnish Hunting Dog
Finnish Spets
Finsk Spets
Loulou Finois
Suomalainen Pystykorva
Suomenpystykorva
Barking Bird Dog
Norwegian Sheepdog
Norsk Buhund
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg) Male: 31-40 pounds (14-18 kg), Female: 26½-35½ pounds (12-16 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) 33 pounds (15 kg) Male: 35.5 pounds (16 kg), Female: 26.5-35.5 pounds (14 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund? Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund height comparison:
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) 15-20 inches (38-51 cm) Male: 17-18.5 inches (43-47 cm), Female: 16-17.5 inches (41-45 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) Male: 17-18½ inches (45 cm), Female: 16-17½ inches (43 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $500-$700 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Finnish Spitz is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Norwegian Buhund is easier than average to get.

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. 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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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Finnish Spitz dogs are easy to train.
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Norwegian Buhund dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which breed is most alert?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
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Finnish Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Norwegian Buhund dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which breed is most protective?
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Finnish Spitz dogs are average defenders.
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Norwegian Buhund dogs are average defenders.
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Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Playful
Independent
Happy
Intelligent
Loyal
Vocal
Funny
Loving
Agile
Energetic
Courageous
Friendly
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.
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Finnish Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Norwegian Buhund dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Finnish Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Norwegian Buhund dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Finnish Spitz dogs are a social breed.
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Norwegian Buhund dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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.
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The wanderlust potential of the Finnish Spitz is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Norwegian Buhund is strong enough to escape from home.
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.
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Finnish Spitz 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.
Norwegian Buhund 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 vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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A lot: Finnish Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Norwegian Buhund is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Finnish Spitz is a playful breed.
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The Norwegian Buhund is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Finnish Spitz breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Norwegian Buhund breed in the home.

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Finnish Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Finnish Spitz bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Norwegian Buhund bite force: Ordinary.

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Finnish Spitz: 13 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhund: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which handles climate changes best?
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 Finnish Spitz can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Norwegian Buhund can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Finnish Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
Rare
The Finnish Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Norwegian Buhund should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Eye Problems
Joint Problems
Epilepsy
Eye Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Von Willebrand's Disease

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Finnish Spitz has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Norwegian Buhund has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Finnish Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Norwegian Buhund has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense
Thick
Double
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund? Shiba Inu or Finnish Spitz or {name3 shedding:
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
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Finnish Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Norwegian Buhund dogs shed moderately.
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Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which is best with kids?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Finnish Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Norwegian Buhund dogs are very 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.
Finnish Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Norwegian Buhund dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund? Which dog is more friendly?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Finnish Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Norwegian Buhund dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Finnish Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Norwegian Buhund dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Finnish Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Norwegian Buhund dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund?
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Finnish Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Norwegian Buhund 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.
Yes
Finnish Spitz is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Yes
Norwegian Buhund is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Finnish Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Norwegian Buhunds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. 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 Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. 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 Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. 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 Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. 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 Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Finnish Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Norwegian Buhund breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. 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 Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which has most military use?

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.

Not really

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

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 3-6 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. What's recommended?

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.

Shiba Inu vs Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. How are they classified internationally?
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 Nordic Hunting Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Buhund. Which has most recognition?
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 Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
No data available

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