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Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Japanese Shiba Inu or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd" Compare Shiba Inu and German Shepherd. Which is better: Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu German Shepherd
OriginsJapan flagJapan Germany flagGermany
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank452
Reviews819
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Is the Shiba Inu bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is a Shiba Inu smaller than a German Shepherd?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Is a Shiba Inu taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shiba Inu and German Shepherd?
$800-$1000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shiba Inu or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? 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.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd? 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.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd 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.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?
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 German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Shiba Inu more dangerous than a German Shepherd?

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Shiba Inu and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shiba Inu and German Shepherd?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Does the Shiba Inu breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Shiba Inu and German Shepherd color? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Do Shiba Inu dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd 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.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or German Shepherd?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Can a Shiba Inu and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Shiba Inu dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
German Shepherd 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
German Shepherd 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.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd 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.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shiba Inu or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd 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.
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.

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shiba Inu and German Shepherd have? Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
2-4 puppies 6-10 puppies

Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd 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 1908 as a Herding breed.
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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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.
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

Rate This Comparsion - Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd

Reviews

  • BoBo

    Mar 25, 2021, 6:11:42 PM: