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Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Shiba Inu or Nihon Supittsu or Ainu-ken? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog" Compare Shiba Inu and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Japanese Spitz Hokkaido Dog
OriginsJapan flagJapan Japan flagJapan Japan flagJapan
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank45229414
Reviews990
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog breeds.
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Nihon Supittsu Ainu-ken
Do-ken
Seta
Ainu dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 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) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog height comparison:
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm) 20 inches (49 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $500-$800 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most alert?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most protective?
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Alert
Courageous
Docile
Faithful
Brave
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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Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Hokkaido Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are a social breed.
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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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Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Hokkaido Dog 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.

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most flexible?
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Average: Hokkaido Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Hokkaido Dog 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 Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hokkaido Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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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Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Hokkaido Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Hokkaido Dog: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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 average to cold weather conditions
The Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Hokkaido Dog 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, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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.
The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Hokkaido Dog 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?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Hokkaido Dog 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 Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Heart Murmurs
Allergies
Cryptorchidism
Collie Eye Anomaly
Blocked Tear Ducts
Hypodontia

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most active?
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?
Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Hokkaido Dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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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Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Hokkaido Dog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hokkaido Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Thick Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or {name3 shedding:
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Good With Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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

Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Hokkaido Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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.
See more.

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, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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 Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 1-6 puppies 3-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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 Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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 Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz, and Hokkaido Dog. 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 Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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