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?

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	Japanese Spitz	Hokkaido Dog
Origins	Japan	Japan	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	45	229	414
Reviews	9	9	0
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog	Nihon Supittsu	Ainu-ken Do-ken Seta Ainu dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

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

Size Which is bigger, Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? Which is the smallest dog, Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?	Medium	Small	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Japanese Spitz? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog weight comparison:	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 Which is cheaper, Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? Which is more expensive?	$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

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog 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.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog trainability comparison.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are quite 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 Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?	Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? 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.	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog behavior/temperament comparison:	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. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
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. See more.	High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Hokkaido Dog 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 Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog social needs comparison:	Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Hokkaido Dog 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.	Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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.	Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

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

Playfulness Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog playfulness comparison:	Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Hokkaido Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog?	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Hokkaido Dog barks occasionally. 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 Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?	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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog 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.	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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone 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 Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?	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.
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.	Low 🔽 The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Hokkaido Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog mouthiness comparison:	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

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

Health Issues Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog?	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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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
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 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz and Hokkaido Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	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
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog?	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 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.

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

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog energy level comparison:	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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?	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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog 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 Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Hokkaido Dog has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

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

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog coat comparison:	Dense	Thick	Thick
Colors What are the original Shiba Inu, Japanese Spitz and Hokkaido Dog color?	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame	White	Black White Brindle Black & Tan
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shiba Inu or Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog grooming comparison:	Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Hokkaido Dog requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
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. See more.	Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.	Hokkaido Dog 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 Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	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.
Hypoallergenic Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog 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 Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog?	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.
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 Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Hokkaido Dog is an average drooler. See more.

Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog 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.	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.
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 Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog?	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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 Breeds That Get Along Well With 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 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 Japanese Spitz or Hokkaido Dog? 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 Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog?	Not really Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Hokkaido Dog 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.	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

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 Japanese Spitz and Hokkaido Dog have?	2-4 puppies	1-6 puppies	3-7 puppies
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Shiba Inu vs Japanese Spitz vs Hokkaido Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 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.	Not recognized by FCI.
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 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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