Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Shiba Inu or Karelsk Björnhund or American Akita? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita" Compare Shiba Inu and Karelian Bear Dog. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or Akita?

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	Karelian Bear Dog	Akita
Origins	Japan	Finland	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	45	304	47
Reviews	9	1	9
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita breeds.	Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog	Karelsk Björnhund Karjalankarhukoira KBD	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Medium	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg)	44-50 pounds (20-23 kg)	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 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)	47 pounds (21.5 kg)	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or Akita? Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita height comparison:	Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)	19-23 inches (48-58 cm)	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)	21 inches (53 cm)	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1000	$1000-$1200	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or Akita?	Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.	Average: The Karelian Bear Dog is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which breed ranks highest?	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
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which is easiest to train?	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which breed is most alert?	Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which breed is most protective?	Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita? Compare temperaments.	Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming	Independent Loyal Territorial Tenacious Brave Cautious	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita?	Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Karelian Bear Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Akita 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 Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita social needs comparison:	Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. 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.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Akita 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. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Karelian Bear Dog barks occasionally. See more.	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Karelian Bear Dog is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Karelian Bear Dog breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Karelian Bear Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which uses mouth most during play?	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Karelian Bear Dog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog: 11 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Karelian Bear Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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.	Karelian Bear Dogs tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.	The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog 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.	Frequent The Karelian Bear Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Skin Irritation Dry Skin Obesity Dental Problems Pituitary Dwarfism Baldness	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which breed is most active?	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or Akita? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs need a lot of exercises.	Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or Akita?	Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Karelian Bear Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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.	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame	Black White	Black Red White Brown Fawn
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Karelian Bear Dog requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which drools least?	The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Karelian Bear Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Karelian Bear Dog has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Dense	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which requires most frequent baths?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or Akita? Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or {name3 shedding:	Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which is best with kids?	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are generally with other pets.	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Karelian Bear Dog or Akita?	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Akita 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 Karelian Bear Dog or Akita?	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita?	No Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Karelian Bear Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Akita 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 Karelian Bear Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Akita 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.	Karelian Bear Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which is best suited for service work?	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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which excels in therapy work?	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
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Karelian Bear Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Shiba Inu vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	4-8 puppies	3-12 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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 Karelian Bear Dog vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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 Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Shiba Inu, Karelian Bear Dog, and Akita. 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	No data available	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club

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