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Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Japanese Shiba Inu or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier" Compare Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Rat Terrier
OriginsJapan flagJapan United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank4597
Reviews92
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shiba Inu and a Rat Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shiba Inu and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 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) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier? Is a Shiba Inu taller than a Rat Terrier?
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shiba Inu and a Rat Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare training requirements.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shiba Inu and a Rat Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier?
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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier? 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.
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.
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 warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shiba Inu and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rat Terrier 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: Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shiba Inu and a Rat Terrier? Compare fur types.
Dense Dense
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier? Do Shiba Inu dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare service capabilities.

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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

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
Which is better at detection work: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shiba Inu or a Rat Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

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 Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. Which has larger litters?
2-4 puppies 5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. Which needs longer recovery?

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 Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. Which groups are they in?
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 kennel club recognition between Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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