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Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Japanese Shiba Inu or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd?

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsJapan flagJapan Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4524
Reviews96
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shiba Inu and a Shetland Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shiba Inu and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 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) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Shetland Sheepdog? Is a Shiba Inu taller than a Shetland Sheepdog?
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? 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.
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shiba Inu and a Shetland Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog? 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.
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shiba Inu or Shetland Sheepdog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? 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 average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shiba Inu and a Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shiba Inu and a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare fur types.
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? 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 Shetland Sheepdog? Do Shiba Inu dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs?
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

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

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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? 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 Shetland Sheepdog? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Shiba Inu or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

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

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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?
2-4 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups are they in?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shiba Inu and Shetland Sheepdog. 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
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
Canadian Canine Registry

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