What is the Difference Between Akita and Shiba?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The Akita and Shiba Inu are both Japanese dog breeds with similar heritage and body shape, but they have several differences as well. Here are the main differences between the two breeds:
- Size: Akitas are larger dogs, standing between 24 and 48 inches tall, while Shiba Inus are smaller, standing at around 13 to 17 inches. Akitas can weigh between 70 to 130 pounds, whereas Shiba Inus weigh up to 23 pounds.
- Coat: Both breeds have double coats, but Akitas have a dense and plush undercoat with a short topcoat, while Shiba Inus have a similar double-coated structure.
- Color: There is a wider range of coat colors allowed for Akitas, which can be white, sesame, red, fawn, or brindle. Shiba Inu coat colors are restricted to red with some black, black and tan, sesame with some red with a paler undercoat.
- Temperament: Akitas are more loyal, less playful, and more territorial than Shiba Inus. Shiba Inus are more energetic and curious.
- Intelligence: Both breeds are highly intelligent, but Shiba Inus are trainable, although they can be stubborn, independent, and strong-willed.
- Exercise: Shiba Inus require more exercise than Akitas, who are more sedentary and prefer a life of relaxation and calm.
- Health: Shiba Inus are generally healthier and have a longer lifespan than Akitas, who are at risk for more serious health issues such as autoimmune hypothyroidism.
In summary, while Akitas and Shiba Inus share some similarities, they differ in size, coat, color, temperament, intelligence, exercise requirements, and health.
Comparative Table: Akita vs Shiba
Here is a table comparing the differences between Akita and Shiba Inu breeds:
Feature | Akita | Shiba Inu |
---|---|---|
Size | Larger, 75 to 110 pounds for females and 85 to 130 pounds for males | Smaller, 18 to 22 pounds for both males and females |
Coat Type | Double, with dense and plush undercoat and a short topcoat | Double |
Colors | White, sesame, red, fawn, or brindle | Restricted to red with some black, black, and tan, sesame with some red and a paler undercoat |
Temperament | Less playful, more territorial, and loyal | More playful, less territorial, and loyal |
Socialization | Prone to separation anxiety, needs constant companionship | More independent |
Exercise | Moderate to high energy levels | High energy levels, great hiking buddies |
Grooming | Regular grooming needed due to shedding | Easier to groom |
Both Akita and Shiba Inu breeds are native to Japan and share a similar body shape. However, they have distinct characteristics in terms of size, coat, colors, temperament, and exercise requirements.
Read more:
- Akita vs Akita Inu
- Akita vs Husky
- Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu
- Maltese vs Shih Tzu
- American Eskimo vs Japanese Spitz
- Havanese vs Shih Tzu
- Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Husky
- Dogs vs Wolves
- Shetland Sheepdog vs Collie
- Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky
- Dog vs Puppy
- Alaskan Malamute vs Alaskan Husky
- Husky vs Samoyed
- Wolf vs Husky
- Dingo vs Dog
- Siberian Husky vs Malamute
- AKC vs UKC
- Doberman vs Doberman Pinscher
- Coyote vs Dog