When it comes to dog breeds from Japan, the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu are two of the most popular. While these breeds may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences in their appearance, character and care.
If you’re considering getting one of these breeds as a pet, it’s important to understand what makes them unique and which breed is best for you.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu to help you make an informed decision and live a happy life with your new pet.
The Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a smaller Japanese dog, weighing about 10-15 kg and a height of 35-43 cm at the withers. Although the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu both hail from Japan, there are some notable differences between the two breeds.
For example, the Shiba Inu has a finer and lighter body than the Akita Inu, and is generally more active and playful. In addition, the Shiba Inu has a shorter coat than the Akita Inu, with a denser undercoat and less fluffy outer coat.
The Shiba Inu is known for its independent and headstrong personality, often bonding strongly with its owner.
Character
The character of the Shiba Inu has often been described as independent, headstrong and alert. They are intelligent dogs that like to go their own way and are not easily impressed by authority.
Because of this, training a Shiba Inu can be challenging at times, but with patience and consistency, it is certainly possible to train this dog properly. Despite their independent nature, Shiba Inus tend to be affectionate and loyal pets, who enjoy being around their owners. They are also very alert and watchful which makes them excellent watchdogs.
Compared to the Akita Inu, which is known for its quiet and calm personality, the Shiba Inu is therefore a slightly more active and lively dog.
The Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a larger Japanese dog, weighing about 30-50 kg and with a height of 60-70 cm. Originally, Akita Inus were bred as hunting dogs and guard dogs, and they are known for their calm and quiet personality.
Compared to the Shiba Inu, Akita Inus are generally less active and playful, and have a more mature and serious appearance. They have a thick, fluffy coat that protects them from cold temperatures, and have a broad, powerful build.
The character of the Akita Inu is often described as loyal, courageous and independent. They are very devoted to their family, but can be a little aloof with strangers at times. Training an Akita Inu also requires patience and consistency, but they are generally trainable and make excellent companions for experienced dog owners.
Character
The character of an Akita Inu is generally calm, confident and independent. These dogs bond strongly with their owners, but are not necessarily affectionate like some other breeds.
They have a dignified appearance and are naturally protective, especially of their family and territory. Akitas are intelligent and have a willful nature which can make them difficult to train at times. They also have a high tolerance for pain which means they are not likely to complain if they are injured. Overall, the Akita Inu makes a loyal and reliable companion for those willing to invest the time and effort in their training and care.
What are the differences?
There are clear differences in appearance between the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu. The Shiba Inu is smaller and lighter than the Akita Inu, weighing about 8-10 kg and a height of 35-43 cm at the withers.
They have a shorter, denser coat and a cute, fox-like appearance. On the other hand, the Akita Inu has a larger and more powerful build, with a weight of about 30-50 kg and a height of 60-70 cm at the withers.
They have a thick, fluffy coat that protects them from cold temperatures, and have a broad, powerful build. Their face has a more dignified appearance, with a broader head and firmer jawline than the Shiba Inu. While both breeds look cute and cuddly, they definitely have different looks that set them apart.
Different characters
The Shiba Inu and Akita Inu also have different personalities that set them apart. Shiba Inus are known for their independent and headstrong nature, which can lead to challenges when training.
They also have high energy and are active, making them excellent dogs for people who enjoy walking or outdoor activities. Akita Inus, on the other hand, tend to be calmer and more confident.
They have a dignified appearance and are naturally protective, especially of their family and territory. These dogs bond strongly with their owners, but are not necessarily affectionate like some other breeds.
While both breeds are loyal and dependable, they have several traits that make them unique. It’s important to keep these differences in mind when choosing which breed is best for you and when training and caring for your pet.
Other dogs and children
If you are looking for a dog that can live well with children, the Shiba Inu is the better choice compared to the Akita Inu. The Shiba is generally friendly, playful and has a gentle disposition which makes him a great companion for children of all ages.
While the Akita Inu is also loyal and dependable, it has a domineering personality and doesn’t get along very well with children under the age of eight. Training can help, but it’s important to remember that kids can be unpredictable at times and could inadvertently hurt the dog.
However, living with other pets is better with the Akita Inu, who generally get along well with other animals. It’s important to keep these differences in mind when choosing which breed is best for you and when raising and caring for your pet.
