Akita vs Shiba Inu
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Akita | Shiba Inu | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Large | Small |
| Adult weight | 31.8 to 59 kg | 7.7 to 10.4 kg |
| In pounds | 70 to 130 lb | 17 to 23 lb |
| Adult height | 61 to 71 cm | 34 to 42 cm |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Medium double | Short double |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 10 to 14 years | 13 to 16 years |
| Good with children | Fine with supervision | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Not recommended | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Japan | Japan |
The main differences
- The Akita is the bigger dog: 31.8 to 59 kg against 7.7 to 10.4 kg for the Shiba Inu.
- The Akita needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Shiba Inu.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- The Shiba Inu usually lives longer: 13 to 16 years against 10 to 14 years.
Temperament
Akita: The Akita is a heavy boned spitz type guardian, quiet and fastidious at home but wary of strangers and often intolerant of other dogs. They are independent minded and need consistent training and wide socialisation from puppyhood.
Shiba Inu: Active, alert and attentive, the Shiba Inu is a sturdy, muscular dog that rewards attention, training and exercise with loyalty and affection.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Akita
- Gastric dilatation volvulus, a surgical emergency the breed is particularly prone to, so owners should learn the signs
- Hip dysplasia, screened by hip evaluation of breeding stock
- Progressive retinal atrophy, an adult onset cause of blindness, picked up by an ophthalmologist evaluation
- Thyroid disorders, screened by a thyroid evaluation on breeding stock
Shiba Inu
- Hip dysplasia, which breeding stock should be hip scored by x-ray before mating
- Patellar luxation, graded by a veterinary orthopaedic exam
- Eye disease, with an ophthalmologist evaluation recommended by the national breed club
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Akita or the Shiba Inu?
The Akita. Adults weigh 31.8 to 59 kg, against 7.7 to 10.4 kg for the Shiba Inu, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Akita or the Shiba Inu?
The published life expectancy is 10 to 14 years for the Akita and 13 to 16 years for the Shiba Inu. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Akita or the Shiba Inu better with children?
They score the same: fine with supervision with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin