Last Updated on September 20, 2023
. Consider the Shiba Inu and the Akita as your next furry friend. Both breeds make great family dogs but they have significant differences despite coming from the same country .
Although the Shiba Inu is often referred to as a sister outside of Japan, the Shiba Inu or Akita can be considered their own breed. The one is an ancient breed, while the other is relatively recent in comparison .. They are now both more popular than ever outside of Japan.
You may be curious if their personalities look as similar to their ? looks. You might be curious as to which one is the best family pet. No matter your reason, this breed comparison guide will help you understand the Shiba Inu’s similarities and differences. Let’s say Konnichiwa and introduce these gorgeous Japanese canines.
Breed History
Looking into the pasts of the Shiba Inu or Akita will help you understand their personalities .. It will also help you to understand their differences. The history of a dog can often reveal a lot about their temperament and how they will behave as a family pet. This is an important part of your dog research.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an ancient dog who is believed to originate from 300 B.C. He was originally used to flush birds and other game for his master back then. The larger Shiba’s were used hunting wild Boar , and earning their keep by bringing food to their masters. They are the smallest Spitz-type dog.
He was never seen outside of Japan until the 1950s. And when an American military family brought one back to America, our love affair began. The Shiba Inu to Japanese is the Labrador to Americans. Their most beloved family dog.
Akita
The Akita was developed in the 17th century, and he is the largest of the Spitz-type dogs. A banished aristocrat was his creator and he spent his time on a northern Japanese Island creating a large, versatile hunting dogs ..
Over many decades the Akita has been . developed. He was strong enough to hunt deer and wild boar as well as the terrifying Yezo bear. This is still the case for some Japanese families. Because of their nature, they are sometimes thought of as more dangerous than they actually are.
The Akita could only be kept by the imperial families and their courts. The law was repealed and the Akita has been used by many families around the globe as a cuddly companion and family protector.
He is described as the most loyal dog breed, and this was highlighted by a famous Akita named Hachiko. He waited for his owner every day for nine long years. Akitas are popular guardian breeds, often drawing comparisons to Pitbulls and other dogs with guardian instincts.
Appearance
The Shiba Inu is similar to the Akita, due to their Spitz-type nature. The Akita and Shiba Inu have the same features: a round head with triangular ears and foxy-shaped heads. They have a deep chest, and curly wheel tails . Even though they both come from the spitz family, both the Shiba Inu and the Akita are sometimes compared to a Siberian Husky, due to their wolfy looks.
The most striking difference between them all is their size. The Shiba Inu can be smaller than the Akita who is large and giant-sized. This size distinction is what makes the difference between the two breeds. Akitas need lots of space and are not well-suited for apartment living. The Shiba Inu, on the other hand, could live happily in an apartment.
They both have thick, dense double coats that keep them warm in winter and repel water. There are four options for Shiba Inu coat colors: black and Tan, cream, red and red sesame. The Akita comes in many other colors , such as brindle, black, red and fawn.
All Shiba Inu’s are the same. Comparing to the Akita who has two distinct appearances . One look is called the American Akita and the other the Japanese Akita in some countries. The Japanese Akita looks more like the Shiba, and is more similar to his brother. American Akitas are more square and appear thicker and heavier.
Temperament
The Shiba Inu is similar to the Akita in personality, but they are very different. They are both lively and full of joy They are both a beautiful, fluffy dog that will keep the family happy. They’re both playful and funny and don’t mind getting dirty.
They are suspicious of strangers and can be aloof. They will also alert you if someone approaches your gate. The Shiba Inu acts more as a watchdog than the Akita who can also be a guard dog. Akitas are very protective of their family and are more dominant dogs.
They are both stubborn and quick to make their own decisions. They should be adopted together by responsible owners who are familiar with how to handle independent dogs. Both are strong-willed dogs and require a strong-willed owner.
There is another big difference between these two breeds: one is more sensitive than other. You might be surprised to find out that the sensitive one is the big, burly guy. The Shiba Inu, on the other hand, is more independent.
You’ll soon discover that they are both snuggle bug ,, and very affectionate with their families. They both love to snuggle on the couch with their family members and make great canine hot water bottles. The Akita will prefer a larger sofa than the Shiba. He will be happy to squeeze onto your lap.
Exercise
They both need the same amount exercise. Both Shibas and Akitas require 60 minutes of exercise every day, and they have lots of pent-up energy that they need to burn. They will become destructive and difficult if you don’t meet their exercise requirements.
They are both very intelligent dogs , and need stimulation beyond a stroll around the block. Mix it up. They will soon become bored if they are not given a variety of activities. Both breeds will join you in any activity, and they are both extremely endurance.
Because the Akita is a large breed, we advise that a puppy avoid any strenuous activity as it could impact his developing joints. If you are looking for a jogging partner, you need to wait until he is at least 12 months old. However, the Shiba can be started after about six months.
Both cats and dogs must be kept on a leash due to their high prey drive . You can be certain that neither one will allow a squirrel to get by them. The Akita is a large and powerful dog that should be trained to walk on a leash from a young age.
Doggy parks are fine if Shiba Inu has been socialized well. He should be able to socialize with other dogs. However, the Akita might be hyperactive , if he’s socialized well. This behavior is unique to each Akita. Make sure you introduce them to other dogs as soon as possible.
Training
Both breeds are headstrong dogs that require strong masters to guide them. These dogs will not suit you if you’re a mild-mannered dog owner. This can make training challenging.
The Akita is easier because he is loyal, eager to please and easy to train. The Shiba Inu is more independent. The Shiba is independent and works according to his own schedule. The Akita, however, is a dominant breed and might feel the need for you to be challenged as leader. The Shiba, on the other hand, isn’t as dominant and would rather join the pack. need experienced dog owner
Both dogs need to be socialized early to make sure they become polite and friendly dogs. This is especially true for the Akita. He can be protective of his family and socialize to ensure he is polite.
Positive reinforcement training is the best dog training method. They are both motivated by food, praise, and objects. You can use them all to get them to participate in your training sessions. To prevent boredom in the Shiba Inu’s training sessions, keep them short and entertaining .
Health
The Shiba Inu lives a little longer then the Akita. This is due to his size and not his health. For a giant dog breed, a 10 to 13-year lifespan is very healthy. The Akita is a great giant dog breed that will last a lifetime.
Both are susceptible to hip dislasia an abnormal formation in the hip joint that may cause mobility problems. Both suffer from various eyes conditions ,, with multifocal retinal dysfunction and cataracts being the most prevalent. Patellar luxation is a condition in which the kneecap is abnormally formed. Hypothyroidism is also a common condition in the Akita, which is an underactive thyroid.
Nutrition
The Shiba Inu consumes less than Akita and the Shiba Inu’s monthly food bill is likely to be lower. If you’re taking on an Akita, this is something you should consider. The average Shiba Inu will consume around two cups per day, while the Akita will consume about four cups. Your pup should be fed the highest quality food possible. High quality kibbles provide a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional requirements.
The Akita should eat dog food formulas designed for large or giant breed dogs. This is particularly important for puppies, because it will control his rapid bone growth .. The Akita is also prone to a condition called bloat. This is a potentially life-threatening condition you should be aware of. Do not feed him immediately after or before exercise.
Grooming
Both breeds have double hairs and shed moderately throughout each year. Both shed heavily during shedding seasons. Because of his larger body, Akita’s shedding is more obvious then the Shiba.
Both the Shiba Inu as well as the Akita should be brushed twice to three times per week throughout the year. Brushing them every day will help you control their shedding in the shedding season. They both need bathing once every 8 to 12 weeks and be sure to use a conditioner that will keep their coats feeling soft and lush.
Puppy Prices
The Shiba Inu and the Akita find themselves in the top 50 dog breeds. They aren’t uncommon, but they aren’t very common. You may need to travel to locate a reliable breeder. We are confident that it will pay off when you get your healthy pup. The price for both of these guys starts at around $1,200.
Final Thoughts
The Shiba Inu as well as the Akita are wonderful dogs that would make great family pets . Although they are very similar, their personalities mean they require a different kind of home and family. You should ensure that your home is able to accommodate these dogs. You can be sure that these beautiful Japanese dogs will bring you many happy years.