Shiba Inu and Akita Inu: What's the Difference?

Due to its attractive appearance and friendliness, the Japanese Shiba Inu and Akita Inu dogs are loved by almost all pet lovers. Only at first glance they seem to be the same, but this is a profound delusion.

Of course, they are similar, but from each other they are distinguished by character traits, constitution, origin, size, and, of course, vocation.

This article provides a detailed description of each breed and compares them.

Dogs of this breed are unpretentious in food and do not require special conditions of detention. They are quite flexible and always act differently depending on the conditions. They are distinguished by a quick reaction and a well-developed instinct for self-preservation.

Pretty curious. This is due to the fact that they always need to explore the people and animals around them in order to feel safe.

However, they are friendly and friendly.

Possess high intelligence and are able to feel an extensive range of emotions.

Distinctive features of appearance:

• broad head with a pointed tip, resembles a fox;
• dark almond-shaped eyes;
• thick and powerful neck with withers;
• the same wide and strong back;
• maximum growth of individuals reaches 42 cm;
• small triangular ears, bending down;
• maximum weight - 14 kg, average weight - 10 kg.

Puppies are individuals up to two years. This is exactly the breed of dogs that requires special attention, proper upbringing and training from birth - only with all this, the pet will grow into a faithful companion.

Adults behave quietly, with restraint, sometimes a certain caution can be traced in their behavior, but on closer acquaintance with a dog, its friendly nature becomes immediately apparent.

Since childhood, these dogs are different restlessness and playfulness - they rarely go into a state of aggression. Exceptions are situations where their owner is in clear danger.

Dogs can be independent in making their decisions. The representative of this particular breed was shot in the famous film "Hachiko: the most loyal friend."

The appearance of the dog can be described by the following features:

1. big head like a dull triangle;
2. small upturned ears;
3. a rather wide skull, a flat bone between the ears, forming a hollow between the eyes;
4. neck muscles are well developed, the neck itself is short and thick;
5. wide chest;
6. average hair length - 5 cm, hairs longer on tail;
7. male growth can reach 71 cm, and females - 61 cm, while the average weight of representatives is about 35 kg.

These two wonderful breeds of dogs are so similar to each other that professional breeders have several criteria by which they can be distinguished.

The main ones are differences in temperament.

1. Disciplinary factor. Akita Inu needs it less than Shiba Inu. The first become attached to the owner due to their susceptibility and affectionate character. For the latter, discipline can be an essential part of attachment.
2. Conduct in a conflict situation. When that happens (for dogs this is quite common), the Siba-Inu is limited to a roar and a threatening attitude. The likelihood that an Akita Inu will rush into a fight is quite high.
3. Dominance. Among the Akita Inu breed there are more dominant individuals than among the Siba Inu. The latter are more willing to make concessions and compromises.
4. Relationship with children. Since the Akita Inu always tries to dominate, a representative of this breed will try to do this in relationships with children. These dogs can live badly with children up to 8 years. The behavior of the dog can be corrected only with the help of hard training. In addition, they can be vindictive towards children - they can remember the careless kick or the bite of a child. Later, they will certainly show aggression towards the baby. A good "nanny" and a loyal friend of the child can be Shiba Inu. Such dogs are always trying to adapt to the character and habits of the household. But with them you need to conduct training, thereby taming them to the frequent manifestations of affection and bodily contact.
5. Criterion of affection. The Akita Inu breed is more tied to the host than the Siba Inu, depending on it. The attitude of the Siba-Inu is more like attachment and maintaining a comfortable "consistency" in relation to the owner.
6. Content of the house. Akita Inu is a more calm and docile dog, provided good training. She can live in an aviary or in a corner with a pillow. Shiba Inu can "hooligan", it is prone to escapes. Such a dog does not tolerate life on the chain, it becomes aggressive. It requires daily physical activity, otherwise it will gnaw all the pieces of furniture at home. Keep it on the chain or in the aviary is possible only with sufficient communication with the owner and physical fatigue.
7. Habits Akita Inu has a strong hunting instinct. For this reason (if you do not compensate for this fact by training) the dog may become more aggressive. Shiba Inu has more habits of the satellite. She is less aggressive and she needs training more to maintain discipline, as mentioned above. Due to its relatively docile and playful character, it is a participant in various competitions and exhibitions.
8. Endurance criterion. Professional breeders have noticed that the Shiba Inu can be more resilient than the Akita Inu.
9. Relationship with other pets. Shiba Inu badly gets on with cats, birds and rodents. Akita Inu is much more democratic than other pets.

But there are these dog breeds and similar habits.

For example, both breeds do not tolerate heavy and fatty foods, since they initially lived only in Japan, and their usual diet included seafood, rice, and even vegetables. Some high-calorie foods can cause them to be allergic, but in food they are not picky.

Most often, both breeds are described almost equally, but this is not entirely correct. Professional breeders and some amateur dog breeders are able to immediately distinguish these two breeds from each other.

The very first difference, striking - is the difference in size of the representatives of these two breeds.

This should be taken into account by those who choose which of the two breeds to have. If a Shiba Inu can live in a small room, then the Akita Inu will feel more comfortable in a private house with a large territory. This is due to the fact that a larger dog requires a larger habitat area.

Wool cover. Akita Inu breeds are thick and have an extra fluffy coat. Shiba Inu wool is not so thick.

There are noticeable differences between the two breeds and in color.

Akita Inu is white, red with white spots on the chest and paws or white-red with a tiger shade, and Shiba Inu is red, sesame, sesame and even black.

For families with children, as mentioned above, it is best to choose the Shiba Inu breed.

Their perseverance is perfectly combined with the need for daily training of this breed.

At least once a week it is necessary to allow the dog to walk without a collar. Routine walks need to be done in the morning and evening for 1 hour.

This dog is affectionate, neat and friendly. In general, her character is similar to the behavior of most cats. Despite their restlessness and fervor, these dogs are pretty neat.

Akita Inu is suitable for leaders - a representative of this breed will not obey a weak person. Sometimes it happens that of all family members the dog chooses its owner.

Shiba Inu loves active outdoor walks and games. For this reason, for a person who loves to walk, this breed will be the best.

The Akita Inu breed should be started by a person who has enough free time to fully and thoroughly care for her, since such a dog requires a lot of attention.

It is worth noting that both breeds do not tolerate a hot climate and prefer cool weather.

In conclusion, I would like to mention that proper nutrition and training for both breeds are the basis of their mental health. For this reason, the main criterion is the quality care for the pet.

About dogs breed Shiba Inu and Akita Inu can be watch in video below.