Akita Inu Vs Shiba Inu| Breed Differences

This post is an Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu comparison and an attempt to to understand their special features.

Japanese dogs have always been highly regarded in dog ratings. They are a source of pride and a national treasure in Japan, representing status, power, success, and wealth since ancient times.

After a heartwarming novel was released about the loyal dog Hachiko, the popularity of these island dogs soared. The demand for them skyrocketed, and everyone suddenly wanted these adorable dogs with their unique almond-shaped eyes. However, only a few were interested in studying the details about them.

The thing is, there are two breeds of spitz-shaped dogs in Japan, and people who aren’t familiar with these island dogs often mix them up. Akita Inu and Shiba Inu are two different types of dogs they differ in appearance, skills, and characteristics for daily life.

In comparing Akita Inu vs Shiba first we consider the character of Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu Overview

The Shiba Inu is the smallest among the six breeds originating from islands. Despite being from the island of Honshu, its name isn’t connected to its place of origin. One theory suggests “Shiba Inu” comes from the term “shibafu” (a clump of grass), while another says it’s derived from the Japanese word for “small.” Some enthusiasts believe “shiba inu” refers to a “small dog that navigates through dense undergrowth.”

This breed, resembling the Akita in appearance, was initially bred for hunting small animals. However, modern times have shifted their focus, turning the mini Akita Inu into lovely urban companions for energetic individuals.

The Shiba Inu’s size matches its label as a small Japanese dog

Height: 35-41 cm (males) and 33-38 cm (females)
Weight: 8 to 12 kg
These charming miniature dogs blend a dignified calmness with a playful zest for life. They’re like good-natured foxes of noble heritage clever and merry, wise and philosophical, and akin to refined aristocrats of Japan.

Their small size doesn’t indicate fragility or sickness. Shiba Inus are well-built and a bit compact, not as strong as Akita Inus but more resilient.

New Shiba owners are advised to pay attention to their expressive faces. These charming fox-like faces convey a range of emotions through their smiles. A distinctive trait of all island breeds is their quiet demeanor. The miniature Akita Inu doesn’t bark much, while Shiba Inus is known for his unique “grunts” and howls that resemble laughter.

Shiba Inu Eastern personality

Those who understand the breed describe Shiba Inu’s personality using three words bravery, friendliness, and charm. These dogs from the East are a mix of contradictions, blending qualities that might seem incompatible. Within a small, energetic dog coexists

Thoughtful caution, driven by high intelligence and unwavering courage in making choices.
Practical adaptability, alongside remarkable self-centeredness, stubbornness, and independence.
Loyalty to their owner, coupled with a strong desire for dominance.
Playful energy, along with a yearning for tranquility, balance, and harmony.

Shiba Inu life support

Japanese Inu are easy to care for and extremely unpretentious in everyday life. The small size fits perfectly into the small size of city studio apartments, the accommodating disposition does not provoke problems with neighbors. The main requirement for life support: is regular active walking with serious physical exertion.

Breeders of the breed recommend

• Two one-hour walks a day and a mandatory field trip on the weekend.
• Standard hygienic grooming.

Systemic sanitation at the veterinarian, mandatory vaccination, and anthelmintic procedures. Because of the freedom-loving disposition, militant temperament, excess intelligence, and stubbornness, it is better to entrust the upbringing and training of the Shiba Inu to professional coaches and training centers.

With an inflexible approach, perseverance, and a serious waste of time and effort, the Shiba Inu turns out to be indicatively obedient and exquisitely educated working (service) dogs.

In the Akita vs Shiba comparison now we take a look at the personality of Akita Inu

Akita Inu Overview

The Akita Inu is an old type of dog that’s been around for more than four thousand years. It’s one of the 14 oldest types of dogs on Earth, based on research from DNA samples and digging up old things.

These dogs were first bred in a place called Akita Prefecture on Honshu Island. They’re special and important in Japan’s history, like treasures from the past. People there are really proud of them.

The Akita Inu is bigger and heavier than a younger kind of dog called Shiba. The Akita stands around 55 to 72 centimeters tall and can weigh up to 40 kilograms. They don’t really look the same as the smaller Shiba, even though some people say they do. A Shiba looks delicate like a mushroom, while an Akita is more like a strong and sturdy bear. They even have different kinds of fur. The Akita’s fur is fluffy like a soft blanket.

The only things that really look similar between the two are their slanted almond-shaped eyes, pointy ears, and curled tails. Those are like the special trademarks of the Akita Inu, but it doesn’t mean they’re exactly the same.

Talking about Akita’s personality and behavior can take a long time because there’s a lot to say. They become mature when they’re about 2.5 years old. Training and taking care of them can be tough, and they have a strong instinct for hunting. They’re not like other ordinary dogs that are easy to raise and teach tricks to.

Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu what’s the difference?

Dimensions

The main difference between the Akita Inu and Shiba Inu is that the Akita is more monumental and heavier. This is a vital factor getting a large and very mobile Akita in a small apartment is ruining the life of yourself, your neighbors, and, of course, the dog itself

Coat grooming

The coat of the Shiba-ken is less luxurious, thick, and long a small Akita requires less care. Both breeds are subject to abundant seasonal molting and certainly need regular thorough combing but proportionally less strength and nerves are spent on a smaller dog

Neatness

Both Akita Inu and Shiba Inu are famous for their cleanliness and accuracy, but in the case of the Shibu Inu, this parameter really goes off-scale the desire for impeccable cleanliness is introduced into the breed at the gene level

Temper and character

Both Akita Inu and Shiba Inu are clever, like their freedom, and can be stubborn. These Japanese dogs are unique and might not be suitable for everyone. Traditional training methods might not be effective, especially for Akita Inu, as they only fully mature around 2.5 years of age. As they get older, these dogs become wiser and calmer, but you still need to be patient until they reach that point.

Attitude towards the owner’s children

Due to their innate pride and natural lordship, Akita Inu does not get along well with babies. Shiba-kens are more loyal and tolerant of childish spontaneity and slobbery hugs.

Island food

Akita Inu negatively perceives industrial feed even in elite categories the menu of toothy aristocrats consists of sea fish and rice. Shiba Inu is more unpretentious in this matter dogs eat everything except chicken meat. Island gourmets are allergic to poultry

Summing up

The Akita Inu and Shiba Inu are quite different from each other. Some people might not think these differences are important, but it’s the small details and subtle differences that really matter. When picking a pet, be as careful as Japanese aristocrats are with their Akitas, whether they’re big or small. These breeds can be quite complex.