At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Akita | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Large | Small |
| Height | 24 inches to 28 tall at the shoulder | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 70 to 130 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Copes alone
The Shiba Inu copes better when left alone than the Akita.
Drooling
The Akita drools more than the Shiba Inu.
Easy to groom
The Shiba Inu is easier to groom than the Akita.
Apartment living
The Shiba Inu copes better in an apartment than the Akita.
Good with children
The Shiba Inu is better with children than the Akita.
Good with other dogs
The Shiba Inu gets on better with other dogs than the Akita.
Which to choose
Akita or Shiba Inu?
Choose the Akita if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Choose the Shiba Inu if…
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Questions.
Is the Akita or the Shiba Inu bigger, and which lives longer?
The Akita is the bigger breed, about 36 kg heavier on average. The Shiba Inu tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Akita or the Shiba Inu?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Akita or the Shiba Inu?
The Shiba Inu is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Akita can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Shiba Inu sheds less than the Akita. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
