Dog breed comparison
Shiba Inu vs Siberian Husky
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Siberian Husky is the bigger breed, about 12 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Shiba Inu | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Height | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 17 to 23 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 15 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 Siberian Husky.
Apartment living
The Shiba Inu copes better in an apartment than the Siberian Husky.
Exercise needs
The Siberian Husky needs more exercise than the Shiba Inu.
Good with children
The Siberian Husky is better with children than the Shiba Inu.
Good with other dogs
The Siberian Husky gets on better with other dogs than the Shiba Inu.
Friendly with strangers
The Siberian Husky is friendlier with strangers than the Shiba Inu.
Which to choose
Shiba Inu or Siberian Husky?
Choose the Shiba Inu if…
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Choose the Siberian Husky if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
Questions.
Is the Shiba Inu or the Siberian Husky bigger, and which lives longer?
The Siberian Husky is the bigger breed, about 12 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Shiba Inu or the Siberian Husky?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Shiba Inu or the Siberian Husky?
The Siberian Husky is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Shiba Inu can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
