Shiba Inu vs Akita
Shiba Inu or Akita? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Shiba Inu | Akita | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Non-sporting | Working |
| Size | Small-medium · 17–23 lb | Large · 70–130 lb |
| Lifespan | 13–16 years | 10–13 years |
| Coat | Double coat, heavy shed | Thick double coat, sheds |
| Temperament | Bold, independent, alert | Loyal, aloof, protective |
| Best fit | Patient, experienced owners | Experienced one-dog homes |
| Energy | ●●●●● 1 hr exercise daily | ●●●●● 1 hr exercise daily |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Independent, poor recall | ●●●●● Smart, strong-willed |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Weekly, heavy seasonal shed | ●●●●● Weekly, heavy seasonal shed |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Willful, escapes | ●●●●● Experts only |
| Observed price | $600 median (117 prices) | $1,175 median (78 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Trainability: about the same (2 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: the Shiba Inu rates higher than the Akita (2 of 5 vs 1).
The Shiba Inu
An ancient Japanese spitz bred to flush small game in mountain brush, the Shiba is compact, bold and famously independent. Clean and cat-like indoors, it is also willful, prone to escaping and not interested in obeying on command.
Shibas are rarely safe off leash, can be possessive of food and toys, and often dislike handling. They scream when unhappy and may not get along with other dogs.
The Akita
A Japanese breed developed to hunt large game and guard, the Akita is dignified, courageous and intensely loyal to its family. It is aloof with strangers, often intolerant of other dogs, and needs an experienced owner who socializes early.
Akitas are powerful, protective and frequently dog-aggressive, especially with the same sex. They need lifelong socialization and management, and some insurers restrict them.
Questions
Is a Shiba Inu or an Akita better for a beginner?
The Shiba Inu rates higher for beginners (2 of 5 vs 1). Shiba Inu: Willful, escapes. Akita: Experts only.
What is the main difference between a Shiba Inu and an Akita?
Shibas are rarely safe off leash, can be possessive of food and toys, and often dislike handling. They scream when unhappy and may not get along with other dogs. By contrast, akitas are powerful, protective and frequently dog-aggressive, especially with the same sex. They need lifelong socialization and management, and some insurers restrict them.
Which costs more, a Shiba Inu or an Akita?
On the prices we observed, the Shiba Inu median is $600 (117 prices) and the Akita median is $1,175 (78 prices).