Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Nine Main Differences Explained

Though both Akita Inus and Shiba Inus originated in Japan, and people do notice the similarity between them, there are notable differences between the two. By the way, Akita Inu means “the dog of Akita,’ with Akita being the name of a prefecture and its capital city. Shiba Inu just means “little dog” or “brushwood dog.” The Akita is of a much bigger size than the Shiba. The Shiba was bred to hunt small game such as rabbits, while the Akita was bred to hunt brown bears and elk.

Shiba Inus are also more popular than the Akita as a pet, though the Akita is Japan’s national dog. No longer mostly used as a hunting dog, the Shiba is kept as an affectionate pet in Japan and other places. It is also a much older breed than the Akita, which is still prized as a hunting and tracking dog as well as a companion. Read on to learn some of the main differences between these amazing dogs.

Comparing Akita Inu vs Shiba Inus

Here’s a table with some of the differences between an Akita and a Shiba.

The Nine Key Differences Between Akita Inus vs Shiba Inus

The most significant difference between Akitas and Shiba Inus is their size, with Akitas growing past 100 pounds and Shibas rarely reaching more than 22 pounds. As such, the Akita was used to hunt huge game like deer and wild boar, while the Shiba Inu was bred and trained to hunt small animals like rabbits and cats. Their coats are likewise diverse, with a wide spectrum of hues between them. Let’s dive deeper…

1. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Size and Weight

The Akita is a considerably larger dog than the Shiba. Females stand around 34 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 75 and 110 pounds, while males are a bit bigger. The Shiba stands only 13 to 17 inches at the shoulder and only weighs between 18 and 22 pounds, with males again being a little larger than females.

2. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Coat Type

The Akita has a double coat, with a dense and plush undercoat and a short topcoat. Grooming the Akita isn’t difficult in general; however, the Akita sheds a lot. The Shiba Inu is also double-coated, however, the undercoat is softer and thicker than the Akita’s. The Shiba Inu’s outer coat is hard and straight. On the head and legs, the fur is short and even, with long guard hairs standing off the body.

3. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Colors

Shiba Inu’s coat colors come in five different shades: red, black, tan, sesame, and cream. The red coat is the most popular of the four colors. There are many different hues and color combinations available for the Akita Inu. Black, white, brown, red, or fawn are some of their color variations.

4. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Profile

Though there’s a similarity in looks between the Shiba and the Akita, the Shiba Inu has a more foxy look about it. It has a tapering muzzle, small, erect, triangular ears, and dark triangle-shaped eyes with black rims. The Akita’s muzzle is strong and broad, though it has a soft mouth that is good for retrieving waterfowl. It also has triangular, erect ears but they are positioned over the dog’s eyes and in line with the nape of its neck. The Akita looks much like the bear it was bred to hunt.

5. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Health Problems

The Shiba is a hardy dog though it can be prone to slipped kneecaps and hip dysplasia. The Akita is at risk for several disorders, some of which only strike the breed. The Akita tends to be sensitive to drugs and insecticides and a condition called pseudohyperkalemia. This happens when the dog’s blood is drawn, and its red blood cells leak too much potassium. However, there’s really nothing wrong with the animal, as dogs with origins in east Asia have more potassium in their red blood cell count than other types of dogs.

Akitas are also prone to autoimmune diseases, diabetes, hypothyroidism, bloat, dysplasia of the hip and elbows and Cushing’s syndrome among others.

6. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Temperament

The Shiba’s temperament is playful and active, and it’s good with children and the larger pets of the family. However, it shouldn’t be left alone with smaller pets such as mice or rabbits. It was used to hunt these animals and might retain an ancestral memory! The temperament of an Akita is fearless and amazingly loyal. They make excellent guard dogs. They may not take immediately to strangers, especially strange children, and need to be supervised when introduced to new people or pets. Akitas are also a bit territorial and have trouble tolerating dogs of the same sex. Dog fanciers claim that Akitas should not be a person’s “starter” dog.

7. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Trainability

Shiba Inus are independent thinkers who are quite smart, yet stubborn and aren’t famous for their trainability. Akita Inus are bright dogs who are much easier to train if you show them respect and reward them.

8. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Popularity

Akitas are popular dogs, and they seem more popular with Americans than with the Japanese, even though they are Japan’s national dog. They became very popular with returning American servicemen after World War II, and Helen Keller had not one but two Akitas.

9. Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu: Life Expectancy

The Shiba Inu has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is significantly longer than the Akita. These numbers are based on data when the dog is in the correct setting, with both dogs being healthy. The Akita Inu has a shorter life expectancy, averaging 10-12 years.

Do Shiba Inu Bark A Lot?

While there is a stubborn streak in the Shiba Inu, it is also evident in various aspects of their behavior that they are not quick to submit and can be quite independent.

If you’re seeking a dog that responds instantly to every command, a Shiba Inu may not be the ideal choice for you, as they require patience and effort in their training.

In contrast to the basenji, which is often referred to as a “barkless dog” due to unique physiological differences in its voice box, the Shiba lacks this distinct feature. Instead, it’s a characteristic of the Shiba breed that they are naturally less prone to barking.

Shibas are generally known for their quiet demeanor, only raising their voices when they perceive a genuine need or when they’re in a cheerful and playful mood.

Wrapping Up Akita Inu vs Shiba Inu

In comparison, both breeds tend to guard the people and things they care about. In contrast, there is little in common between the temperament and training of the Shiba and Akita breeds. Training both dog breeds is possible, but one is easier than the other. Both dogs have double coats, but the fur on each one is distinctively different. Both breeds originate from Japan and do look similar enough they could pass for siblings from a distance. However, upon further exploration, it is much easier to see that these are two distinct dog breeds.

How Many Inu Breeds Are There?

We’ve shined the spotlight on two types of Inu breeds–the Akita and Shiba. But there are more types of Japanese inu breeds–6 in total, to be exact. Let’s take a brief look at the other 4 types of inus below:

• Hokkaido Inu The Hokkaido Inu comes from the northernmost island of Japan and features a thick outer coat, large paws, and small ears to help it survive in very cold conditions. These dogs were bred for hunting, able to take down feral hogs up to small bears. The Hokkaido Inu is thought to be one of the oldest Japanese dog breeds. They average 40 lbs heavy and 18-20 inches tall.
• Kai Ken Kai Kens are also called tiger dogs because their distinctive coats echo the beauty of a tiger. The breed features strong muscles, intelligence, and trainability that make them great hunters of boars, deer, fowl, and wild game. Measuring 13 to 17 inches tall on average, they weigh in at 10 to 20 lbs.
• Shikoku Ken The Shikoku is the rarest of the Inus, and was declared a national treasure in 1937. These dogs are friendlier than both Akitas and Shibas but also have strong hunting skills, used by Japanese hunters (Mitagi) to track wild game like wild boar. These dogs are strong, compact, and feature pricked ears and sickle tails.
• Kishu Ken This breed is alert and dignified, with endurance prized by hunters who seek game in Japanese forests. Kishu Kens are medium-sized, muscled, energetic, and alert. They can also be docile and friendly. Their weight averages from 30-60 lbs, while they typically measure 17-22 inches tall.

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