Comparison: Akita and Shiba Inu

Akita and Shiba Inu are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Akita
Photo: Jon Cano, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Shiba Inu
Photo: Maja Dumat, CC BY 2.0, source
AkitaShiba Inu
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originJapanJapan
CategoryLargeSmall
Height at withers61–67 cm35–41 cm
Weight32–45 kg8–11 kg
Life span10–13 years12–15 years
Recognition features
  • Large dog with a broad head and small eyes
  • Tightly curled tail over the back
  • Dense double coat in several colours
  • Spitz type, red, black-and-tan or sesame colouring
  • Tightly curled tail, foxy face
  • 35-41 cm tall
CoatDense double coat, short; red, white, brindle.Stiff outer coat and soft undercoat; red, sesame, black-and-tan.
PurposeA Japanese dog from Akita Prefecture, originally used to hunt bear and deer; a national treasure of Japan.The smallest Japanese native breed, bred to hunt small game and birds in mountainous terrain.

Breed page: Akita · Breed page: Shiba Inu

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.