Shiba Inu and Akita: how to distinguish them?

To many of us, the Akita Inu and the Shiba Inu may seem like the same dog, especially because they look so much alike. For connoisseurs and owners, however, the distinctive traits are very evident and the two breeds can be distinguished quite easily despite their colors and their Japanese origin. Let’s talk about the main differences between these two fantastic breeds: Shiba Inu and Akita!

Shiba and Akita: size matters (one is small, the other is large)

As soon as you put Shiba Inu and Akita Inu next to each other, the main difference catches your eye: size! While the Shiba is small to medium in size, the Akita is large and can be two to three times larger than a Shiba. Some people even refer to the Shiba as a sort of “mini Akita”, but it’s not quite the same breed.

And the numbers speak for themselves: the Akita Inu reaches 71 cm, and the Shiba does not exceed 43 cm. The same difference is when it comes to weight. The average weight of a Shiba is 10 kg and the Akita can exceed 50 kg. In other words, the best word to describe a Shiba Inu is small; while the Akita is a large dog (and this also applies to the American Akita, which is even larger than the Japanese version).

Akita and Shiba: length and color of the coat

As for fur, both breeds have fur and undercoat, making them perfectly adapted to living in colder places. However, the big difference between them is the length of the hair. The Akita, with its long, voluminous fur, excels at this. Even though the Shiba Inu has a thick coat, they are dogs that have more a little fur and the hair is shorter.

Another point that helps distinguish between Shiba and Akita Inu: the colors of the dogs. It is true that the two dogs can be quite similar, especially when you consider the pattern with reddish fur on the back, top of the head and tail, and white on the chest, paws and muzzle. However, each animal has specific variations.

In addition to the caramel Akita, you may also find the brindle or white Akita Inu. All of the above colors except white must feature “urajiro”, which is a whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, face, neck, chest, trunk, tail and insides of the limbs. Rarer are the mini Shiba Inu variants: red, black and brown, sesame (mix of black, red and white fur), black sesame and red sesame. All colors must also have the urajiro pattern.

The head, ears and tail of the Shiba and Akita have different shapes

Physiognomy is the big difference when it comes to determining whether a dog is a Shiba or an Akita. Like the build of the Akita Inu, the dog has a wider muzzle with well-centered eyes and muzzle, that is: the impression is that they have larger cheekbones and this point is even more evident when the fur in this region is of a different color. To be proportionate, the Akita also has large, forward-sloping ears.

The Shiba, on the other hand, resembles a small fox: it has a more proportional and symmetrical expression and loses the “chubby” effect of the Akita. Its ears are triangular and erect, pointing towards the sky. If you still have doubts, look at the shape of the dog’s tail. Both dog breeds have a tail that usually rests on the upper back, but what varies is the shape. The Shiba Inu can have two: rounded or sickle-shaped, while the Akita Inu, however, only has a rounded tail.

What is the personality of these breeds like?

In terms of personality, you can expect two incredibly protective Japanese dogs with typical guard dog behavior. However, there are also more particular characteristics of the Shiba and Akita. In the case of the Shiba Inu, for example, you can expect an independent, fearless and loyal dog, but also very affectionate with its owners, docile and tending to respond well to training.

On the other hand, the Akita Inu is dominant in the relationship, can be a little stubborn and difficult to train. The Akita is also among the most independent dog breeds and is not as affectionate or affectionate. Although they have great admiration for people and form a strong bond with family, the breed tends to be more reserved when showing affection.

Another difference concerns relationships: while the Shiba Inu is an excellent companion for children, the Akita is a little more distant and prefers not to be constantly disturbed by the little ones. With strangers and other animals, both dogs need to be properly socialized as puppies.

But in the end we have to admit it! They are some of the cutest breeds!