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Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Comparison – Which dog is better Nihon Supittsu or Japanese Shiba Inu?

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu" Compare Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu?
 
 
 
Name Japanese Spitz Shiba Inu
OriginsJapan flagJapan Japan flagJapan
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank22945
Reviews99
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. What other names are these breeds known by?
Nihon Supittsu Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Japanese Spitz and a Shiba Inu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Japanese Spitz and a Shiba Inu. Which breed is heavier?
11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu? Is a Japanese Spitz taller than a Shiba Inu?
12-15 inches (30-38 cm) Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
13.5 inches (34 cm) Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Japanese Spitz and a Shiba Inu. Which breed costs more?
$500-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu?
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare training requirements.
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare alertness levels.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare territorial behaviors.
Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Japanese Spitz and a Shiba Inu. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu?
High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu social needs comparison:
Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu? Which can be better for hunting?
Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare play drive and energy.
The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare adaptability levels.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare average lifespans.
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Japanese Spitz and a Shiba Inu. Which breed is healthier?
The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu?
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu health problems comparison:
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare activity levels.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare daily food needs.
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu? Compare breed colors.
White Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare drooling amounts.
The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Japanese Spitz and a Shiba Inu? Compare fur types.
Thick Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu? Do Japanese Spitz dogs shed more than Shiba Inu dogs?
Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare kid-friendliness.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu? Which dog is more friendly?
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu?
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Spitz or Shiba Inu? Can a Japanese Spitz and a Shiba Inu be friends? Do Japanese Spitz dogs get along with Shiba Inu dogs?
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu?
Yes
Japanese Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Japanese Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Japanese Spitz or a Shiba Inu? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. Which has larger litters?
1-6 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shiba Inu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

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