Shiba Inu vs American Akita
Compare Shiba Inu and American Akita side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Shiba Inu
American Akita
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
36 – 42 cm
61 – 71 cm
Weight
7 – 11 kg
35 – 55 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
10 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
5/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
Characteristics
Shiba Inu
Stubborn
Small
American Akita
Super smart
Giant
Summary
About Shiba Inu
Ancient Japanese spitz-type hunting dog, small yet muscular with foxlike face, curled tail and plush double coat in red, black and tan or sesame with urajiro. Independent, catlike, loyal but reserved, strong-willed, high prey drive, needs early socialisation, firm positive training and regular exercise.
About American Akita
Large, powerful spitz-type dog with a broad, bear-like head and curled tail. Calm, loyal, and strongly protective with family, but reserved with strangers and often aloof with other dogs. Thick double coat sheds heavily. Intelligent, independent, and best suited to experienced, consistent owners.
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