Various are the canine breeds of Japanese origin that have obtained recognition outside their country. Among them, the shiba inu and, above all, the akita inu stand out. Despite sharing a place of origin, the differences between Shiba Inu and Akita Inu are important and decisive for a possible adoption. Therefore, if you are thinking of sharing life with one of these dogs, but you are not sure which breed is best for you, or you simply want to know more about them, in this article on our site we review their basic characteristics and their differences.
Origin of the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu
Going forward, both the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu are dogs Hailing from Japan, believed to be fromancient origin The genetic base of both breeds comes from spitz-type dogs that arrived in Japan possibly from Korea. Regarding the shiba inu, excavations have found bones dating back about 2,500 years. Instead, the evidence for the Akita Inu is more recent. They speak of the 17th century.
Both dogs participated in the hunt, but with differences. The Akita started out as a fighting dog, used to fight other dogs. When, luckily, this activity declined, it began to be used for big game hunting On the other hand, the Shiba Inu was a hunter from the beginning, but fromsmall game hunting Both dogs are currently kept as company, although the Akita Inu also performs security-related jobs.
Both the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu are Very popular in their native country The Shiba Inu is believed to be the most widespread and both have become well known outside of Japan as well, in places like Australia, Europe and North America. This was not always the case, since in the 20th century, specifically in the 1930s, the Akita Inu was on the verge of extinction Thanks to the work of people dedicated to the conservation of Japanese breeds managed to recover and today their conservation is considered assured.
Physical Characteristics of the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu
In this section we review the most relevant characteristics related to the physical appearance of both dogs, highlighting the differences that allow each one to be identified:
- Size: The shiba inu is a small spitz-type dog. Specimens of this breed usually weigh between 8-10 kg and measure about 35-41 cm. In fact, it is the smallest Japanese breed It is a clear difference from the Akita Inu, the largest Japanese breedand that exceeds, by far, the height and weight of the shiba inu. Thus, Akita Inu measure between 60 and 71 cm at the withers and weigh between 34 and 50 kg.
- Head: the Akita Inu's head is striking due to its size, nothing to do with that of the Shiba Inu. What they do have very similar are the eyes, in both dogs they are small in size and triangular in shape. The ears look alike too. They are triangular and are carried upright. On the other hand, in the muzzle there are differences. The shiba inu's is pointed and ends in a black nose. That of the Akita Inu is wider at the base and tapers towards the tip, also with a black nose, although it is never pointed like that of the Shiba Inu.
- Body: The body of the Shiba Inu is elegant, robust and proportionate. That of the Akita Inu is, in a word, impressive. They are very strong and powerful dogs. Both breeds have their elbows close to the body and both the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu stand out for presenting the tail bent over the rump The difference is that the Akita's it is robust, somewhat longer and very hairy.
- Coat: the coat of both races is double coatand is supported in a variety of colors Allows them to adapt to colder climates. Akita Inu are considered suitable for living outdoors due to the density of their undercoat.
Shiba inu and akita inu character
In addition to the physical characteristics, which, without a doubt, will allow us to differentiate a Shiba Inu from an Akita Inu, in terms of their character there are also very important points to take into account and that they talk about very different dogs:
- Coexistence with children: the shiba inu is a playful dog, suitable for coexistence with children. For its part, the Akita Inu has a quite different character and is not the best breed to be with the little ones. His particular personality can give us a scare.
- Shows of affection: While the Shiba Inu is an affectionate, yet independent dog, the Akita Inu can adore his handler at once. while maintaining a distant attitude and little given to demonstrations of affection. He is a dog that seems immutable.
- Coexistence with dogs: as with children, the shiba inu is also suitable for coexistence with other dogs, whatever contrary to the Akita Inu, especially in the case of males. It is not uncommon for them to get into fights.
- Experience: Both dogs are recommended for handlers with previous experience, not only in handling dogs, but in their education, as that both races require patient and constant teaching. This aspect is important in the Shiba Inu and essential in the Akita Inu, which may need professional help. It is a fundamental pillar to turn any of them into an excellent company.
- Guardian Instinct: The Shiba Inu makes a good watchdog, although, like the Basenji, you're unlikely to hear him bark. He prefers to emit particular shrieks. With strangers you can be somewhat shy. The Akita Inu shares this guarding instinct, but rather than being shy, he is very wary of strangers.
Care for Shiba Inu and Akita Inu
In addition to the education that we have already talked about, within the basic care that the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu need, there are some differences in aspects such as activity or hygiene. Thus, the shiba inu is an active dog that will need opportunities to exercise and burn off his energyOtherwise we could find ourselves with an excessively nervous dog, which would end up for displaying behavioral problems. It is recommended to give him at least three walks a day of half an hour each.
For his part, the Akita Inu also needs physical activity. More than intense exercise, he will prefer long walks Of his three daily outings, at least one has to last more than an hour. Given physical and mental stimulation, both breeds can adjust to living in an apartment.
When it comes to hygiene, the Shiba Inu just needs to brush him from time to time so that his coat looks perfect. We can leave the bathroom for when it is really dirty. In the case of the Akita Inu, although its hair is not long, its characteristics mean that we should dedicate time to brushing it regularly, better daily.
Finally, it cannot be forgotten that the Akita Inu is one of the breeds considered potentially dangerous This implies meeting certain requirements for its possession, such as having contracted civil liability insurance, and the obligation to always go out on the street with a leash and muzzle.
He alth of the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu
In general, both breeds can enjoy good he alth, especially if we take care of them, provide them with quality food, deworm them, vaccinate them, etc. In any case, the Akita Inu has a life expectancy somewhat lower than that estimated for the Shiba Inu. It is about 10-12 years old, while that of the shiba inu is around 12-13.
Also, as a large dog, the Akita Inu shows greater propensity to suffer from some diseases, such as osteoarthritis or torsion- stomach dilation. You can also have heart problems. Finally, it is advisable to watch its weight, since it is a breed with a tendency to gain weight.
