Shiba Inu similar breeds

Quick breed overview

Origin: Flag of JapanJapan

InfoRating IconRating
Energy Level3/5
Exercise Need3/5
Affection Level3/5
Ease of Training2/5
Grooming Need3/5
Playfulness3/5
Friendliness (Dogs)2/5
Friendliness (Other Pets)2/5
Friendliness (Strangers)3/5
Watchdog Ability5/5
Protection Ability3/5
Cold Tolerance4/5
Heat Tolerance2/5

Shiba Inu - More information

Breed groups

  • FCI section: 5.5 Asian Spitz and related breeds

Other names & origin

  • Other names: Shiba
  • Nicknames:
  • Original name:

Size & lifespan

  • Weight (male):
  • Weight (female):
  • Height (male):
  • Height (female):
  • Life expectancy:

Shiba Inus are a popular breed of dog known for their spirited personality and fox-like appearance. If you’re considering getting a Shiba Inu but want to explore other breeds with similar traits, this article will introduce you to several other breeds that you might want to consider.

Breeds Similar in Personality and Appearance to Shiba Inu

Akita Inu

japanese akita inu

The Akita Inu is a breed that is very similar to the Shiba Inu in both personality and appearance. Both breeds are from Japan and share many traits such as loyalty, independence, and a strong prey drive. However, the Akita Inu is larger than the Shiba Inu and has a more muscular build.

Korean Jindo

korean jindo
Photo by Herocosmos, distributed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license

The Korean Jindo is another breed that is similar to the Shiba Inu in both personality and appearance. Like the Shiba Inu, the Jindo is known for its independence, intelligence, and loyalty to its owner. They are both medium-sized breeds with thick fur and a fox-like appearance. However, the Jindo has a more muscular build and a broader head.

Shikoku Inu

shikoku inu
Photo by Canarian, distributed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license

The Shikoku Inu is a Japanese breed that is similar to the Shiba Inu in many ways, including its independent nature and high energy level. Like the Shiba Inu, they are medium-sized dogs with thick fur and a pointed muzzle. However, the Shikoku Inu is known for being more reserved and less vocal than the Shiba Inu.

Hokkaido Inu (Hokkaido Ken)

japanese hokkaido ken (also known as hokkaido inu)
Photo by Canarian, distributed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license

The Hokkaido Inu is another Japanese breed that shares many personality traits with the Shiba Inu, including loyalty, independence, and a strong prey drive. They are both medium-sized dogs with a thick fur coat and a fox-like appearance. However, the Hokkaido Inu is slightly larger and has a more muscular build than the Shiba Inu.

Breeds Similar in Appearance to Shiba Inu

German Spitz

german spitz

The German Spitz is a breed that is similar in appearance to the Shiba Inu, with its thick fur and fox-like features. They are both small to medium-sized breeds with pointed ears and a curled tail. However, the German Spitz has a broader head and a more compact build than the Shiba Inu.

Japanese Spitz

japanese spitz

The Japanese Spitz is another breed that is similar in appearance to the Shiba Inu. They both have a thick fur coat and a fox-like appearance. However, the Japanese Spitz is slightly larger than the Shiba Inu and has a white coat.

Finnish Spitz

finnish spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a breed that is similar to the Shiba Inu in appearance, with its thick fur and pointed ears. They are both medium-sized breeds with a fox-like appearance. However, the Finnish Spitz is more vocal than the Shiba Inu and has a reddish coat.

American Eskimo Dog

american eskimo dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a breed that shares many physical characteristics with the Shiba Inu, including its thick white fur and pointed ears. They are both small to medium-sized breeds with a fox-like appearance. However, the American Eskimo Dog has a more rounded head and a plumed tail, and they are generally more outgoing and friendly than the Shiba Inu.

Samoyed

samoyed

The Samoyed is a breed that is similar to the Shiba Inu in appearance, with its thick fur and pointed ears. They are both medium-sized breeds with a fox-like appearance. However, the Samoyed has a white coat and a more muscular build than the Shiba Inu. They are also more social and friendly than the Shiba Inu.

Breeds Similar in Personality to Shiba Inu

Kai Ken

kai ken
Plopperdeplop1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Kai Ken is a Japanese breed that is similar to the Shiba Inu in personality but differs in appearance. Like the Shiba Inu, the Kai Ken is loyal, intelligent, and has a high energy level. They are both medium-sized breeds with thick fur. However, the Kai Ken has a brindle coat and a more muscular build than the Shiba Inu.