Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Akita and the Shiranian.

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Akita Versus Shiranian: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akita and the Shiranian? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akita and the Shiranian better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akita and the Shiranian.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akita and the Shiranian is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akita and for the Shiranian. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akita and the Shiranian.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akita or the Shiranian.

Akita versus Shiranian: Overview

A very important difference between the Akita and the Shiranian is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akita is a large-sized dog while the Shiranian is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Akita belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Akita versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita to the Shiranian based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akita and the Shiranian

Factor Akita Shiranian
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Height 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder 7 to 12 inches
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 130 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1770 $1270
Price Range $1100 – $2200 $1000 – $1350
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akita in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shiranian. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akita is 56 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiranian is a better pet than the Akita. So, you should get the Shiranian!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akita and the Shiranian so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita and the Shiranian

    Below is a list of where the Akita and the Shiranian are most different:

    • Akitas have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Akitas can tolerate cold weather. However, Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Akitas shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Akitas have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shiranians do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Akitas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Shiranians are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    The Similarities Between the Akita and the Shiranian

    The Akita and the Shiranian are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akita and the Shiranian are most similar:

    • Both the Akita and the Shiranian do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Akita and the Shiranian require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Akita and the Shiranian cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akita and the Shiranian are not easy to train.
    • Both the Akita and the Shiranian gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akita and the Shiranian are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Akita and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Akita and the Shiranian are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Akita versus Shiranian

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akita and the Shiranian.

    Akitas weigh 70 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Akitas are 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akita versus Shiranian

    The lifespan of Akitas is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akitas is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Shiranians live longer than Akitas.

    Price of Akita versus Price of Shiranian

    The average price of the Akita puppy is $1770. The price of the Akita typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 342 Akita puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shiranian puppy is $1270. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $1000 – $1350. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 21 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Akita is more expensive than the Shiranian.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akita and Shiranian. For different price points, the charts show how many Akita puppies or how many Shiranian puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akitas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akitas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akita puppy or the Shiranian puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akita versus Shiranian

    Akitas do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akitas shed more than Shiranians?

    Akitas shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akita or the Shiranian

    Akitas have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita or the Shiranian?

    Akitas require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shiranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Akita Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiranian?

    Akitas have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Akitas Bark and Howl? What about Shiranians?

    Akitas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Shiranians are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Akitas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiranians Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akitas can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita vs. Shiranian

    Akitas have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Shiranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Akitas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akitas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akita or the Shiranian?

    Akitas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Akitas good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

    Akitas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shiranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akitas and Shiranians?

    Akitas do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Akita Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Akitas are not easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

    Is the Akita Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiranian?

    Akitas do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akita or the Shiranian?

    Akitas are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shiranians are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akita versus Shiranian. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akita and the Shiranian better suits you and your family.