Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Bulldog Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu
- Size Comparison of American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu
- Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the American Bulldog
- Price of American Bulldog versus Price of Shiba Inu
- Health Problems of American Bulldog versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu
- Do American Bulldogs shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the American Bulldog or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Bulldog or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the American Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do American Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Bulldog vs. Shiba Inu
- Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Bulldog or the Shiba Inu?
- Are American Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are American Bulldogs and Shiba Inus?
- Is the American Bulldog Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Conclusion: American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Bulldog Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu? 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 American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu 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 American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu 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 American Bulldog and for the Shiba Inu. 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 American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Bulldog or the Shiba Inu.
American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu: Overview
A very important difference between the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Bulldog is a large-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the American Bulldog 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 Shiba Inu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Bulldog to the Shiba Inu 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 American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu
| Factor | American Bulldog | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 20 to 28 inches | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 120 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1400 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $912 – $1600 | $1600 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 86.9 percent | 67.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Bulldog 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 Shiba Inu. 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 American Bulldog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiba Inu is a better pet than the American Bulldog. So, you should get the Shiba Inu!
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 American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are most different:
- American Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living.
- American Bulldogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shiba Inus are good for new dog owners.
- American Bulldogs do not like to be left alone. However, Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
- American Bulldogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
- American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shiba Inus do not have the tendency to drool.
The Similarities Between the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu
The American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu do not get along well with other dogs.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are not very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are not prone to gaining weight easily.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu 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 American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are very easy to groom.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are very playful.
- Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Size Comparison of American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu.
American Bulldogs weigh 60 to 120 pounds when fully grown. American Bulldogs are 20 to 28 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of American Bulldogs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Bulldogs is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than American Bulldogs.
Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the American Bulldog
The American Bulldog has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the American Bulldog is 86.9 percent while the temperament score for the Shiba Inu is 67.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 86.9 percent, the American Bulldog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 67.9 percent, the Shiba Inu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 214 American Bulldogs and 28 Shiba Inus.
Price of American Bulldog versus Price of Shiba Inu
The average price of the American Bulldog puppy is $1400. The price of the American Bulldog typically ranges from $912 – $1600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 302 American Bulldog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shiba Inu is more expensive than the American Bulldog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the American Bulldog and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many American Bulldog puppies or how many Shiba Inu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of American Bulldogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Bulldog puppy or the Shiba Inu 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.
Health Problems of American Bulldog versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the American Bulldog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Bulldog than for the Shiba Inu.
7 health tests are recommended for American Bulldog while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Bulldogs and in Shiba Inus.
American Bulldog Health Problems
American Bulldogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Bulldog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a American Bulldog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Bulldog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen American Bulldogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Bulldogs here.
Shiba Inu Health Problems
Shiba Inus are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shiba Inu puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Shiba Inu puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shiba Inu breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Shiba Inus for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus here.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu
American Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do American Bulldogs shed more than Shiba Inus?
American Bulldogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the American Bulldog or the Shiba Inu
American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Bulldog or the Shiba Inu?
American Bulldogs are very easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the American Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
American Bulldogs 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.
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do American Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
American Bulldogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: American Bulldog vs. Shiba Inu
American Bulldogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Bulldog or the Shiba Inu?
American Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are American Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
American Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Bulldogs and Shiba Inus?
American Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the American Bulldog Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
American Bulldogs are very easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the American Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
American Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Bulldog or the Shiba Inu?
American Bulldogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: American Bulldog versus Shiba Inu. 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 American Bulldog and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.