Which is Better Between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu?

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Appenzeller Sennenhunde Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Shiba Inu.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Shiba Inu: Overview

A very important difference between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a medium-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu

Factor Appenzeller Sennenhunde Shiba Inu
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Weight 48 to 55 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2130
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 77 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde. 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu

    Below is a list of where the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are most different:

    • Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living.
    • Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone. However, Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    The Similarities Between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu

    The Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are most similar:

    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are very playful.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Size Comparison of Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Shiba Inu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Appenzeller Sennenhundes are 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Shiba Inu

    The lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is 10.5 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 Appenzeller Sennenhundes.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Shiba Inu

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.

    Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed more than Shiba Inus?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed moderately.

    Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Shiba Inu

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Shiba Inu?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Appenzeller Sennenhundes Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

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

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

    Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Appenzeller Sennenhunde vs. Shiba Inu

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes 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 Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Shiba Inu?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Appenzeller Sennenhundes good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes 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 Appenzeller Sennenhundes and Shiba Inus?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Shiba Inu?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are OK for new dog owners.

    Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.