Is the Carolina Dog Better than the Shiba Inu as a Pet? Answer…

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Carolina Dog Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog or the Shiba Inu.

Carolina Dog versus Shiba Inu

Carolina Dog versus Shiba Inu: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Carolina Dog versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu

Factor Carolina Dog Shiba Inu
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $500 $2130
Price Range $500 – $500 $1600 – $2500
Temperament Score 66.7 percent 67.9 percent
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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone. However, Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Carolina Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shiba Inus do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu are not easy to train.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Shiba Inu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Shiba Inu

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 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 Carolina Dogs.

    Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Carolina Dog

    The Shiba Inu has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Shiba Inu is 67.9 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-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 Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 28 Shiba Inus.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Shiba Inu

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog 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. However, the price of the Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. 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 Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Shiba Inu
    Average Price $500 $2130
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1600 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Carolina Dog and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Carolina Dog puppies or how many Shiba Inu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Carolina Dog 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.

    Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Shiba Inu

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs and many Shiba Inus are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Carolina Dog named Ricky that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like Ricky on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, Shiba Inus are also available for adoption. For example, Tyner is a Male Shiba Inu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shiba Inus like Tyner that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Mitch is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Dexter is an adorable Male Shiba Inu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Carolina Dogs and Shiba Inus are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Shiba Inus that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Shiba Inu

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Shiba Inus?

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Shiba Inu

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Shiba Inu?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Shiba Inu

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog or the Shiba Inu?

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Shiba Inus?

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

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

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shiba Inu:

  • Manchester Terrier (72 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Havanese     Carolina Dog versus Beaglier     Carolina Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Carolina Dog versus Bloodhound     Carolina Dog versus American Water Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Carolina Dog versus American Water Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Pomeranian     Carolina Dog versus Cavachon     Carolina Dog versus American Foxhound     Carolina Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Carolina Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Carolina Dog versus Sheepadoodle     Carolina Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Carolina Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Mal Shi     Carolina Dog versus Chi-Poo     Carolina Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Akita     Carolina Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Havanese     Shiba Inu versus Fila Brasileiro     Shiba Inu versus Stabyhoun     Shiba Inu versus Spinone Italiano     Shiba Inu versus Goldendoodle     Shiba Inu versus Labradoodle     Shiba Inu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shiba Inu versus Chinook     Shiba Inu versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Shihpoo     Shiba Inu versus Black Russian Terrier     Shiba Inu versus German Shepherd Dog     Shiba Inu versus Redbone Coonhound     Shiba Inu versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shiba Inu versus Pekingese     Shiba Inu versus Hovawart     Shiba Inu versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Tibetan Mastiff     Shiba Inu versus Manchester Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Chihuahua     Shiba Inu versus Cane Corso     Shiba Inu versus Maltese     Shiba Inu versus Great Dane     Shiba Inu versus Barbet     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.