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

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Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Shiba Inu

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shiba Inu: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Estrela Mountain 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.

Factor Estrela Mountain Dog Shiba Inu
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 130 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2000 $2130
Price Range $2000 – $2000 $1600 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Estrela Mountain 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 a Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Shiba Inu. So, you should get the Estrela Mountain Dog!

    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 Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Both the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shiba Inu

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 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.

    Price of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Price of Shiba Inu

    The average price of the Estrela Mountain Dog puppy is $2000. The price of the Estrela Mountain Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of a Estrela Mountain Dog can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Estrela Mountain 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 a 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 Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Shiba Inu
    Average Price $2000 $2130
    Price Range $2000 to $2000 $1600 to $2500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that 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 Estrela Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiba Inu.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Estrela Mountain Dog than for the Shiba Inu.

    4 health tests are recommended for Estrela Mountain Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Estrela Mountain Dogs and in Shiba Inus.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain Dogs 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:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus here.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Estrela Mountain Dog vs. Shiba Inu

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

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

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shiba Inu

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Shiba Inu?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Which one drools more, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Shiba Inu

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs shed more than Shiba Inus?

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

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

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Are Estrela Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs and Shiba Inus?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog:

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • 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 Estrela Mountain Dog vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Doberman Pinscher     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Estrela Mountain Dog versus King Shepherd     Estrela Mountain Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Saluki     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Goldendoodle     

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Shiba Inu versus Chorkie     Shiba Inu versus Golden Retriever     Shiba Inu versus Dutch Shepherd     Shiba Inu versus Vizsla     Shiba Inu versus American Hairless Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shiba Inu versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Lancashire Heeler     

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