Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu

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Field Spaniel Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel or the Shiba Inu

Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu

Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu: Overview

Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu are similar in size. The Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Field Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel 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 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Weight 37 to 45 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $4640 $2130
Price Range $2900 – $5000 $1600 – $2500
Temperament Score 85.7 percent 67.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 147 44

    *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 Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiba Inu is a better pet than the Field Spaniel. 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 Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu

    Below is a list of where the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu are most different:

  • Field Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Field Spaniels do not like to be left alone. However, Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Field Spaniels are very easy to train. However, Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu.

    Field Spaniels weigh 37 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Field Spaniels are 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 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.

    Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Field Spaniel

    The Field Spaniel has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.

    This is because the temperament score for the Field Spaniel is 85.7 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 they 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 85.7 percent, the Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 14 Field Spaniels and 28 Shiba Inus.

    Price of Field Spaniel versus Price of Shiba Inu

    The average price of the Field Spaniel puppy is $4640. The price of the Field Spaniel typically ranges from $2900 – $5000. However, the price of a Field Spaniel can be as low as $1800 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 5 Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel is more expensive than the Shiba Inu.

    Field Spaniel Shiba Inu
    Average Price $4640 $2130
    Price Range $2900 to $5000 $1600 to $2500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Field Spaniels. 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 Field Spaniel 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.

    Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu
    Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu

    The Popularity of Field Spaniel versus Popularity of Shiba Inu

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shiba Inu is more popular with dog owners than the Field Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shiba Inu is 44 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Field Spaniel is 147 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Field Spaniel

    Popularity of Field Spaniel

    Popularity of Shiba Inu

    Popularity of Shiba Inu

    Year Field Spaniel Popularity Rank Shiba Inu Popularity Rank
    2013 140 46
    2014 137 47
    2015 145 45
    2016 147 44
    2017 145 45
    2018 149 44
    2019 153 45
    2020 160 43

    Health Problems of Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiba Inu.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Field Spaniel than for the Shiba Inu.

    6 health tests are recommended for Field Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Field Spaniels and in Shiba Inus.

    Field Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Field Spaniels 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Field Spaniels and Shiba Inus

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Field Spaniel Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Field Spaniel ranks 52 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 479 Field Spaniels, 10 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Field Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Field Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 52 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 57 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 58 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 74 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 113 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 138 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Shiba Inu Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Shiba Inu ranks 22 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 200 Shiba Inus, 12 of them had Dentition Database problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shiba Inus, and how common these diseases are in Shiba Inus relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 22 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 31 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 53 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 91 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 141 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 170 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Field Spaniel and in Shiba Inu and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu:

    Disease Field Spaniel Rank Shiba Inu Rank
    Eyes problems 52 out of 182 dog breeds 170 out of 182 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems 57 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 58 out of 198 dog breeds 141 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 74 out of 115 dog breeds 91 out of 115 dog breeds
    Patella problems 113 out of 145 dog breeds 31 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 138 out of 144 dog breeds 53 out of 144 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 22 out of 49 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Is the Field Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Field Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Field Spaniel versus Shiba Inu

    Field Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

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

    Which one drools more, the Field Spaniel or the Shiba Inu

    Field Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Field Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

    Field Spaniels 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.

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

    Field Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Field Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Do Field Spaniels shed more than Shiba Inus?

    Field Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Field Spaniels 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 Field Spaniel or the Shiba Inu?

    Field Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Field Spaniel or the Shiba Inu?

    Field Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Field Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    Field Spaniels 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.

    Are Field Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

    Field Spaniels 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 Field Spaniels and Shiba Inus?

    Field Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Field Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Field Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Field Spaniel vs. Shiba Inu

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

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Field Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel:

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (83 percent match with Field Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (84 percent match with Field Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • 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 Field Spaniel vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Field Spaniel vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Field Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Field Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Field Spaniel versus Aussiedoodle     Field Spaniel versus Briard     Field Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     Field Spaniel versus Pointer     Field Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer     Field Spaniel versus Chorkie     Field Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd     Field Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Field Spaniel versus Afghan Hound     

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Whoodle     Shiba Inu versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiba Inu versus Boston Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Dalmatian     Shiba Inu versus Puli     Shiba Inu versus Field Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Xoloitzcuintli     Shiba Inu versus Border Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Whippet     Shiba Inu versus Jack Russell Terrier     

    Conclusion: Field Spaniel 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 Field Spaniel and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.