A Detailed Comparison of the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu.

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Hovawart Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

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

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

Hovawart versus Shiba Inu

Hovawart versus Shiba Inu: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shiba Inu

Factor Hovawart Shiba Inu
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
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
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2130
Temperament Score 91.7 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 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 Hovawart. 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 Hovawart and the Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Hovawart versus Shiba Inu

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Hovawarts do not like to be left alone. However, Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Shiba Inu are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Shiba Inu

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 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 Hovawart versus Shiba Inu

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 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 Hovawarts.

    Hovawart versus Shiba Inu

    Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Hovawart

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 28 Shiba Inus.

    Hovawart versus Shiba Inu

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Shiba Inu

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Shiba Inus?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Shiba Inu

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Shiba Inu?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    Hovawarts 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.

    Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Shiba Inu

    Hovawarts 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.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Shiba Inu?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Shiba Inus?

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Spanish 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 Hovawart vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Lancashire Heeler     Hovawart versus Lhasa Apso     Hovawart versus Puggle     Hovawart versus Azawakh     Hovawart versus Norfolk Terrier     Hovawart versus Karelian Bear Dog     Hovawart versus Canaan Dog     Hovawart versus Chinese Crested     Hovawart versus Papipoo     Hovawart versus Mal Shi     Hovawart versus Finnish Spitz     Hovawart versus Dutch Shepherd     Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever     Hovawart versus Havanese     Hovawart versus Kuvasz     Hovawart versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Hovawart versus Mal Shi     Hovawart versus Australian Cattle Dog     Hovawart versus Boxer     Hovawart versus Pomchi     Hovawart versus Yorkipoo     Hovawart versus Peek A Poo     Hovawart versus Lhasapoo     Hovawart versus King Shepherd     Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer     

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Dalmatian     Shiba Inu versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Borzoi     Shiba Inu versus Valley Bulldog     Shiba Inu versus Great Pyrenees     Shiba Inu versus Papillon     Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shiba Inu versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shiba Inu versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Tibetan Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Bracco Italiano     Shiba Inu versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shiba Inu versus Whippet     Shiba Inu versus Great Pyrenees     Shiba Inu versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shiba Inu versus Cairn Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Goldendoodle     Shiba Inu versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Toy Poodle     Shiba Inu versus Rottweiler     Shiba Inu versus Bernedoodle     Shiba Inu versus Black Russian Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Pharaoh Hound     Shiba Inu versus French Bulldog     Shiba Inu versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     

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