Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Terrier Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu
- Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the Shiba Inu
- Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Shiba Inu
- The Popularity of Irish Terrier versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu
- Do Irish Terriers shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Shiba Inu
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
- Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Shiba Inus?
- Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Terrier Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier or the Shiba Inu.
Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu
| Factor | Irish Terrier | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 27 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1500 | $1600 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 80.0 percent | 67.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 118 | 44 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier. 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu
The Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu.
Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the Shiba Inu
The Irish Terrier has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 10 Irish Terriers and 28 Shiba Inus.
Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Shiba Inu
The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier.
| Irish Terrier | Shiba Inu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1500 | $1600 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Terrier and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Terrier puppies or how many Shiba Inu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Terrier 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.
The Popularity of Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier. 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 Irish Terrier is 118 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Irish Terrier
Popularity of Shiba Inu
| Year | Irish Terrier Popularity Rank | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 123 | 46 |
| 2014 | 125 | 47 |
| 2015 | 113 | 45 |
| 2016 | 115 | 44 |
| 2017 | 114 | 45 |
| 2018 | 116 | 44 |
| 2019 | 119 | 45 |
| 2020 | 120 | 43 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Shiba Inu
Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Irish Terriers shed more than Shiba Inus?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Shiba Inu
Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Shiba Inu
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers and Shiba Inus?
Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
Irish Terriers are not easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Terrier and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Terrier and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:
Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Terrier versus Kai Ken Irish Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Irish Terrier versus Maltese Irish Terrier versus Greyhound Irish Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Irish Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Irish Terrier versus Spinone Italiano Irish Terrier versus Great Dane Irish Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Irish Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Irish Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog Irish Terrier versus Skye Terrier Irish Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog Irish Terrier versus Papillon Irish Terrier versus Chorkie Irish Terrier versus Field Spaniel Irish Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Irish Terrier versus Saint Bernard Irish Terrier versus Welsh Terrier Irish Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Irish Terrier versus Bracco Italiano
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Chihuahua Shiba Inu versus Chihuahua Shiba Inu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Shiba Inu versus Harrier Shiba Inu versus Pyredoodle Shiba Inu versus Sheepadoodle Shiba Inu versus Australian Terrier Shiba Inu versus Irish Wolfhound Shiba Inu versus Karelian Bear Dog Shiba Inu versus Gordon Setter Shiba Inu versus Vizsla Shiba Inu versus Cockalier Shiba Inu versus German Longhaired Pointer Shiba Inu versus Aussiedoodle Shiba Inu versus Goldador Shiba Inu versus Goldador Shiba Inu versus Toy Poodle Shiba Inu versus Siberian Husky Shiba Inu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Shiba Inu versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Shiba Inu versus Australian Terrier Shiba Inu versus Komondor Shiba Inu versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Shiba Inu versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Shiba Inu versus Golden Cocker Retriever
Conclusion: Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.