Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Chin Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu
- Temperament of the Japanese Chin Versus the Shiba Inu
- Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Shiba Inu
- The Popularity of Japanese Chin versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
- Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu
- Do Japanese Chins shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Shiba Inu
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Shiba Inu?
- Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Shiba Inus?
- Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Chin Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin or the Shiba Inu.
Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu are Companion Dogs. This means both the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu 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.
Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu
| Factor | Japanese Chin | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2100 | $1600 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 67.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 102 | 44 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Chin is a better pet than the Shiba Inu. So, you should get the Japanese Chin!
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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu
The Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu.
Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 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 Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins.
Temperament of the Japanese Chin Versus the Shiba Inu
The Japanese Chin has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Japanese Chin is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 5 Japanese Chins and 28 Shiba Inus.
Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Shiba Inu
The average price of the Japanese Chin puppy is $1930. The price of the Japanese Chin typically ranges from $1500 – $2100. However, the price of a Japanese Chin can be as low as $600 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 71 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin.
| Japanese Chin | Shiba Inu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1930 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2100 | $1600 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Chin and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Chin puppies or how many Shiba Inu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins. 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Japanese Chin
Popularity of Shiba Inu
| Year | Japanese Chin Popularity Rank | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 87 | 46 |
| 2014 | 93 | 47 |
| 2015 | 97 | 45 |
| 2016 | 108 | 44 |
| 2017 | 108 | 45 |
| 2018 | 104 | 44 |
| 2019 | 108 | 45 |
| 2020 | 111 | 43 |
Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Japanese Chin than for the Shiba Inu.
4 health tests are recommended for Japanese Chin while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Japanese Chins and in Shiba Inus.
Japanese Chin Health Problems
Japanese Chins are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chins for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Japanese Chins 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Japanese Chin ranks 1 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Japanese Chins, 5 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Japanese Chins, and how common these diseases are in Japanese Chins relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Japanese Chin and in Shiba Inu and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu:
| Disease | Japanese Chin Rank | Shiba Inu Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 1 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Gm2-Gangliosidosis problems | 1 out of 2 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 7 out of 145 dog breeds | 31 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 13 out of 182 dog breeds | 170 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 44 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 22 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 53 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 91 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | Not Common | 141 out of 198 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu
Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Japanese Chins shed more than Shiba Inus?
Japanese Chins shed moderately.
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Shiba Inu
Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Shiba Inu
Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Shiba Inus?
Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Chin or the Shiba Inu?
Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.
Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin:
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 Japanese Chin and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Chin and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:
Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Chin versus Redbone Coonhound Japanese Chin versus Yorkipoo Japanese Chin versus Kuvasz Japanese Chin versus Cavapoo Japanese Chin versus Sussex Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano Japanese Chin versus American Staffordshire Terrier Japanese Chin versus Shiloh Shepherd Japanese Chin versus Border Collie Japanese Chin versus American Staffordshire Terrier Japanese Chin versus Whippet Japanese Chin versus Chinese Shar-Pei Japanese Chin versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Japanese Chin versus Golden Cocker Retriever Japanese Chin versus Boykin Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Standard Schnauzer Japanese Chin versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Mastiff Japanese Chin versus Miniature Pinscher Japanese Chin versus Puli Japanese Chin versus Afador Japanese Chin versus Vizsla Japanese Chin versus Australian Shepherd Japanese Chin versus Miniature Schnauzer
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Brussels Griffon Shiba Inu versus Golden Cocker Retriever Shiba Inu versus Samoyed Shiba Inu versus Papillon Shiba Inu versus Portuguese Pointer Shiba Inu versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shiba Inu versus Pharaoh Hound Shiba Inu versus Pomsky Shiba Inu versus Great Dane Shiba Inu versus American Hairless Terrier Shiba Inu versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Shiba Inu versus Pomsky Shiba Inu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Shiba Inu versus Pekingese Shiba Inu versus Belgian Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Patterdale Terrier Shiba Inu versus Airedale Terrier Shiba Inu versus Cairn Terrier Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shiba Inu versus Manchester Terrier Shiba Inu versus Scottish Terrier Shiba Inu versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Mountain Cur Shiba Inu versus Yorkshire Terrier
Conclusion: Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.