Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kuvasz Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu
- Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Kuvasz
- Price of Kuvasz versus Price of Shiba Inu
- The Popularity of Kuvasz versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
- Health Problems of Kuvasz versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu
- Do Kuvaszs shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the Kuvasz or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kuvasz or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the Kuvasz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do Kuvaszs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kuvasz vs. Shiba Inu
- Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kuvasz or the Shiba Inu?
- Are Kuvaszs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are Kuvaszs and Shiba Inus?
- Is the Kuvasz Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kuvasz Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz or the Shiba Inu.
Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu: Overview
A very important difference between the Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kuvasz is a giant-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Kuvasz 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.
Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu
| Factor | Kuvasz | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1630 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1438 – $1812 | $1600 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 78.4 percent | 67.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 161 | 44 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is 66 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu
The Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu.
Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 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 Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs is 11.0 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 Kuvaszs.
Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Kuvasz
The Kuvasz has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Kuvasz is 78.4 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 78.4 percent, the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 51 Kuvaszs and 28 Shiba Inus.
Price of Kuvasz versus Price of Shiba Inu
The average price of the Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of a Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz.
| Kuvasz | Shiba Inu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1630 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1438 to $1812 | $1600 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Kuvasz and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Kuvasz puppies or how many Shiba Inu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs. 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Kuvasz
Popularity of Shiba Inu
| Year | Kuvasz Popularity Rank | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 150 | 46 |
| 2014 | 161 | 47 |
| 2015 | 150 | 45 |
| 2016 | 165 | 44 |
| 2017 | 157 | 45 |
| 2018 | 163 | 44 |
| 2019 | 166 | 45 |
| 2020 | 177 | 43 |
Health Problems of Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Kuvasz than for the Shiba Inu.
7 health tests are recommended for Kuvasz while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kuvaszs and in Shiba Inus.
Kuvasz Health Problems
Kuvaszs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kuvasz 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 Kuvaszs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Kuvasz ranks 7 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 434 Kuvaszs, 51 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Kuvaszs, and how common these diseases are in Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz and in Shiba Inu and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu:
| Disease | Kuvasz Rank | Shiba Inu Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 7 out of 115 dog breeds | 91 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 25 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 52 out of 198 dog breeds | 141 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 64 out of 144 dog breeds | 53 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 124 out of 145 dog breeds | 31 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 22 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 170 out of 182 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: Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu
Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Kuvaszs shed more than Shiba Inus?
Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Shiba Inu
Kuvaszs drool moderately.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kuvasz or the Shiba Inu?
Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the Kuvasz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Kuvasz vs. Shiba Inu
Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Shiba Inu?
Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Kuvaszs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs and Shiba Inus?
Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Kuvasz Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
Kuvaszs are not easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the Kuvasz Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kuvasz or the Shiba Inu?
Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz:
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 Kuvasz and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kuvasz and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:
Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kuvasz versus Xoloitzcuintli Kuvasz versus Saluki Kuvasz versus Shihpoo Kuvasz versus Maltipoo Kuvasz versus Sheepadoodle Kuvasz versus Barbet Kuvasz versus Scottish Deerhound Kuvasz versus Italian Greyhound Kuvasz versus American Bulldog Kuvasz versus Redbone Coonhound Kuvasz versus English Toy Spaniel Kuvasz versus Tibetan Mastiff Kuvasz versus Lakeland Terrier Kuvasz versus Boxerdoodle Kuvasz versus American Bulldog Kuvasz versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Kuvasz versus Bearded Collie Kuvasz versus Finnish Lapphund Kuvasz versus Bichon Frise Kuvasz versus Schipperke Kuvasz versus Clumber Spaniel Kuvasz versus Cairn Terrier Kuvasz versus Airedale Terrier Kuvasz versus Keeshond Kuvasz versus Aussiedoodle
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Cockapoo Shiba Inu versus German Longhaired Pointer Shiba Inu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shiba Inu versus Borzoi Shiba Inu versus Italian Greyhound Shiba Inu versus Cairn Terrier Shiba Inu versus Belgian Malinois Shiba Inu versus Dutch Shepherd Shiba Inu versus French Bulldog Shiba Inu versus Papillon Shiba Inu versus Bullmastiff Shiba Inu versus Norwegian Buhund Shiba Inu versus Swedish Vallhund Shiba Inu versus Shichon Shiba Inu versus Puli Shiba Inu versus Saint Bernard Shiba Inu versus Clumber Spaniel Shiba Inu versus American Water Spaniel Shiba Inu versus Affenhuahua Shiba Inu versus Papillon Shiba Inu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Shiba Inu versus Silky Terrier Shiba Inu versus King Shepherd Shiba Inu versus Papillon Shiba Inu versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Conclusion: Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.