Differences and Similarities between the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu.

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Lancashire Heeler Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

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

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

Lancashire Heeler versus Shiba Inu: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Lancashire Heeler versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu

Factor Lancashire Heeler Shiba Inu
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 13 to 15 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
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
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
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
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Life Span 9 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $200 $2130
Price Range $200 – $200 $1600 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lancashire Heeler versus Shiba Inu

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

    Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 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 Lancashire Heeler versus Shiba Inu

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 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 Lancashire Heelers.

    Price of Lancashire Heeler versus Price of Shiba Inu

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of a Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler.

    Lancashire Heeler Shiba Inu
    Average Price $200 $2130
    Price Range $200 to $200 $1600 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers. 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 Lancashire Heeler 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.

    Adopting the Lancashire Heeler versus Adopting the Shiba Inu

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Lancashire Heelers and many Shiba Inus are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Lancashire Heeler named Badger that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Lancashire Heelers like Badger on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Lancashire Heelers, Shiba Inus are also available for adoption. For example, Enzo is a Male Shiba Inu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shiba Inus like Enzo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Lancashire Heeler and the Shiba Inu can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Harvey is the name of another Lancashire Heeler (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Larry* is an adorable Male Shiba Inu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Lancashire Heelers and Shiba Inus are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Lancashire Heelers and Shiba Inus that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Shiba Inu is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Lancashire Heeler.

    3 health tests are recommended for Lancashire Heeler while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lancashire Heelers and in Shiba Inus.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

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

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lancashire Heeler versus Shiba Inu

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Lancashire Heelers shed more than Shiba Inus?

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lancashire Heeler or the Shiba Inu

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lancashire Heeler or the Shiba Inu?

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Lancashire Heeler Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lancashire Heeler vs. Shiba Inu

    Lancashire Heelers 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.

    Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler or the Shiba Inu?

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Lancashire Heelers good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers and Shiba Inus?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Hovawart.
  • 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 Lancashire Heeler vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Morkie     Lancashire Heeler versus Berger Picard     Lancashire Heeler versus Sealyham Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Swedish Vallhund     Lancashire Heeler versus Miniature Poodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Great Pyrenees     Lancashire Heeler versus Shichon     Lancashire Heeler versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Lancashire Heeler versus Lowchen     Lancashire Heeler versus Lowchen     Lancashire Heeler versus Tibetan Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus Shichon     Lancashire Heeler versus Sloughi     Lancashire Heeler versus Bulldog     Lancashire Heeler versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Lancashire Heeler versus Beagle     Lancashire Heeler versus Doberman Pinscher     Lancashire Heeler versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Lancashire Heeler versus Shihpoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Kooikerhondje     Lancashire Heeler versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Shetland Sheepdog     Lancashire Heeler versus Bedlington Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Pug     

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Pomsky     Shiba Inu versus American Water Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Golden Retriever     Shiba Inu versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shiba Inu versus Black Mouth Cur     Shiba Inu versus American Bulldog     Shiba Inu versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shiba Inu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Belgian Malinois     Shiba Inu versus Vizsla     Shiba Inu versus Schnoodle     Shiba Inu versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus American Hairless Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Sealyham Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Brittany     Shiba Inu versus Border Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Papipoo     Shiba Inu versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shiba Inu versus Shetland Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Finnish Spitz     Shiba Inu versus Pekingese     Shiba Inu versus Pomchi     Shiba Inu versus Biewer Terrier     

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