Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shiba Inu Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction
- Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier: Overview
- Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier
- Lifespan of Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier
- Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Welsh Terrier
- Price of Shiba Inu versus Price of Welsh Terrier
- The Popularity of Shiba Inu versus Popularity of Welsh Terrier
- Health Problems of Shiba Inu versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier
- Do Shiba Inus shed more than Welsh Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Shiba Inu or the Welsh Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Welsh Terrier?
- Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Terrier?
- Do Shiba Inus Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Terriers?
- Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Welsh Terrier
- Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shiba Inu or the Welsh Terrier?
- Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Shiba Inus and Welsh Terriers?
- Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shiba Inu Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier? 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 Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier 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 Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier 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 Shiba Inu and for the Welsh Terrier. 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 Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Shiba Inu or the Welsh Terrier.
Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier: Overview
Both the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier are similar in size. The Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Welsh 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.
Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shiba Inu to the Welsh Terrier 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 Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier
| Factor | Shiba Inu | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 17 to 23 pounds | Up to 20 pounds |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $2130 | $2510 |
| Price Range | $1600 – $2500 | $1350 – $3834 |
| Temperament Score | 67.9 percent | 76.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 44 | 108 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shiba Inu 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 Welsh Terrier. 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 Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Welsh Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiba Inu is a better pet than the Welsh 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 Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier
Below is a list of where the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier
The Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier.
Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Welsh Terriers weigh Up to 20 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Terriers are 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Welsh Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Terriers is 12.0 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than Welsh Terriers.
Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Welsh Terrier is 76.3 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 67.9 percent, the Shiba Inu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 76.3 percent, the Welsh Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 28 Shiba Inus and 38 Welsh Terriers.
Price of Shiba Inu versus Price of Welsh Terrier
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 a Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Welsh Terrier puppy is $2510. The price of the Welsh Terrier typically ranges from $1350 – $3834. However, the price of the Welsh Terrier can be as low as $1200 and as high as $3834. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 13 Welsh Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Welsh Terrier is more expensive than the Shiba Inu.
| Shiba Inu | Welsh Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2130 | $2510 |
| Price Range | $1600 to $2500 | $1350 to $3834 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shiba Inu and Welsh Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Shiba Inu puppies or how many Welsh Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Welsh Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shiba Inu puppy or the Welsh Terrier 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 Shiba Inu versus Popularity of Welsh Terrier
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 Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shiba Inu is more popular with dog owners than the Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier is 108 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Shiba Inu
Popularity of Welsh Terrier
| Year | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank | Welsh Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 46 | 104 |
| 2014 | 47 | 106 |
| 2015 | 45 | 108 |
| 2016 | 44 | 111 |
| 2017 | 45 | 109 |
| 2018 | 44 | 107 |
| 2019 | 45 | 110 |
| 2020 | 43 | 112 |
Health Problems of Shiba Inu versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier
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 Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier 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 more genetic health problems than the Welsh Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Shiba Inu than for the Welsh Terrier.
3 health tests are recommended for Shiba Inu while 2 tests are recommended for the Welsh Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Shiba Inus and in Welsh Terriers.
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.
Welsh Terrier Health Problems
Welsh Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Welsh Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Shiba Inus and Welsh Terriers
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:
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 Welsh Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.
This is because the Welsh Terrier ranks 14 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 365 Welsh Terriers, 1 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Welsh Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Welsh Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Shiba Inu and in Welsh Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier:
| Disease | Shiba Inu Rank | Welsh Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 22 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 31 out of 145 dog breeds | 108 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 53 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 91 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 141 out of 198 dog breeds | 89 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 170 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Primary Lens Luxation problems | Not Common | 14 out of 17 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 24 out of 70 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: Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Welsh Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Shiba Inus shed more than Welsh Terriers?
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Welsh Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Shiba Inu or the Welsh Terrier
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Welsh Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Welsh Terrier?
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Welsh Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Terrier?
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Welsh Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Shiba Inus Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Terriers?
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Welsh Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Welsh Terrier
Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Welsh Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shiba Inu or the Welsh Terrier?
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Welsh Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Welsh Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Shiba Inus and Welsh Terriers?
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Welsh Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Welsh Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Shiba Inu Better for Apartment Owners than the Welsh Terrier?
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Welsh Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shiba Inu or the Welsh Terrier?
Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.
Welsh Terriers are OK for new dog owners.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Shiba Inu and how the Welsh Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shiba Inu and of the Welsh Terrier to other breeds:
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Finnish Lapphund Shiba Inu versus Basenji Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier Shiba Inu versus American Staffordshire Terrier Shiba Inu versus Bracco Italiano Shiba Inu versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shiba Inu versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shiba Inu versus Azawakh Shiba Inu versus American Eskimo Dog Shiba Inu versus Maremma Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Skye Terrier Shiba Inu versus Dogue de Bordeaux Shiba Inu versus Miniature Poodle Shiba Inu versus Kerry Blue Terrier Shiba Inu versus Pharaoh Hound Shiba Inu versus Fila Brasileiro Shiba Inu versus Shetland Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Shiba Inu versus Giant Schnauzer Shiba Inu versus Bull Terrier Shiba Inu versus Chinese Crested Shiba Inu versus Irish Water Spaniel Shiba Inu versus Boxer Shiba Inu versus Peek A Poo Shiba Inu versus Redbone Coonhound
Welsh Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Welsh Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd Welsh Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer Welsh Terrier versus Manchester Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound Welsh Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff Welsh Terrier versus Collie Welsh Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Mastiff Welsh Terrier versus Bernedoodle Welsh Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Welsh Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Leonberger Welsh Terrier versus Beagle Welsh Terrier versus Bulldog Welsh Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Chorkie Welsh Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle Welsh Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Terrier versus Westiepoo Welsh Terrier versus Chihuahua Welsh Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog Welsh Terrier versus Puggle Welsh Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog Welsh Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Conclusion: Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier. 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 Shiba Inu and the Welsh Terrier better suits you and your family.