Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shiba Inu Versus Whippet: Introduction
- Shiba Inu versus Whippet: Overview
- Shiba Inu versus Whippet: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shiba Inu and the Whippet
- The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Whippet
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Whippet
- Lifespan of Shiba Inu versus Whippet
- Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Shiba Inu
- Price of Shiba Inu versus Price of Whippet
- Adopting the Shiba Inu versus Adopting the Whippet
- The Popularity of Shiba Inu versus Popularity of Whippet
- Health Problems of Shiba Inu versus Health Problems of Whippet
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shiba Inu versus Whippet
- Do Shiba Inus shed more than Whippets?
- Which one drools more, the Shiba Inu or the Whippet
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Whippet?
- Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
- Do Shiba Inus Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
- Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Whippet
- Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shiba Inu or the Whippet?
- Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Whippets?
- How Kid-friendly are Shiba Inus and Whippets?
- Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Whippet?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shiba Inu versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shiba Inu Versus Whippet: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shiba Inu and the Whippet? 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 Whippet 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 Whippet.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shiba Inu and the Whippet 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet.
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 Whippet.
Shiba Inu versus Whippet: Overview
A very important difference between the Shiba Inu and the Whippet is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog while the Whippet is a medium-sized dog.
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 Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Shiba Inu versus Whippet: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shiba Inu to the Whippet 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 Whippet
| Factor | Shiba Inu | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 17 to 23 pounds | 18 to 48 pounds |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2130 | $2120 |
| Price Range | $1600 – $2500 | $1600 – $2600 |
| Temperament Score | 67.9 percent | 86.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 44 | 58 |
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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Whippet is a better pet than the Shiba Inu. So, you should get the Whippet!
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 Whippet 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 Whippet
Below is a list of where the Shiba Inu and the Whippet are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Whippet
The Shiba Inu and the Whippet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shiba Inu and the Whippet are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Whippet
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shiba Inu and the Whippet.
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, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Shiba Inu versus Whippet
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than Whippets.
Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Shiba Inu
The Whippet has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Whippet is 86.2 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 86.2 percent, the Whippet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Shiba Inu and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 28 Shiba Inus and 203 Whippets.
Price of Shiba Inu versus Price of Whippet
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 Whippet puppy is $2120. The price of the Whippet typically ranges from $1600 – $2600. However, the price of the Whippet can be as low as $400 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 121 Whippet puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shiba Inu is more expensive than the Whippet.
| Shiba Inu | Whippet | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2130 | $2120 |
| Price Range | $1600 to $2500 | $1600 to $2600 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shiba Inu and Whippet. For different price points, the charts show how many Shiba Inu puppies or how many Whippet 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 Whippets
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Shiba Inu puppy or the Whippet 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 Shiba Inu versus Adopting the Whippet
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Shiba Inus and many Whippets 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 Shiba Inu named Noko that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Shiba Inus like Noko on pefinder.com.
Also, like Shiba Inus, Whippets are also available for adoption. For example, Malcom is a Male Whippet that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Whippets like Malcom that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Loki is the name of another Shiba Inu (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Shiba Inus and Whippets that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Shiba Inu versus Popularity of Whippet
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 Whippet over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shiba Inu is more popular with dog owners than the Whippet. 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 Whippet is 58 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Shiba Inu
Popularity of Whippet
| Year | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank | Whippet Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 46 | 59 |
| 2014 | 47 | 56 |
| 2015 | 45 | 57 |
| 2016 | 44 | 60 |
| 2017 | 45 | 61 |
| 2018 | 44 | 61 |
| 2019 | 45 | 57 |
| 2020 | 43 | 59 |
Health Problems of Shiba Inu versus Health Problems of Whippet
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 Whippet 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 Whippet is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Whippet than for the Shiba Inu.
3 health tests are recommended for Shiba Inu while 5 tests are recommended for the Whippet.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Shiba Inus and in Whippets.
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.
Whippet Health Problems
Whippets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Whippet 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 Whippet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Whippet 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 Whippets for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Whippets here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Shiba Inus and Whippets
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 Whippet Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Whippet ranks 3 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1416 Whippets, 107 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Whippets, and how common these diseases are in Whippets relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Shiba Inu and in Whippet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Shiba Inu and the Whippet:
| Disease | Shiba Inu Rank | Whippet Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 22 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 31 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 53 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 91 out of 115 dog breeds | 108 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 141 out of 198 dog breeds | 191 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 170 out of 182 dog breeds | 162 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 3 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 7 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 17 out of 21 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 Whippet
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Whippets do not like to be left alone.
Do Shiba Inus shed more than Whippets?
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Shiba Inu or the Whippet
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Whippet?
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Whippets are very easy to groom.
Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Whippets 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 Whippets?
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Whippets are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Whippet
Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Whippets can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shiba Inu or the Whippet?
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Whippets get along very well with other dogs.
Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Whippets?
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Shiba Inus and Whippets?
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Whippet?
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Whippets are very easy to train.
Is the Shiba Inu Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shiba Inu or the Whippet?
Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.
Whippets 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 Whippet
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Whippet 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 Whippet:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Shiba Inu and how the Whippet compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shiba Inu and of the Whippet to other breeds:
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Saluki Shiba Inu versus Papipoo Shiba Inu versus Havanese Shiba Inu versus Miniature Schnauzer Shiba Inu versus Sealyham Terrier Shiba Inu versus Fila Brasileiro Shiba Inu versus Bloodhound Shiba Inu versus Irish Wolfhound Shiba Inu versus Sealyham Terrier Shiba Inu versus Shiranian Shiba Inu versus Cocker Spaniel Shiba Inu versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shiba Inu versus Labrador Retriever Shiba Inu versus Dachshund Shiba Inu versus Kuvasz Shiba Inu versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Shiba Inu versus Belgian Malinois Shiba Inu versus Scottish Deerhound Shiba Inu versus Golden Cocker Retriever Shiba Inu versus Boxer Shiba Inu versus Brittany Shiba Inu versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shiba Inu versus English Setter Shiba Inu versus Standard Schnauzer Shiba Inu versus Curly-Coated Retriever
Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds
Whippet versus Ibizan Hound Whippet versus American Eskimo Dog Whippet versus Miniature Schnauzer Whippet versus Bull Terrier Whippet versus Biewer Terrier Whippet versus Lhasa Apso Whippet versus Aussiedoodle Whippet versus Scottish Terrier Whippet versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Whippet versus Labrador Retriever Whippet versus Border Terrier Whippet versus Bull Terrier Whippet versus Bulldog Whippet versus Pomeranian Whippet versus Kooikerhondje Whippet versus Havanese Whippet versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Whippet versus Bernedoodle Whippet versus Japanese Spitz Whippet versus Bich Poo Whippet versus Pharaoh Hound Whippet versus Black Mouth Cur Whippet versus Pyrenean Mastiff Whippet versus Sussex Spaniel
Conclusion: Shiba Inu versus Whippet. 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 Whippet better suits you and your family.