Harlequin Pinscher vs Shiba Inu Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Merle Pinscher or Shiba?

Compare the Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Merle Pinscher or a Shiba? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Merle Miniature Pinscher, Harlequin Min Pin, Merle Pinscher, Spotted Pinscher

Japanese Small-Size Dog, Brushwood Dog, Shiba Ken, Shiba, Japanese Shiba Inu

Weight

What is the average weight of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu?

11.0 pounds ( 5 kg )

23.0 pounds ( 10 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu

11.5 inches ( 29.2 cm )

15.0 inches ( 38.1 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Harlequin Pinschers or Shiba Inus hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Harlequin Pinscher nor Shiba Inu are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Harlequin Pinscher or Shiba Inu?

Harlequin Pinschers aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Shiba Inus make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Origin

What is the origin of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu dog breeds?

Germany
United States

Japan

Ancestry

What are the origins of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu breeds?

Miniature Pinscher and Rat Terrier

Spitz

Date of Birth

When were Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu breeds first developed?

2007

Ancient Times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu dogs?

Blue
Hazel
Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu?

Blue
Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu breeds?

Pied
Brindle
Black
Brown
Blue
Fawn

Black
Red
Cream

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu breeds?

The coat of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu dogs ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu, can have a litter of 12-15 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Hypoglycemia

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu?

Glaucoma
Skin Allergies
Food Allergies

Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu breeds?

Skin Biopsy or Intradermal Tests for specific allergies
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Blood Glucose Level Testing
DNA

Hip
Knee
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Harlequin Pinschers and Shiba Inus compare?

Harlequin Pinschers are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Shiba Inus' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Exercise Needed

Harlequin Pinscher vs Shiba Inu exercise need comparison.

The Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu breeds require a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pets and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Tendency to Bark

Do Harlequin Pinschers or Shiba Inus bark more/less frequently?

Compared to most other breeds, Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu tend to be less vocal and bark less frequently. They typically only bark when necessary, such as to communicate or alert their owner, and do not bark excessively, especially when left alone.

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu entertained?

Fetch, Walk

Sniff, Walk, Run, Hunt, Eating Snacks, Nap, Short walks, Rest, Groom, Meeting people, Walking, Shake, Sniffing, Dog Parks, Catch treats, Play, Hike, Play keep away, Tug-of-war, Fetch, Socializing, Sniffin, Playing, Running, Eating, Digging, Say hello, Hide & Seek, Napping, Car rides

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Harlequin Pinschers or Shiba Inus?

Medium

Both Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Walks per Week

How many miles should Harlequin Pinscher or Shiba Inu walk each week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Harlequin Pinscher, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shiba Inu, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Harlequin Pinschers or Shiba Inus require more exercise?

60 minutes

Both Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu typically require a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Harlequin Pinschers or Shiba Inus?

The Harlequin Pinscher is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

The Shiba Inu has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu dogs?

Monthly

In general Harlequin Pinscher should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Weekly

Shiba Inu should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Harlequin Pinschers and Shiba Inus?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Harlequin Pinscher or Shiba Inu in cups?

1 cups

For an average 9-13 pound (4 - 6 kg) Harlequin Pinscher feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2 cups

For an average 20-26 pound (9 - 12 kg) Shiba Inu feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Harlequin Pinscher or Shiba Inu?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Harlequin Pinscher is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Shiba Inu is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Harlequin Pinscher or Shiba Inu?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Harlequin Pinscher is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Shiba Inu is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Harlequin Pinschers vs Shiba Inus

Harlequin Pinscher is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Shiba Inus are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Harlequin Pinscher vs Shiba Inu?

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Harlequin Pinscher or Shiba Inu?

Harlequin Pinschers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Shiba Inus are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Harlequin Pinscher and Shiba Inu?

Harlequin Pinschers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Shiba Inus have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Harlequin Pinschers and Shiba Inus compare?

Harlequin Pinschers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Shiba Inus may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.