Shetinese vs Akita Inu Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Shetinese or Japanese Akita?

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

Differences only

Other names

Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog

Weight

What is the average weight of Shetinese and Akita Inu?

17.5 pounds ( 8 kg )

110.0 pounds ( 50 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Shetinese and Akita Inu

11.0 inches ( 27.9 cm )

27.0 inches ( 68.6 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Shetineses or Akita Inus hypoallergenic, or neither?

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

Temperament

What are the personalities of Shetinese and Akita Inu dogs?

Playful
Stubborn
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Good-natured
Opinionated

Alert
Dignified
Friendly
Responsive
Courageous
Docile
Intelligent
Vigilant
Independent
Faithful
Willing
Protective

Shedding Level

Do Shetineses shed more than Akita Inus, or which breed sheds more, Shetineses or Akita Inus?

Shetineses are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Akita Inus shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Origin

What is the origin of Shetinese and Akita Inu dog breeds?

United States

Japan

Ancestry

What are the origins of Shetinese and Akita Inu breeds?

Shetland Sheepdog and Pekingese

Northern Spitz

Date of Birth

When were Shetinese and Akita Inu breeds first developed?

2000's

1600s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Shetinese and Akita Inu dogs?

Blue
Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Shetinese and Akita Inu?

Black

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Shetinese and Akita Inu breeds?

Black
Gray
Brown
White
Blue
Sable
Red

Brindle
White
Silver
Fawn
Red
Black
Brown

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Shetinese and Akita Inu breeds?

Shetineses have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Akita Inus have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Shetinese and Akita Inu?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Shetinese and Akita Inu?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Shetinese and Akita Inu?

4-6 puppies per pregnancy

A Shetinese can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

An Akita Inu can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Shetinese and Akita Inus are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Shetinese and Akita Inu, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Shetineses typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Akita Inu breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Shetinese and Akita Inu breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Dermatomyositis
Von Willebrand's Disease
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Ulcerative Dermatosis

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Von Willebrand's Disease
Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Shetinese and Akita Inu?

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Hydrocephalus
Eyelid Defects
Color Dilution Alopecia
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
Mitral Valve Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia
Pemphigus
Sebaceous Adenitis

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Shetinese and Akita Inu breeds?

Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
Yearly Physical Examination
Full Chemistry Panel Tests and Blood Count
Various Blood Testing Modalities
Eye Examinations (both internal as well as external)
X-rays of various parts of the skeletal system
Echocardiography (ultrasound)

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood
Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Social Needs

Shetinese vs Akita Inu social needs comparison

Shetinese has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Akita Inu has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Shetinese or Akita Inu?

Shetineses have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Akita Inus sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Shetinese vs Akita Inu?

Roaming urge

Shetinese vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Shetinese or Akita Inu - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Shetineses or Akita Inus?

High

Shetineses are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Medium

Akita Inus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Shetinese or Akita Inu walk each week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shetinese, it's at least 10 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 Akita Inu, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Shetineses or Akita Inus require more exercise?

120 minutes

In general most Shetineses usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

60 minutes

In general most Akita Inus usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Shetineses or Akita Inus?

Shetineses have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

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

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Shetinese and Akita Inu dogs?

Weekly

Shetinese and Akita 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 Shetineses and Akita Inus?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Shetinese or Akita Inu in cups?

2 cups

For an average 11-24 pound (5 - 11 kg) Shetinese 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.

3 cups

For an average 100-130 pound (45 - 59 kg) Akita Inu feed 3 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, Shetinese or Akita Inu?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

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

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Akita Inu is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Shetinese or Akita Inu?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Shetinese 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.

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Akita Inu is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 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.

Sensitivity Level

How do Shetinese and Akita Inu compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Shetinese or Akita Inu?

The Shetinese is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Akita Inus make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Child Friendly

Do Shetineses or Akita Inus have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Shetineses have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Akita Inus are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Shetinese or Akita Inu?

Cat Friendly

Do Shetinese or Akita Inu breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Shetineses are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Akita Inus are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Shetinese or Akita Inu?

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

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

Pet friendly

How do Shetinese or Akita Inu dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Shetinese or Akita Inu?

Shetineses are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Akita Inus are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Shetinese and Akita Inu?

Shetineses are not known for being a highly playful breed.

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

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Shetineses and Akita Inus compare?

Shetinese and Akita Inu dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.