We are going to compare two breeds of dog that are often confused for one another. One is a Japanese breed while the other is a Chinese breed. If you would like to know more about Shiba Inu vs Shih Tzu differences, read on!
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed that was originally bred to flush out animals during hunting. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is a Chinese breed that was originally bred for companionship.
The Shiba Inu has a history which dates back to ancient times. In fact, this ancient breed is believed to have been a breed that was cherished by Japanese royalty. This breed has been registered as a National Monument of Japan.
The Shih Tzu is a breed which has been around for centuries. In fact, it is believed to be related to the Lhasa Apso. This dog is believed to have originated in Tibet, though it may also be related to the Maltese.
Shih Tzus are one of the most common small dog breeds in the U.S., but Shiba Inu are much rarer because they are half wolf. Shiba Inus were originally bred for hunting by scenting game, but Shih Tzus’ original purpose was to prey on vermin and mice, thus their olfactory abilities aren’t as strong.
Shih Tzus come in a variety of coat colors, while Shiba Inu coats are usually grayish brown except for its bushy tail that is black tipped resulting in an ‘hourglass’ effect when the dog runs through the snow or acquires wet markings. The two breeds can be compared with regard to personality, activity level and grooming needs…
Like most breeds of dog, there is a possibility for a Shiba Inu to be crossbred with a Shih Tzu. However, it may not be easy to come across one.
Japanese Shiba Inu Dog
The Japanese Shiba Inu often known as brushwood dog is a powerful, compact little dog. The Shiba’s small stature belies the robust nature of this canine. This breed is not suggested to keep as a pet for novice owners. Their fox-like appearance makes them very popular as house pets. They are known for being agile, alert, intelligent and loyal animals, which makes them perfect for guarding or hunting small game.
This Brushwood dog often described as one of the most ancient breeds of dogs in the world. It is possible that they date back to over 2000 years ago if not before. This Japanese small size dog is loved by their owners. Shiba Inus are considered as generally healthy dog breed. Shiba Inu was recognised by the American Kennel Club in year 1992. American Kennel Club later in year 1993 listed Shiba as sporting dog breed.
Shiba Inu are constantly living to please their masters. They are intelligent, courageous, and confident. Shiba Inu are known for being very athletic. The are often called the “little lion”.
Chinese Shih Tzu Dog
The Chinese Shih Tzu is a small-sized dog, and their gentle expression and compact body reflects this. The Shih Tzu is an affectionate and playful breed with a charming personality. A Shih Tzu’s coat can come in just about any color you can imagine: black, white, brown, cream, red, grey, apricot or even brindle.
Just like their Japanese counterparts the Shih Tzu is loyal and intelligent. They are generally good with children and strangers if socialized correctly from an early age. Shih Tzu owners should be ready to get used to with constant attention these dogs get.
The Shih Tzu has been used in many ads for various companies for years because of their cute appearance.
History and Origin Of Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu
The Shiba Inu originates from Japan according to historians. They are not an impure breed and they are not related to any Chinese dog breeds. The origins of the name is not known but it is believed to be of Ainu origin. The “Shiba” in the name means “brushwood” which is a thick shrub. Both Shiba and Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather quite well. For hot weather Shibas can tolerate hot climate better than shih tzu.
The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, originates from Tibet and China, over a thousand years ago. It is known as one of the oldest dog breeds of China. The breed has been popular since the days of Ancient China. The Shih Tzu was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) back in 1969. Today, it is one of the top 10 most popular breeds of dog in the United States.
Appearance of Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu
The Shiba has the same physical appearance as other dogs that are classified as “small oriental”, including the Pekingese, the Lhasa Apso, and the Havanese. They have a distinct look which includes their foxy face, erect ears, and fluffy tail. They also have a double coat, which is very thick and can be either red or black-brown with tan markings. The Shiba Inu does not usually come in other colors.
The Shih Tzu is a small dog with big eyes and an endearing expression, which is the breed’s most distinguishing characteristic. They have a short muzzle and a cute, almost pug-like face, which also has an underbite. The Shih Tzu has a long, silky coat which also comes in various colors. Shih Tzus are usually white with black or gray patches, but they can also be a dirty cream, reddish-brown, or any variation of gold.
Size, Weight, and Lifespan of Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu
- The Shiba Inu is usually small, meaning they are less than 24 inches at the withers (the point of their shoulder).
- Shiba Inus are small, so they typically weigh between 17-24 pounds.
- Shih Tzus are medium-sized, meaning they are between 24-28 inches at the withers. Shih Tzus are taller than Shiba Inus, so they average 9-12 inches
- The Shih Tzu is larger, typically weighing between 13-18 pounds.
- A Shiba Inu has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. A Shih Tzu can live up to 16 years.
Hair Care and Grooming of Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu
Groomers have varying opinions on the importance of grooming a Shiba Inu with or without an undercoat, but they all agree that it needs to be done regularly.
Pet owners with Shiba Inus recommend using a comb and a slicker brush once a week to remove dead hairs from the skin and mats from furred areas. Shiba Inu’s double coat should be brushed frequently to prevent any kind of skin allergies they might get.
However, some Shiba Inus shed profusely and require more frequent grooming sessions. If you have a Shiba Inu who sheds a lot, it is recommended that you groom him two times a week. As for brushing, it is recommended that you brush him once in the morning when he wakes up, and at night before you put him to bed.
You also have the option of brushing your Shiba Inu in between these two times. If you blow dry the Shiba Inu, it is recommended that you do so on a lower setting to prevent burning their skin and fur.
You must clean the ears of your Shiba Inu once a week. Use an ear cleaning solution to wipe them out, and always use a cotton ball. Never insert anything in the ear canal for this can cause damage to your Shiba’s ears.
Shih tzu dog breeds are an excellent choice of dog for the pet owner who wants a short-haired breed that requires less grooming. Shih tzu need to be brushed about once a week. If they are not brushed, then hair will begin to mat together, which leads to health problems. A shih tzu coat is similar to human hair in that it can’t handle too much heat or moisture without getting tangled.
Showers are okay, but baths are not recommended. They can be wiped down with a wet towel if necessary. Shih Tzu has fiur coat colours. They are black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white.
In regards to how often a shih tzu should be bathed, this varies from one dog to the next. Some dogs do not need their fur bathed at all while others might. The most important thing to consider is the dog’s natural oils in their skin. Shih tzu should not be bathed too much, but instead trimmed and groomed regularly. You can take your Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu to a professional groomer for their puppy trim.
Personality and Temperament of Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu
Shiba inu are good with kids and other home pets. Shiba inu are friendly, but they need socialization to avoid being fearful of new people. They are intelligent, independent, and agile. Shibas are not stranger friendly dogs. If they are not properly socialized they might show hostile behaviour in front of a stranger. To make sure situation like these never happen with your shiba you should start early socialization.
The Shiba Inu temperament is one that is lively and alert. They are often very protective of their family and territory and can be aggressive with other dogs and strangers.
Due to this reason, they are good watchdogs because they bark when they sense something is amiss. They also do not like to be left alone, especially during the day when their owners go to work. Their bark is explosive, but not that loud. Given the right training and socialization, shiba inu can be perfect pets for families with kids and other pets.
Shih Tzu are a very gentle and loving type of dog. They are happy, sweet and cuddly. They have a good temperament with people and other animals. Shibas require constant mental stimulation to make sure they
Shih Tzu don’t bark much at all which is one of the reasons why they’re so popular as house pets. Shih Tzu seem to be perfect for families or those who live in small spaces as they don’t require as much exercise as some other breeds.
On the other hand, Shiba Inu are a very independent and strong willed type of dog. They have a high prey drive meaning that if something catches their attention they’ll likely give chase.
Shiba Inu are generally friendly but they are more likely to be aggressive with small animals which is why they’re not always considered the perfect dog for families. Shiba Inu require a lot of exercise meaning that you’ll need to commit to walking your new companion on a daily basis. Shiba Inu puppy should be involved in vigorous exercise to keep their energy level under control. Shiba Inu without any exercise can result in weight gain. This might cause negative impact on their current health conditions.
Shibas are prone to progressive retinal atrophy. This is a genetic disease. Not only Shibas but Shih Tzu are too prone to progressive retinal atrophy. Other genetic disease these dogs might get are patellar luxation (patellar luxation is prominent and glaucoma in both Shiba Inus and Shih Tzu), Hip dysplasia, bladder stones, ear infections, etc. Retained baby teeth and tooth and gum problems are not unusual because the Shih Tzu’s baby teeth may remain intact when the permanent teeth emerge.
If you compare Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu, you’ll find that Shih Tzu do not require much exercise and are very calm and gentle while Shiba Inu need more exercise and do not like interacting with other animals or people they don’t know. They both need constant attention from family member. Both breeds need constant mental stimulation to make them stay healthy. This helps in making sure they don’t suffer with separation anxiety.
Shiba Inu VS Shih Tzu Socialisation
The Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu are both popular dogs that can be found in many households around the world. The Shiba Inu is an independent dog that does not get along well with other dogs or pets. Many Shiba Inus find it difficult to get along with other people outside of their immediate family. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, enjoys being around people and other animals.
Shih Tzu are the perfect choice for families that want to have a good time together while still having pet around. Shih Tzu love spending time with all members of the household and they also enjoy meeting new friends throughout their day. Shiba Inus are loving dogs in their own right, but Shih Tzu fit in well with any family dynamic.
Owners should make sure they provide enhanced obedience training to their dog especially Shiba Inu.
Shiba Inu and Shih Tzu dog Training
A Shiba Inu is a small, agile dog with a fox-like appearance. They are considered as best dog breed for apartment living. Shih Tzu is a smaller dog, with a fluffy and cuddly appearance. Shiba Inu vs Shih Tzu both provide some challenges for those who live with them. Shiba Inus are more sensitive to their environment and require more attention than Shih Tzus, so they need training and socialization from an early age on. Shih Tzu do not require as much socialization: they can be left outside for long periods of time without human interaction and still be happy dogs.
Training Shiba Inus will be harder and difficult as compare to other small dogs. Shiba is very energetic and can be prone to destroying things in your home. Shiba’s are more independent than Shih Tzu’s but still need plenty of attention. Shiba’s don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time or they can become anxious and destructive. Shih Tzu’s are more submissive dogs, so they may enjoy being left alone more often than Shiba’s will. Shih Tzu’s shouldn’t be left alone too often as they can develop anxiety.
Shiba Inu VS Shih Tzu Food Requirements
A Shiba’s diet should include a large amount of protein, vegetables and little to no grains. Shih Tzus have a similar diet but Shih Tzus can have a variety of different grains for their meal. Shiba Inu’s are more active than Shih Tzu, so they need a higher-protein diet to keep up with the activity levels. Shih Tzus also is more suited to be around people and is less prone to escaping as Shiba Inu’s do.
Owners can provide them high quality dry food too. We suggest to provide human food to your puppy more frequently than processed food.
Shiba Inu vs Shih Tzu Breed Which One Should You Get
It’s important to know their differences so that you can make an informed decision before getting one as your pet! As we finish this blog post, it should now be easier for you to decide on which pup will best suit your needs and lifestyle based on our Shiba Inu vs Shih Tzu Breed Comparison article.
It is important for you as a potential owner to consider your living situation before deciding between these two dogs; if you live in an apartment with no yard time available, then go with a Shiba Inu; but if you want a dog who will need lots of exercises outdoors every day, then opt for the lively Shih Tzu instead!
As you can see, there are pros and cons for both types of dogs; however they also share many similarities. If this has sparked any interest on which type of pup would work best for your home lifestyle or personality type, let me know what kind of puppy of dog you have in the comments!!!
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