If you think you saw a big wolf-shaped croissant, you probably saw a Shiba Inu. These cuddly pups are a Japanese dog breed; really popular as companion dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs arrived in America from Japan around 60 years ago.
This dog breed is sturdy and huggable with a confident demeanor. Shibas have a high-shedding, dense double coat that comes in colors like sesame, red, black, and tan. Here are 9 dogs with some similarities to these beautiful canines.
Dog Breeds Similar to Shiba Inu
1. Akita Inu
Akita Inu is one of the largest Japanese dogs belonging to the Spitz breed. Akitas were originally bred by royalty as hunting dogs; due to their strength and alertness, they were also excellent watchdogs.
As they have a history of accompanying their hunter human, their strong prey drive can come out at times. With early socialization and obedience training, these instincts can be kept in check.
Akitas can be up to 28 inches tall and can weigh up to 75 pounds. This Japanese breed is well-muscled and sturdy. Its dense, double coat is suitable for the freezing cold environments it originally comes from. So, if you live in a hotter place, you might want to keep your Akita cool.
Weekly brushing is important for your Akita Inu. Be generous with the different types of brushes you might have to buy due to their different type of outer and undercoats.
2. Korean Jindo
This name might touch a string if you’re a K-pop or K-Drama fan. Korean Jindos are adorable dogs from South Korea, and were originally bred as hunting dogs, and have been used by the Korean Army. Perfect combination of looks and personality, this pup is loyal to a fault and affectionate to its family members.
Korean Jindo, also called Chindo dog and Jindo-gyeon, tends to be a fox-like, medium-sized dog. Its height ranges from 19.5 to 21.5 inches (males) and 17 to 20 inches (females). These sturdy dogs have a weight range of 40 to 60 pounds (males) and 35 to 55 pounds (females).
Jindos have a thick, coarse, and straight double coat that saves them from the harsh environments. They are diverse in colors; sometimes they’re white with red markings on their face called ‘Tansaek’.
These pups are strong-willed but make excellent companions to their owners due to their tendency to form strong bonds.
3. Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz has a big heart under that compact size. This Japanese breed is fluffy, unbearably adorable, and very affectionate. Their family-friendly nature is what makes them special among other dog breeds.
Generally a happy-go-lucky dog, this spitz breed can be slightly aloof with strangers until they get a bit more familiar.
These cuties are no more than 12 to 15 inches in height, and 10 to 25 pounds heavy on average. They boast a fluffy, dense white coat that makes us want to wrap them in a tight hug. The straight outer coat is paired with a soft undercoat.
Your house might be covered in white, snow-like fur during their shedding seasons. Regular grooming of their bushy coats during these periods will help with crisis control. These intelligent dogs are bundles of energy and very playful.
4. Finnish Spitz
If you don’t mind a lovely family dog that tends to yap a lot, the Finnish Spitz is a fabulous choice. This serious-looking but gentle breed tends to bark about literally anything; they don’t need an excuse.
Their personality makes up for the loudness, though. Not very cozy-cozy with strangers, Finnish Spitz make gentle and loyal companions to their owners, as per Hills Pet.
With fluffy but pointed ears and gentle eyes, the Finnish Spitz stands 17-20 in (males) and 15-18 in (females). Their average weights are 31-36 pounds (males) and 23-29 pounds (females). They come in a medium, straight double coat that needs moderate grooming.
5. Samoyed
Suitable as family dogs, the Samoyed hails from freezing cold regions of Siberia. These pups make loyal, playful, and affectionate companions and get along perfectly with children. They’re quite stranger-friendly, so don’t expect them to freak out if there’s an intruder in the house.
Apart from their soft nature, they’re pretty high-energy and intelligent dogs and very highly trainable.
Originally bred to pull sleds, these medium pups are quite strong and stand 19-23.5 inches tall. They can grow to be 35 to 65 pounds heavy. They have a very dense double coat that’s expected from breeds of their origin. The hair tends to be long and shed throughout the year.
6. Keeshond
Unforgettable and irresistible for dog-huggers, the Keeshond is a very playful and watchful dog breed with an affectionate nature. They’re madly in love with their owners and not very fond of strangers. Their unique looks make them one of the most sought-after family pets.
Keeshond is a spitz-type dog with erect ears and a fox-like face. Its thick, lush double coat is a sight to look at; while it looks like hard to manage, regular brushing will keep it in good condition. The coat comes in lots of shades, some are: black, silver, and grey.
Keeshond males can stand up to 18 inches tall, while females can go to 17 inches. The average weight for male and female Keeshonds is up to 45 and 35 pounds, respectively. These pups are highly intelligent and high energy; both physical exercise and mental stimulation are a must for them.
7. American Eskimo
American Eskimo, also called “Eskie” and “American Spitz dog,” is a purebred dog popular as an affectionate family pet. Though not a modern breed, this dog never goes out of style. These fluffy dogs always have an adorable smile on their faces that gives us cozy feelings.
Eskies can have different standard sizes: Toy, Standard, and Miniature.
Toy: 6-10 pounds, 9-12 inches.
Standard: 18-35 pounds, 15-20 inches.
Miniature: 10-17 pounds, 12-15 inches.
These beautiful dogs come in a puffed-up white, straight coat. Scheduling their grooming session is a non-negotiable, but regular brushing is what they pretty much need to keep the hair clean and fabulous. They’re not very suitable pets for people who suffer from allergies.
8. Shikokou
Shikokou is an energetic and alert Japanese dog breed hailing from the island of Shikoku. These are rare dogs even in their native lands. They were prized companions of the Matangi (Japanese hunters) and were used for tracking big game like wild boars. They have a high prey drive.
Shikokou is an agile and strong medium-sized dog. Males can be 19 to 21 inches tall, and females can grow to be 18 to 21.5 inches. Their average weight can be 35 to 55 pounds. They come in a rough, straight outercoat and soft, thick undercoat; regular grooming is a must for these canines.
9. Kai Ken
Kai Ken is a rough-looking, rare Japanese breed. They’re friendly and loyal companions to their owners and love to form a bond with their owners. They’re not very trusting of strangers, which makes them pretty awesome watchdogs.
Though they look like they belong in the mountains, Kai Ken make excellent family pets due to their demeanor. Living in an apartment? These doggos can be your badass-looking flat-buddies as they adapt pretty well.
Kens can grow from 17 to 22 inches in height, and puff up from 30 to 50 pounds. Pretty obvious when you look at it, the thick double coat is harsh and medium in length. The curled tail completes the look. The coat needs regular grooming; a brushing session once a week will remove any oils, dirt, and shedding.
Conclusion
This was our review of dogs that share similarities in looks or traits with the lovable Shibas. If you’re considering adopting one of these breeds, get in touch with a reputable breeder or a good rescue organization.
