Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
13 to 16 years
Size:

Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Medium

Best For

No, they're not related to foxes—but the spirited and independent Shiba Inu's personality can be just as feisty. They make intelligent, loyal companions for pet parents who can provide plenty of mental stimulation and...

No, they're not related to foxes—but the spirited and independent Shiba Inu's personality can be just as feisty. They make intelligent, loyal companions for pet parents who can provide plenty of mental stimulation and exercise.

Shiba Inu Temperament

Shiba Inu dogs have strong, confident personalities, coupled with a mellow friendliness around their families. These traits, combined with their vigilance, are some of their most prized characteristics. Sometimes aloof, they may come across as indifferent or even cold toward strangers and other dogs, which is why some say t...

Shiba Inu dogs have strong, confident personalities, coupled with a mellow friendliness around their families. These traits, combined with their vigilance, are some of their most prized characteristics.

Sometimes aloof, they may come across as indifferent or even cold toward strangers and other dogs, which is why some say their personality resembles a cat. Though good natured, they have an independent streak, so they shouldn’t be let off-leash—there are too many fascinating sights and sounds in the world to catch their attention! They can also be quite selfish when it comes to their possessions. For those reasons, early socialization and training are absolutely necessary with a Shiba.

When Shibas aren’t happy (or don’t want to do what you’ve asked them to do), they’re more than happy to let you know they’re displeased. But they don’t bark or whine; they have a unique vocalization that is affectionately called the “Shiba Inu scream.” Used more often than a true bark, the scream is a rather high-pitched whining sound, something like the noise a cat makes crossed with the sound of a human baby crying.

Shiba Inu Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 14 years
Size:

Large

Maintenance Level:

High

Shed Level:

Very High

Best For

German Shepherds, intelligent and loyal, thrive on mental challenges and active engagement. With a strong work ethic, they make exceptional working dogs. The rewarding companionship of a German Shepherd is perfect for those seeking a...

German Shepherds, intelligent and loyal, thrive on mental challenges and active engagement. With a strong work ethic, they make exceptional working dogs. The rewarding companionship of a German Shepherd is perfect for those seeking a devoted and versatile pup.

German Shepherd Temperament

The German Shepherd’s best trait is their intense, unwavering loyalty to their families. (There’s a reason they make some of the best police dogs.) The fearless breed has also been known to put themselves in harm’s way before they let a family member get hurt. Socializ...

The German Shepherd’s best trait is their intense, unwavering loyalty to their families. (There’s a reason they make some of the best police dogs.) The fearless breed has also been known to put themselves in harm’s way before they let a family member get hurt.

Socialization and training are essential for German Shepherds, to teach them that most things in this world are nothing to fear (and nothing that poses a threat to their loved ones, either). Early social interactions with kids, babies and other animals is also important if you want your German Shepherd to be well-behaved around guests. (Remember to teach children how to interact appropriately with dogs, too.) With the proper education, this easy-to-train pup can be a great family dog.

German Shepherds are born talkers. They will bark when they’re bored, and they’ll bark to alert you if something isn’t quite right. But training and exercise can help curb a lippy pup and keep their barking to when you need it the most.

These dogs are incredibly smart, and they are at their best when they have a job to do, whether working as a police or military dog, doing tracking or search and rescue, serving as a guide dog or at home practicing scent work or solving puzzles for a treat. And when they’re with their family, German Shepherds will let their silly side show as they flip their toys in the air and roll around on their backs.

German Shepherd Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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