Unfortunately, the Shiba Inu is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Silky Tzus are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Alert
Confident
Fearless
Going
Charming
Faithful
Keen

Active
Playful
Happy
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Responsive
Quick
Lively
Gentle
Joyful
Inquisitive

Shiba Inus are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Silky Tzus shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

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

Avoid Silky Tzus as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Japan

United States

Spitz

Shih Tzu and Silky Terrier

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Ancient Times

Unknown

Brown

Hazel
Brown

Black

Black

Black
Red
Cream

Red
White
Black
Brown
Cream
Fawn

Shiba Inus have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Silky Tzus are known for their coat length.

Straight

Wavy

A Shiba Inu can have a litter of 12-15 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.

A Silky Tzu can have a litter of 3-5 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.

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Spongiform Leukodystrophy
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hip Dysplasia

Otitis Externa
Patellar Luxation
Urolithiasis
Tracheal Collapse

Hip
Knee
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Eye
Skeletal
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Hip and Knee
Blood and Urine Protein Screens

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

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

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

Silky Tzu has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Shiba Inus need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Silky Tzus need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

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

Silky Tzus are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

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

Trick training, Play

Shiba 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.

Silky Tzus are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Silky Tzu dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silky Tzu, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Shiba 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.

In general most Silky Tzus usually need at least 40 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

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

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

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

Ideally, Silky Tzu should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

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.

For an average 8-13 pound (4 - 6 kg) Silky Tzu 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.

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

The average cost of a Silky Tzu is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

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.

The average per month expenses of a Silky Tzu 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.

Shiba Inus have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

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

Shiba Inus are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Silky Tzus are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

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

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

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

Silky Tzus are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Silky Tzus are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.