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, Wire Fox Terriers 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

Alert
Fearless
Keen
Intelligent
Bold
Friendly
Quick

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

Wire Fox Terriers 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.

Wire Fox Terriers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Japan

England

Spitz

rough-coated black and tan 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

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
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
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

Ancient Times

1800s

Non Sporting (AKC:1992)

Terrier (AKC:1885 & UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Black
Red
Cream

Black
Red
Silver
White
Brindle

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

Wire Fox Terriers have medium-length coats.

Straight

Wiry

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 Wire Fox Terrier can have a litter of 13-14 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.

Shiba Inus are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Wire Fox Terriers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hip Dysplasia

Distichiasis
Cataracts
Lens Luxation
Shoulder Dislocation
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Hip
Knee
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Eye
Hearing
Skeletal
X-Rays
Eye Examination

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

Wire Fox Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

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

Wire Fox Terrier 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.

Wire Fox Terriers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

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

Wire Fox Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Shiba Inu dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Wire Fox Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Shiba Inu dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Wire Fox Terrier dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

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

Walking, Jumping, Jogging, Road trip, Walk, Run, Fetch

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 Wire Fox Terriers usually need at least 45 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.

The Wire Fox Terrier requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

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 17-19 pound (8 - 9 kg) Wire Fox Terrier feed 2.6 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

Wire Fox Terriers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Shiba Inus have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Wire Fox Terriers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

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

Wire Fox Terriers are not cat friendly.

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

Wire Fox Terriers are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

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

Wire Fox Terriers are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Wire Fox Terriers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

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

Wire Fox Terriers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.