Akita & Shiba Inu
Inu means “dog” in Japanese, so I am going to call them just Akitas and Shibas here.
Akita is perhaps best known for the portrayal in the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, which was based on the real story of a loyal Akita dog who waited faithfully for his owner to return from work every day. This large breed originated in Japan, weighing 70–130 pounds and standing 24–28 inches tall. Along with other Japanese breeds including the Shiba, the Akita is celebrated for its unique place in Japanese culture and is even listed as a natural monument of Japan.
Historically, the Akita was bred for hunting and guarding purposes, but today, they have become widely recognized as family pets. What truly sets this breed apart, however, is their incredible loyalty. Akitas are known for keeping a watchful eye on their humans at all times, rarely straying too far away or losing sight of their beloved people. Despite the attention and admiration they receive from strangers on their walks, they remain cool and calm because their loyalty lies with their owners and not with pleasing strangers. Of course, it’s not just their personalities that make Akitas such special dogs. Their long, soft, and utterly gorgeous hair is another standout feature that is sure to capture the hearts of anyone who meets them. Moreover, they have innocent eyes with a touch of melancholy that is hard to resist. All in all, it’s easy to see why Akitas are adored by many dog lovers around the world.
Shiba, much like the Akita, also originated from Japan and is one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan. While they may look similar in images, the Shiba is much smaller, weighing between 17 to 23 pounds and standing at 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall. Just like Akitas, their coat colors range from black, grey, brown, and orange to white. Notably, they have cute curled tails! From an animal behavioral perspective, it may not be convenient for them to communicate with other dogs by wagging their tails or so, but that adds to their attractive features. Additionally, a newer smaller breed called Mame Shiba has been developed for pet owners who prefer smaller dogs. The name “Mame” is roughly translated as “pea-sized” or “tiny,” emphasizing their small size.
Regarding the breed known as “American Akita”, I could not find consistent information. However, it is commonly believed that this type of Akita has been bred in the United States since the end of World War II, when American soldiers brought Akita dogs back to the country. While it is possible that these dogs may be hybrid breeds rather than purebred Akitas, they undeniably inherit many of the distinctive traits that are associated with the Akita breed, such as their size, appearance, and temperament.
If you have a soft spot for these specific breeds, here are videos featuring faithful Akitas and charming Shiba puppies. These adorable ones are sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten up your day!
