Shiba Inu vs Akita: cost, health and care compared
The Shiba Inu and the Akita side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Shiba Inu | Akita | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group [2] | Working Group [3] |
| Weight | 23 pounds (male), 17 pounds (female) [2] | 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 14.5-16.5 inches (male), 13.5-15.5 inches (female) [2] | 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 13–16+ years [2] | 10–14+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 2 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 44 [4] | No. 62 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease, Allergies and itchy skin See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Hypothyroidism, Bloat See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] | $308 – $1,224 (large dogs, median $640) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,500 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $11,400–$22,100 | $8,800–$21,200 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Shiba Inu health problems and costs and Akita health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Shiba Inu or the Akita?
Expect to spend a bit more each year on the Akita ($880–$1,500 vs $880–$1,400), mostly because bigger dogs have bigger vet bills.
Which lives longer, the Shiba Inu or the Akita?
The AKC gives the Shiba Inu a life expectancy of 13–16+ years and the Akita 10–14+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Shiba Inu and Akita have?
Shiba Inu: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease and Allergies and itchy skin. Akita: Hip dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Hypothyroidism and Bloat.
Which is better with kids, the Shiba Inu or the Akita?
The AKC rates the Shiba Inu 3 of 5 and the Akita 3 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.