Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Which Breed Is Right for You?
They may look alike, but Corgi and Shiba Inus have quite different personalities.
Corgis are friendly, eager to please and easy to train, making them perfect for first time dog owners. Shina Inus, while loyal and affectionate, require a little more time and effort to train because they tend to be stubborn and highly independent.
To help you understand the differences between the two fluff balls and settle on a favorite, let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between Corgis and Shiba Inus.
Similarities between Corgis and Shiba Inus
In addition to their similar colorings, Corgis and Shiba Inus are both highly intelligent dogs that require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They both shed heavily and form strong bonds with their owners.
Differences between Corgis and Shiba Inus
Where Corgis and Shiba Inus differ is how independent they are (or not) and how well they get on with other humans and animals.
Corgis tend to be clingier than Shiba Inus. They hate being left alone for long periods of time, preferring to spend as much time as possible with their owner.
Corgis are also very sociable creatures, getting on well with other dogs, cats, and children if trained and socialized properly from an early age.
Shiba Inus, however, can be quite independent with a strong hunting instinct. Their love of chasing and exporation means it’s usually best to avoid taking them off the leash unless you’re in a safe and enclosed space.
If you have other pets or children at home, it’s worth considering whether a Shiba Inu is the most suitable breed for you. Their independent streak can make them a little dominant around kids and other animals.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Training
Corgis and Shiba Inus both require similar amounts of training. If you’re considering getting a puppy, begin training as soon as you bring them home. Both breeds are highly intelligent, so the sooner you can start training, the quicker they’ll pick up good habits.
Corgis are generally more cooperative than Shiba Inus. The latter tends to be stubborn and gets bored quite easily, so you’ll need lots of patience to ensure they remain focused on the training at hand.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Energy
Both Shiba Inus and Corgis have lots of energy to exert and require at least 60 minutes of exercise each day.
Shiba Inus have a strong hunting instinct whereas Corgis are instinctive herders. For this reason, Shibas are more likely to try and escape from your garden or disappear off down holes in the ground.
Keep them on a leash when taking them on regular (unenclosed) walks around your neighborhood. When you can, take them on big walks with lots of space to run wild and explore safely… this is a Shiba Inus favourite past-time!
Corigs also need an hour of physical exercise a day, but due to their herding instincts, they’re less likely to run away in pursuit of prey. You might be surprised to learn that despite their short legs, Corgis make great hiking companions!
Besides physical stimulation, both Corgis and Shiba Inus will need adequate mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and potentially destructive.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Shedding
Unfortunately, both Corgis and Shiba Inus are heavy shedders, so they may not be the best candidates for someone with asthma or other respiratory conditions. If you belong to this group, you could opt for a hypoallergenic dog instead.
Corgis and Shiba Inus shed moderately on a daily basis, then more heavily during their shedding seasons. The Shiba Inu is even more demanding as its heavy shedding season can last up to six months!
Whether you opt for a Corgi or a Shiba Inu, be ready for a busy grooming schedule. Daily brushing, occasional trimming, and periodic baths will help you maintain a healthy, shiny coat. And, it will keep your home as hair-free as possible.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Barking
Corgis are considered to be the noisier of the two breeds. Originally bred to be herding dogs, their very loud bark made them an asset to farmers with animals to protect.
Shiba Inus are known to ‘yodel’ when they want attention and sometimes purr like cats when being stroked.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: How Long Can They Be Left Alone
Corgis are highly sociable dogs that don’t like to be left home alone for long periods of time. I don’t recommend leaving them alone for more than 3-4 hours maximum. Try not to make this a regular occurance.
Less clingy than Corgis, Shiba Inus are generally ok with being left alone for a few hours.
However, both breeds are highly intelligent with huge amounts of energy. So, it’s best to really tire them out with a big walk and lots of playtime before leaving them alone. This stimulation will help ward off boredom and destructive tendencies.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Which Breed Is Better for a First Time Owner?
Based on their trainability and how extroverted they are, Corgis are the better choice for novice dog parents. Their easy going attitude, amiable personality, and friendliness with pets and strangers have earned them that status.
Independent and keen for adventure, Shiba Inus may be less suitable for first time dog owners. They require an owner who has experience. Someone who is prepared to spend time training them and doesn’t mind keeping them on a leash during daily walks.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Animals and Children
Corgis are the perfect dogs to introduce (gradually) to pets that you already have at home.
Just keep in mind that thanks to their herding instincts, they can be a little territorial at first. You may even catch them trying to herd your kids during playtime, so make sure to supervise them to prevent any rough play.
Shiba Inus are generally not recommended for families with young children. While many Shibas will be gentle, some won’t tolerate being prodded and poked by little fingers and may display signs of aggression. They’re usually better with older children who are more understanding of a dog’s boundaries.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Are They Good in Apartments?
The good news is that both Corgis and Shiba Inus can live just fine in an apartment. As long as they get enough daily exercise and mental stimulation, they’re just as happy living in an apartment as they are in a house with a big garden.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Health Problems
Due to their short legs and long backs, Corgis are more prone to spine- and joint-related issues like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and hip dysplasia. However, keeping them at a healthy weight can help mitigate the risks of these health problems.
While Shiba Inus can also experience hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (misaligned kneecaps), they’re most pronne to hypothyroidism. This is when their thyroid gland is underactive and can result in lethargy, changes in thirst or appetite, or even hair loss.
Corgi vs. Shiba Inu: Which Is More Expensive?
You can expect to pay around $2500-$3500 for a Shiba Inu and $1000-$2000 for a Corgi.
The Bottom Line
So, have you figured out whether a Corgi vs. Shiba Inu is right for you?
To sum it up, a Corgi is a great choice for a first-time owner looking for a friendly, affectionate, and active dog that’s easy to train.
If you’re an experienced dog owner and ready for a dog with lots of personality, a Shiba Inu may be the one for you.
