Compare breeds
Chihuahua vs Shiba Inu
Chihuahua
Short
Shiba Inu
Short
Choose the Chihuahua if you want…
- a dog or cat that learns quickly
- a flat or small home
- less hair around the house
- less time spent grooming
Choose the Shiba Inu if you want…
- a family with children
- a quieter companion
Side by side
| Trait | Chihuahua | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Weight | 1.5–3 kg (3–7 lb) | 8–11 kg (18–24 lb) |
| Height | 15–23 cm (6–9 in) | 35–43 cm (14–17 in) |
| Life span | 14–17 years | 13–16 years |
| Origin | Mexico | Japan |
| Energy | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with other pets | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Chihuahua or the Shiba Inu?
The Shiba Inu — typically about 4.2 times the weight. Chihuahua: 1.5–3 kg (3–7 lb); Shiba Inu: 8–11 kg (18–24 lb).
Which lives longer, the Chihuahua or the Shiba Inu?
The Chihuahua, on average. Chihuahua: 14–17 years; Shiba Inu: 13–16 years.
Is the Chihuahua or the Shiba Inu better with children?
The Shiba Inu scores higher in our profiles (3 vs 2 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts