Portuguese Podengo Pequeno vs Shiba Inu
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Hound Group
Shiba Inu
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Overview
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are small, agile hounds with distinctive triangular ears and alert expressions. Their compact bodies showcase graceful lines and remarkable athleticism. Available in both smooth and wire-coated varieties, these dogs exhibit a proud carriage and lively demeanor. Their almond-shaped eyes convey intelligence and curiosity, while their wedge-shaped heads reflect their keen hunting heritage.
Shiba Inu Overview
Spirited and independent, the Shiba Inu showcases a compact, muscular build with a distinctive fox-like appearance. Their double coat features a straight outer layer and soft undercoat, typically displaying rich red, cream, or sesame coloring. Alert triangular ears, dark almond eyes, and a confident bearing reflect their ancient Japanese heritage and hunting prowess.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are more energetic than Shiba Inus, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Podengo Pequenos require less grooming attention compared to Shiba Inus.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos tend to be more reserved with strangers than Shiba Inus.
- Trainability: Shiba Inus may be slightly easier to train due to their Shiba Inu's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shiba Inus adapt better to apartment living, while Portuguese Podengo Pequenos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and Shiba Inu, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Podengo Pequeno | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Podengo Pequeno | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-12 inches 20-30 cm | 14-17 inches 34-42 cm |
| Weight | 9-13 lbs 4-6 kg | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Podengo Pequeno | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Lively | Alert, Active, Attentive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Podengo Pequeno | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Temperament
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is known for being playful, charming, lively, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Shiba Inu Temperament
The Shiba Inu is characterized by being alert, active, attentive, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and Shiba Inu, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 5/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 5/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 4/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 2/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 3/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Shiba Inu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shiba Inus need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Shiba Inus require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
Shiba Inu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent watchdog
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
- May be vocal
- Requires secure fencing
Shiba Inu
Pros
- Independent nature
- Clean and fastidious
- Minimal grooming needs
- Excellent watchdog
- Apartment-friendly size
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Stubborn personality
- Challenging to train
- May be aggressive with other dogs
- Prone to escaping
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and Shiba Inu, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.