Shiba Inu vs English Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Shiba Inu
Non-Sporting Group
English Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
English Foxhound Overview
English Foxhounds embody strength and endurance with their muscular build and deep chest. Standing 24 inches at the shoulder, these athletic hounds showcase a short, dense coat in tricolor or black-white-tan combinations. Their long legs and powerful shoulders enable remarkable stamina, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reflect their amiable nature. Distinguished by melodious voices and keen hunting instincts, they move with grace and purpose.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Shiba Inus are less energetic than English Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shiba Inus require more grooming attention compared to English Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shiba Inus tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Foxhounds.
- Trainability: English Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their English Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shiba Inus adapt better to apartment living, while English Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Shiba Inu and English Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shiba Inu | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-16 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shiba Inu | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-17 inches 34-42 cm | 24-24 inches 61-61 cm |
| Weight | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg | 60-75 lbs 27-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shiba Inu | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Active, Attentive | Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shiba Inu | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shiba Inu Temperament
The Shiba Inu is known for being alert, active, attentive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
English Foxhound Temperament
The English Foxhound is characterized by being affectionate, gentle, sociable, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Shiba Inu and English Foxhound, 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
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shiba Inu
Rating: 2/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Shiba Inu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shiba Inus require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can 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 prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
English Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Foxhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Shiba Inu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
English Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Disease
- Epilepsy
- Thrombocytopathy
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
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
English Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with other dogs
- Gentle temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong hunting instincts
- Not apartment suitable
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Shiba Inu and English Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.