Miniature Akita - One of the Best Breeds You Can Own

     The Shiba Inu, often nicknamed "Miniature Akita", is a breed of dog very similar to the now popular Akita. Many people end up mixing up the two because they are very like in appearance: they both have sharp, triangular ears, a long, wide snout, furry coat and a curled tail. However, although both dogs originated from Japan, they are not in the same family and thus are not the same thing.

Miniature Akitas is a misleading term, and many people end up believing that that is the actual name of the breed. Although they have similar characteristics, both breeds are ultimately very different from each other. Each one has its own unique characteristics.

Why are they termed Miniature Akitas? The most obvious answer is because that's exactly what they appear as: smaller versions of the mighty Akita. While this may be true, there are other differences that make the Shiba Inu extraordinary in its own right. They have double coats that can be colored red, black, tan and sesame, with a differently-colored undercoat that can be cream, gray or buff. Some Shiba Inu even come in creamy white or pinto. They only grow to be fourteen to seventeen inches high (for males) and thirteen to fifteen inches high for females.

Shiba Inu, or miniature Akitas, are very intelligent and independent. However, they are, admittedly, not easily trained. They were originally hunting dogs and therefore will often give chase to anything they see as their prey. It is for this reason that they should be kept on a leash when outside. Shiba Inu are quick and proud, and are, surprisingly, very clean. They will often clean themselves the moment they feel dirty. A good quality of the Shiba Inu is that it will always try to avoid getting its coat messy. This is why they are easily housebroken.

While the original Akitas rarely bark and only do so when feeling uneasy, these 'miniature Akitas' can actually scream. When unhappy, they will emit a loud shriek. They can also make the same sound if they feel very happy. People who are not fond of loud dogs will not take too kindly to the Shiba Inu. The only way to prevent this kind of screaming is to treat the dog well and give it the attention it needs and rightfully deserves.

Shiba Inu are not as prone to genetic defects as other dog breeds are. They are known to live from twelve to sixteen years old, and thankfully, because of their inherent cleanliness, do not need to be groomed that often. They do, however, naturally shed, and their hairs could end up everywhere. Therefore, people allergic to dog hair should not own this breed.

The miniature Akita is very different from the actual Akita, after all. Aside from their size differences, Shiba Inu actually have distinctly different personalities and traits. Thus, one should be sure to know which breed they are actually getting, in order to avoid being surprised by unexpected habits and characteristics. Both dogs are great in their own little ways.