Corgis and Shiba Inus are two very different breeds when it comes to looks, personalities, history, etc. Nonetheless, both Shiba Inu and Corgi are beautiful, cute, and fluffy dogs who steal our hearts every day.
If you want to know more about these two breeds and what are the differences between them just keep reading. In this article, we touch on all the information you need to decide whether to get a Corgi vs Shiba Inu.
Corgi vs Shiba Inu main differences
There are numerous distinctions between Corgis and Shiba Inus. But, the question is how to know which one is more suitable for you, your family, and your lifestyle. Down below are listed the main differences between Corgis and Shiba Inus.
- Physical appearance
- Personality
- Lifespan and health issues
- Price
- History
Corgi vs Shiba Inu Physical appearance
When it comes to Corgi’s appearance they are small dogs with short legs and long bodies. They have short, cropped tails. Their ears are large and pointy.
Shiba Inus are medium-sized dogs that have a muscular build. They have perked-up, pointy, and triangular ears. Their tails are curled and fluffy.
Both breeds have a double coat which is hard to maintain. It’s recommended to brush them once a day and take them to professional grooming once in a while.
Both Corgis and Shiba Inus come in a variety of colors. Shiba Inu’s signature fur colors are red, sesame, black & tan (and cream which is not approved by AKC because Urajiro marking usually doesn’t show on them). Corgi’s fur colors are orange-red, sesame, and cream to white.
Corgi’s height goes from 8 to 12 inches while Shiba Inus’s height goes from 13 to 16 inches. Corgi’s weight is around 22-37 pounds while Shiba Inu’s weight is around 18-22 pounds.
Corgi vs Shiba Inu Personality
Both Corgis and Shiba Inus seem cute and friendly. However, that is not the case for Shiba Inus. That said, it’s always best to socialize your dog as soon as you get them.
Shiba Inus are very loyal to their owner. They are confident and have minds of their own. Shiba Inus are most similar to cats. The love for their owner is unconditional but even when they are socialized they don’t like to be touched and squished by other people.
A few years ago there was a “doge” meme floating around the internet. Shiba Inus are for sure the most famous for the funniest facial expressions they have. If your Shiba Inu is not pleased they will let you know just by looking at you with their “not thrilled” face.
Corgis are very loving and affectionate. They love to be the center of attention. When they see a group of people and kids they immediately think it’s their time to shine. They are very friendly and they show as much love as possible to their owners as well as to other people or animals.
Still, this is only an observation and you should socialize both Corgis and Shiba Inus. Every dog has a different personality regardless of their breed.
Corgi vs Shiba Inu Health
Both Corgis and Shiba Inus are prone to some genetic and other diseases. It’s common for purebred dogs to have certain diseases or defects.
When you are getting a purebred dog make sure that both of their parents are tested for the most common diseases they are prone to.
Corgi’s lifespan is usually around 11 to 13 years while Shiba Inu’s lifespan is usually between 12 and 15 years.
Shiba Inu’s most common diseases are:
Luxating Patella is a genetic disease that causes problems with your dog’s knee joints. This disease usually requires surgery. Signs of this disease are limping and lameness.
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes your dog to seem stiff, lazy, and weak. This disease is diagnosed via x-ray imaging.
Cataracts, glaucoma, and PRA (Progressive retinal atrophy) are three kinds of eye defects. These three defects can cause your dog to go partially or entirely blind. Cataracts and Glaucoma could be treatable but the cure for PRA doesn’t exist at the moment.
Allergies can affect your Shiba Inu lifestyle for sure. However, it’s not that big of a problem, unlike other diseases they are prone to.
Corgi’s most common diseases are:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a spinal disorder. This disease usually requires surgery or physical therapy. The symptoms of IVDD are pain in the neck or back region, difficulty urinating, shaking, and inability to walk.
Canine Hip Dysplasia is a condition that shows in the early stage of a dog’s life. This disease can result in instability of the hip joint.
Epilepsy or seizures are common in this breed. In case your dog is having a seizure they need to take medication to keep them under control.
Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease that affects the spinal cord. It then results in progressive muscle weakness as well as the loss of coordination.
Lens Luxation is an eye defect that causes damage to their vision. Signs of this defect can be redness of the white in the eye as well as some kind of mist appearing on the lens of the eye.
Con Willebrand’s Disease is a disease that causes your dog to bleed from the mouth, nose, and while urinating.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) makes both eyes go partially or completely blind. Sadly, the cure for this disease does not exist at the moment.
Urinary Stones develop in a dog’s bladder. Food that can cause urinary stones is spinach, brown rice, organ meat, and sweet potatoes.
Corgi vs Shiba Inu Price
When it comes to Corgi vs Shiba Inu price range they are both expensive dogs. However, Shiba Inu’s price could go really high.
Shiba Inu’s price range can go from $1400 to $3500 and even $10,000. It all depends on their registration papers, origin, color, and breeder (legal breeder or backyard breeder/puppy mills).
Corgi’s price can go from as little as $700 to as high as $2000. However, their price can even go up to $4000 and more. Their price also depends on whether you are getting a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Corgi vs Shiba Inu History
Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs in Wales. Shiba Inus originated in Japan about 2.300 years ago as hunting dogs for birds and other small game. Therefore, if you have really small animals in your household you may want to avoid these two breeds.
There are two types of Corgis. There is Pembroke Welsh Corgi and there is Cardigan Welsh Corgi. There is only one kind of Shiba Inu.
Corgis were developed using the breeds like Chow-Chow, Keeshond, Finnish Spitz, and Pomeranian. The “Cor” in Corgi stands for “Dwarf” in Welsh.
Shiba Inu is one of the six original Native Japan Spitz breeds. Shiba Inu is the smallest one among those six.
Corgi vs Shiba Inu similarities
Although, two very different breeds at first glance, Corgis and Shiba Inus have some similarities. Both of these breeds can be stubborn if they want to be. Their cute, round and fluffy faces make you do everything they want you to.
Both Corgis and Shiba Inu are great companions and they have unconditional love for their owners. They just need to have the right owner. If you haven’t owned these breeds before, you may want to avoid Corgis and Shiba Inus.
Corgi vs Shiba Inu Energy level
If you are wondering what is Corgi vs Shiba Inu energy level difference is, it’s usually the same. Both Corgis and Shiba Inus are very high-energy dogs who need a lot of activity.
You can fulfill your Shiba Inu’s activity needs simply by walking them once or twice a day. Their walk should last for about 40 minutes. If you have more time on your hands, you should walk your Shiba Inu twice a day, for 40 minutes each walk.
Corgis are pretty much the same. They need to get tired mentally and physically. Make sure your Corgi is always having fun. If they are bored, they will most likely misbehave and start destructing everything around them.
Both Corgis and Shiba Inus are great for apartment living if you can provide them with enough activity.
Corgi vs Shiba Inu Training
If you are planning on getting yourself a Corgi or a Shiba Inu you should know that they need more training than other dogs.
Both Corgis and Shiba Inus are very intelligent and can learn really fast. However, for them to use their skills of learning, you should make training fun for them.
Corgis and Shiba Inus are very stubborn and confident. You need to make yourself a leader if you want them to obey your commands. They shouldn’t be the ones in charge.
One of the reasons why Corgis need a lot of training and exercise is because they are prone to obesity. Due to their small body structure, they can easily get fat, which is not good for them.
Conclusion: Corgi vs Shiba Inu?
The answer is both. They are both great dogs and you are very lucky if you own one. On the other hand, Corgis and Shiba Inus will not be that great if they go into the wrong hands.
The only person that can decide which of these two dogs is better for them is you. Now that you know their needs and requirements you also know if you can provide them with a happy and healthy life.
If you want a cat in a dog’s body that is strong-willed and has a mind of its own but needs lots of attention: Shiba Inu is a great option for you!
If you want a small, friendly, always smiling and ready-to-have-fun kind of dog with a big personality Corgi is made just for you!
