Brittany vs Shiba Inu

Which dog breed is right for you?

Brittany

Size
30–40 lbs, 18–21 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Energetic Happy Sensitive Agile

Shiba Inu

Size
17–23 lbs, 14–17 in
Lifespan
13–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
No
Alert Bold Faithful Independent

About the Brittany

The Brittany — formerly known as the Brittany Spaniel — originated in the Brittany province of northwestern France, where it has been a prized bird dog since at least the 17th century. Standing 17.5–20.5 inches tall and weighing 30–40 pounds, the Brittany is a leggy, agile sporting dog with a compact build that belies its remarkable stamina. Their flat or wavy coat comes in orange-and-white or liver-and-white patterns, is moderate in length with some feathering, and requires only weekly brushing.

Temperament & Personality

Brittanys are eager, energetic, and sensitive — they are among the most biddable of the sporting breeds, responding enthusiastically to praise and positive training methods. They are excellent family dogs who adore children and get along well with other dogs, though they can be overwhelmed by harsh corrections or chaotic environments. Their hunting instinct remains strong, and they will point and flush birds naturally, making them dual-purpose companions for active families and hunters alike.

Pros

  • Highly trainable and eager to please — one of the easiest sporting breeds to work with
  • Excellent with children and other dogs, making them ideal family companions
  • Versatile hunting dog that points, flushes, and retrieves with natural talent
  • Moderate grooming needs with a relatively low-maintenance coat

Cons

  • Very high energy level — requires extensive daily exercise, ideally in open spaces
  • Sensitive temperament can lead to submissive urination or anxiety with harsh treatment
  • Not suited for sedentary households — without exercise, they become hyperactive and neurotic
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and canine discoid lupus erythematosus

If you lead an active lifestyle and want a devoted companion, explore adoptable Brittanys on Puplister today.

About the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is Japan's oldest and smallest native breed, originally bred to flush birds and small game in the dense mountain underbrush — "shiba" may refer to brushwood or the breed's red color, while "inu" simply means dog. These compact, agile dogs stand 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weigh 17 to 23 pounds, with a fox-like face, small triangular ears, and a curled tail. Their stiff, plush double coat comes in red, sesame, black and tan, or cream, with distinctive "urajiro" (cream to white ventral markings).

Temperament & Personality

Shiba Inus are bold, alert, and fiercely independent — often described as more cat-like than dog-like in their self-possession and fastidious grooming habits. They are loyal to their families but on their own terms, and their strong-willed nature means they do not blindly follow commands. Shibas are known for the infamous "Shiba scream" — a loud, distinctive vocalization produced when displeased or overjoyed — and they can be aloof with strangers and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs.

Pros

  • Naturally clean and almost cat-like — easy to housetrain and self-grooming
  • Compact, manageable size for apartments with adequate exercise
  • Loyal and devoted to their family once trust is established
  • Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 13 to 16 years

Cons

  • Extremely independent and stubborn — not recommended for first-time owners
  • Strong prey drive and unreliable recall make off-leash freedom risky
  • Can be possessive of food, toys, and territory (resource guarding)
  • Prone to allergies, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia

The Shiba Inu's spirited independence and striking looks have won fans worldwide — discover Shibas on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Brittany and a Shiba Inu?
The Brittany is 30–40 lbs, 18–21 in sized while the Shiba Inu is 17–23 lbs, 14–17 in sized. They differ in size (30–40 lbs, 18–21 in vs 17–23 lbs, 14–17 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 13–16 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Brittany or Shiba Inu?
Brittany is generally good with kids. Shiba Inu is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Brittany or Shiba Inu?
The Brittany has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Shiba Inu has a lifespan of 13–16 years.

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