Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Shiba Inu: Which Is Better For You?


Deciding between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Shiba Inu can be quite the dilemma. These two adorable dog breeds have distinct characteristics that make them unique in their own ways. But which one is better suited for you? Let’s take a closer look.

walking pembroke welsh corgi

Breed Comparison Table

BREEDPembroke Welsh CorgiShiba Inu
Hypoallergenic?NoNo
Restricted Breed?NoNo
Coat TypeSmooth coatDouble coat
Grooming NeedsWeekly brushingRegular brushing, occasional hand stripping
Male Height10-12 inches17-19 inches
Male Weight25-30 pounds23-27 pounds
Female Height10-12 inches16-18 inches
Female Weight20-25 pounds20-24 pounds
TemperamentPlayful, intelligent, loyal, friendlyIndependent, loyal, protective, reserved
Energy Level5/54/5
Exercise Needs5/53/5
Trainability3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners3/54/5
Amount Of Shedding5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Prey Drive2/53/5
General Health3/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/55/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Dog Friendly5/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Lifespan10 to 12 years12 to 16 years
Popularity#11#42
Price$1,000 – $2,000$1,000 – 2,500

About Shiba Inus

The Shiba Inu is a small to medium-sized dog breed originating from Japan. They are known for their fox-like appearance, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and well-proportioned face with erect triangular ears. Shiba Inus have a variety of coat colors and a thick double coat that requires regular brushing.

They are intelligent, independent thinkers with a strong prey drive and may require patience and consistency in training.

About Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, also known as the Corgi, is a small, sturdy, and charismatic breed that originated from Pembrokeshire, Wales. They have adorable little legs, a dense double coat that comes in various colors, and a friendly, intelligent, and social temperament.

However, they may exhibit a stubborn streak and herding instinct, and may not do well when left alone for long periods.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Size and Weight

Corgis have short legs and long bodies, while Shibas are more compact with well-muscled bodies. Both breeds can vary in size, so proper nutrition and exercise play vital roles in maintaining an ideal weight. Ultimately, consider your living situation and lifestyle when choosing between these delightful breeds.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Coat Type

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a medium-length, dense outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat that is weather-resistant and provides insulation. Their coats come in red, sable, fawn, black and tan, with or without white markings.

The Shiba Inu has a straight, stiff outer coat that gives them a fox-like appearance and a soft, dense undercoat for insulation. Their coats come in red, sesame, black and tan, or cream. Both breeds shed moderately throughout the year and require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy.

Are Either Breed Hypoallergenic?

Neither breed is hypoallergenic as they shed throughout the year. Some may react differently to specific breeds or individual dogs. Regular grooming helps manage shedding and reduce allergens.

Grooming Needs

Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Shiba Inu have specific grooming needs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and excessive shedding. Shiba Inus have a single-layered coat that needs minimal grooming but still requires regular care for overall hygiene.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Colors

Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Shiba Inus come in various colors, adding to their charm and appeal. Pembroke Welsh Corgis offer a wide range of color options, including the classic red and white combination, tri-color, and sable coats. Meanwhile, Shiba Inus are known for their red, sesame, cream, and black-and-tan coats, though variations exist.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Diet

It’s important to provide Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Shiba Inus with high-quality, balanced meals tailored to their specific dietary needs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to obesity, so portion control is crucial. Lean proteins and complex carbohydrates are beneficial for them, as well as fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.

Shiba Inus require protein-rich diets but are generally less prone to weight gain. Monitoring portion sizes and consulting with a veterinarian for diet recommendations is always wise.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Health Problems

When comparing the health of Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Shiba Inus, it’s important to note that both breeds are generally healthy. However, there are certain health issues that they may be prone to. For instance, Corgis have a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.

Meanwhile, Shiba Inus may be more prone to patellar luxation, allergies, and skin issues due to their thick coat. To ensure their overall well-being, regular veterinary check-ups, health screenings, balanced diet, and regular exercise are essential.

It’s also worth noting that individual dogs within each breed may vary when it comes to health concerns. 

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Temperament

Corgis are friendly and outgoing, while Shibas are more independent and reserved. Both breeds can exhibit stubbornness at times, but with patience and consistency, they can be trained. Early socialization is crucial for both breeds to coexist peacefully with other pets in the household.

Which Breed Is More Playful?

Corgis have high energy levels and a zest for life. They enjoy games, tug-of-war, and interactive play. They also have a mischievous streak, making them a great choice for a playful companion. On the other hand, Shibas are more independent and reserved, but still enjoy interactive activities that stimulate their minds, like puzzle toys or learning new tricks.

Both breeds require regular exercise to maintain good physical and mental health, and provide daily opportunities for playtime to prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors. Ultimately, choosing between these two breeds depends on your own lifestyle and preferences.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgi Good Family Dogs?

These adorable herding dogs have gained a reputation for being fantastic family companions due to their friendly and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their human pack members and will do anything to ensure their happiness.

Additionally, they possess a playful spirit that perfectly complements an energetic household. Pembroke Welsh Corgis can adapt well to different living situations, including apartment living or homes with yards. However, it’s important to note that every dog is an individual with its own unique personality traits.

Therefore, thorough research on specific bloodlines and selecting a reputable breeder is essential when looking for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi as a family pet.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Trainability

When it comes to training, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Shiba Inus have their unique characteristics and challenges. Corgis are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. However, their herding instincts can sometimes cause issues.

Shibas are independent and may display a stubborn streak, so it’s vital to establish yourself as a confident pack leader early on.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Shiba Inus Harder to Train?

Corgis are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please but can be stubborn. Shibas have an independent nature and may be more prone to distraction during training sessions. Consistent positive reinforcement techniques and tailored training methods are essential for successful results with either breed.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Life Expectancy

Although both breeds usually have a good lifespan, there are some differences worth noting. On average, Pembroke Welsh Corgis can live for 12-15 years. But with proper care, nutrition, and regular exercise, these cute little dogs can live well into their late teens.

It’s essential to maintain a healthy weight since obesity can lead to various health problems that may shorten their lifespan. Shiba Inus also have a relatively long life expectancy, usually ranging from 12 to 16 years. Providing them with a balanced diet and regular exercise plays a crucial role in maximizing their potential lifespan.

It’s worth noting that Shiba Inus are generally known for their robust health and resilient nature, which contributes positively to their overall longevity. It’s important to keep in mind that while these figures represent the average life expectancies for both breeds, individual dogs may vary based on genetics and lifestyle factors.

In addition, certain health conditions or genetic predispositions can sometimes occur more frequently within specific breeds, potentially affecting their lifespan. To ensure your corgi or Shiba lives as long and healthy a life as possible, it’s essential to establish routine veterinary care from an early age.

Regular check-ups can help identify any potential health issues early on and allow for prompt treatment if needed. Moreover, maintaining an active lifestyle filled with mental stimulation through games and training sessions will keep your furry friend happy and engaged – ultimately contributing positively toward extending their lifespan.

While genetics play a significant role in determining the potential lifespan of your beloved companion, providing them with love, proper care, and attention throughout their lives is paramount in ensuring they thrive for as long as possible!

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Prey Drive

Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Shiba Inu have varying degrees of prey drive due to their respective historical purposes as working dogs. With proper training, socialization, and exercise, this instinctual behavior can be managed effectively.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis or Shibas Better With Other Pets?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are friendly and outgoing towards other pets, but may exhibit territorial behaviors. Shiba Inus are more independent and dog-selective, and may not be compatible with smaller animals. Training and socialization are important for both breeds.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Shibas Better With Kids?

When choosing a dog breed for a family with kids, it’s important to assess each dog’s temperament and energy level instead of relying only on general breed characteristics. Both Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Shiba Inus have unique qualities that can make them great companions for children, but socialization and supervision are crucial.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Intelligence

Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent breeds with distinct personalities. While Corgis excel in obedience training and problem-solving, Shibas possess a sharp intellect and resourcefulness that allows them to assess situations and make decisions based on what benefits them most.

However, potential owners should consider factors beyond intelligence when choosing a breed.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Shiba Inu: Popularity

Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Shiba Inu are popular breeds, but they differ in appearance, personality, and media presence. While Corgis are known for their short legs and fluffy rumps that make them irresistible, Shibas have a fox-like appearance and independent nature that attracts many dog enthusiasts.

Although Corgis have a rich history of royal associations and consistent media presence, Shibas are quickly catching up in popularity and have a growing fan base. When choosing between these two breeds, it’s important to consider their temperaments and care requirements rather than solely relying on their level of fame.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs. Shiba Inu: How Much Do They Cost?

When considering a new pet, cost is important. Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Shibas range from $1,000 to $2,500, but adopting can save money. Ongoing expenses like veterinary care and dietary needs should also be considered.

Conclusion: Should You Get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Shiba Inu?

When choosing between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Shiba Inu, consider their unique characteristics and quirks. Corgis are small but playful and affectionate, while Shibas are more independent and spirited. Both breeds can be trained with patience and consistency, but lifestyle factors like space and family should also be considered.

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Colby Adkins

I am a proud Shiba Inu owner who is just looking to share any tips, tricks, or advice I have to help others.

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