It cannot be denied that Shiba Inu and Korean Jindo look very similar. However, you’ll be surprised to know about the differences between these unique dog breeds.
In this article, I am going to tell you all the key differences between Shiba Inu and Korean Jindo, and especially if they are related to each other.
Also, in case you’re thinking of getting either one of these dog breeds (or both), I am going to tell you which one will be most suitable for you and whether both these dog breeds get along with each other.
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What are the main differences and similarities between a Shiba Inu vs Korean Jindo?
There are several differences between a Shiba Inu and a Korean Jindo in terms of characteristics, personality, size, trainability, and lifespan. But, there are some ways both are similar to each other as well.
Here are some of those notable differences and similarities:
Characteristics
Korean Jindos are a medium-sized spitz-type dog breed, with erect ears and a long tail. The coat of this dog is medium length and can be seen in various colors, such as tan, red, white, brindle, black, or bi-color such as black and tan.
Shiba Inus are also medium-sized spitz dogs with erect ears, as well as slanted eyes. The tail of this dog breed is rather seen to be curling over its back. The double coats of Shiba Inus are very thick and come in several colors, such as cream, red, sesame, black, and tan.
Personality
Korean Jindos are alert and active dogs. Moreover, they are extremely protective, loyal, and faithful to their owners and family members, which makes them the perfect family dogs.
This dog breed is also fiercely independent, and bred for hunting and guarding purposes. They are also incredibly intelligent and smart by nature and are also able to read human emotions.
See also: Shiba Inu vs Samoyed
Shiba Inus, on the other hand, are loyal and protective of their family just like Korean Jindos are. It is a very active and energetic dog breed, which is why it requires regular exercise and physical activity. However, you can’t expect your Shiba Inus to cuddle up with you, as this dog breed is more of a stay-aloof kind, rather than snuggling up at night.
This is why Shiba Inus are usually kept for hunting purposes for their independent and alert nature.
Size
Korean Jindos and Shiba Inus are both medium-sized dogs.
If we talk about Korean Jindos, a male can be 18-25 inches tall, while a female can grow up to 16-22 inches. Shiba Inus male, on the other hand, can grow up to 14-16 inches, and the female up to 13-15 inches.
The average weight for male and female Korean Jindos are 2.5 pounds and 32.5 pounds, respectively. A Shiba Inu male and female can weigh up to 21.5 pounds and 17.5 pounds, respectively.
Trainability
As far as Korean Jindos are concerned, this dog breed isn’t really famous for its trainability. This is because these dogs are hard-headed and stubborn in nature, which leaves owners struggling to train their Korean Jindo in a short time.
The same fact goes for Shiba Inus. Training them isn’t really a piece of cake either. This breed, just like Korean Jindos, are quite difficult to train because of their stubborn nature. This is because Shiba Inus only respond to those particular activities that make sense to them.
But, don’t be dismayed or discouraged already- with adequate socialization and training from a young age, both these dog breeds won’t pose any difficulties to you in the future!
Lifespan
The lifespan of both these dog breeds are the same. A healthy Shiba Inu and Korean Jindo can live up to 12-15 years!
Which one is best for you?
Now, which dog breed will suit you best depends entirely upon your preferences.
For instance, if you are looking for a hunting dog like I was, then a Shiba Inu would be most appropriate for this manner. This is because, as I’ve mentioned earlier, Shiba Inus are excellent hunting dogs.
They have been bred hunting in the mountainous terrain of Japan as early as anyone can remember. However, if you’re willing to get a dog just as a companion and an indoor pet, then you should definitely go for a Korean Jindo.
In case you’re willing to choose either of the dog breeds based on the need for maintenance, then let me tell you that both Korean Jindo and Shiba Inu require everyday average maintenance. However, Shiba Inus are a little more mouthy and are usually compared with felines. Korean Jindos, on the other hand, behave much as any other dog would.
If you live in a restricted place, such as an apartment, then you should go for a Shiba Inu. Because of their highly adaptive nature, they won’t really pose any problems for you or the area it’ll be living in.
You must still be wondering whether Korean Jindos and Shiba Inus are related to each other even after discussing the differences between these two dog breeds because they no doubt do look very similar to each other!
Well, let me clear this air for you – Korean Jindos and Shiba Inus are not related to each other.
Shiba Inus hail from Japan, which was initially bred for bird hunting. Korean Jindos, on the other hand, hail from Korea. This dog breed was bred and trained for hunting and guarding purposes in its native country.
Can Shiba Inu and Korean Jindo get along?
Dogs can be trained to live with other dogs, and pets, around the house. The same goes for Shiba Inus and Korean Jindos. Because of the protective and possessive nature of both these dog breeds, one can face problems making both these dogs get along with each other.
But, if you’re willing to get both these dog breeds as pets, you must remember to make both of your dogs socialize when they’re just a puppy.
You definitely shouldn’t keep them isolated from the outside world, including other people and animals. This is going to help them adapt easily to other animals and pets later on in the future. This way, both these adorable fluffy canines will get along with each other in no time!
