Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Anatolian Shepherd |  Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | The Anatolian Shepherd descends from ancient Turkish livestock guardian dogs that worked the harsh plains of central Turkey for thousands of years, selected purely for their ability to deter wolves and bears without constant supervision. The breed was formalised in the West in the twentieth century, while in Turkey closely related regional types, including the Kangal, continued to be bred as working stock rather than show dogs. | Japan |
| Group | Working | Utility |
| Size | Giant | Small |
| Coat | Short to medium double coat, weather resistant, in fawn, biscuit, brindle or white, usually with a black mask. | Double coat, stiff straight outer with thick soft undercoat |
| Weight | 40 to 65 kg | 8 to 11 kg |
| Height | 71 to 84 cm | 33 to 41 cm |
| Lifespan | 11 to 13 yrs | 13 to 16 yrs |
| Exercise need | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Affection | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Grooming needs | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Barking | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Good with children | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/10 | 4/10 |
| Trainability | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Prey drive | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Copes alone | 9/10 | 6/10 |
| Drool | 2/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Flat fit | 2/10 | 5/10 |
| Running cost | €220 / month | €74 / month |
Anatolian Shepherd verdict
A guardian, not a pet: an ancient Turkish flock protector built for independence, space and nightly vigilance.
Get one if
- · Rural or semi-rural homes with genuine land and livestock or property to guard
- · Experienced owners comfortable with an independent-minded giant breed
- · Households that accept nightly barking as normal guardian behaviour
Think again if
- · Flats or homes with close neighbours sensitive to barking
- · First-time dog owners hoping for quick obedience results
- · Anyone wanting a dog that is instantly friendly with all visitors
Shiba Inu verdict
A fox faced, fiercely independent Japanese hunting breed that answers to its own agenda.
Get one if
- · Owners who admire a dog with genuine independence of character
- · People with a securely fenced garden and no safe off lead space
- · Experienced owners prepared to train with patience rather than insist on instant obedience
Think again if
- · First-time owners hoping for a constantly affectionate, biddable companion
- · Households without secure fencing, given the breed's escape artistry
- · Anyone expecting reliable off lead recall around wildlife or traffic