Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix: A Complete Guide to the Hybrid Breed

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Shiba Inu Dog on Field
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The Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix is a unique and fascinating hybrid breed that combines the intelligence and loyalty of a Shiba Inu with the herding instincts of a sheepdog.

This breed is often referred to as a Shiba Shepherd or Shiba Husky due to its resemblance to other popular hybrid breeds.

The Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix is a relatively new breed, and as such, it's not yet recognized by major kennel clubs.

They typically weigh between 15-25 pounds and stand between 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder.

Physical Characteristics

A Shepherd Shiba Inu mix is a medium to high energy dog that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They need to be engaged and active to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Shepherd Inus typically weigh between 50-70 pounds, which is a relatively manageable size for many dog owners.

They can vary in size depending on the size of their parents, but this is a general weight range to expect.

Shepherd Inus are dogs with a high prey drive, which means they need to be kept on a leash or in a secure area to prevent them from chasing small animals.

Health and Care

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The German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix is a relatively healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

Exercise is crucial for this breed, and they need regular physical activity to stay healthy. They can be highly active indoors and outdoors, so a large yard is ideal to keep them exercised.

Good oral hygiene is also essential for the Shepherd Shiba Inu mix. Regular dental care can help prevent problems like glaucoma and cataracts.

Some common health problems in this breed include eye lens luxation, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and cardiac problems. These conditions can be inherited from their parent breeds, but with proper care and regular vet visits, they can be treated.

The ideal home environment for this breed is a house with a large yard, where they can exercise and play freely. They are friendly dogs that love to live with their family, but they can be protective and territorial, so extensive training is necessary.

Here are some potential health conditions to look out for in your Shepherd Shiba Inu mix:

  • Allergies
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hemophilia
  • Panosteitis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Congenital Heart Defect

Physical Attributes

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Shepherd Shiba Inu mixes typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and stand roughly between 19-22 inches tall.

Their coats can vary in color, but the most common color is tan/red with black markings on the face and body. They have a double coat, with a straight and coarse outer coat and a thick and plush undercoat.

Shepherd Inus need daily exercise to stay healthy and thrive, and they require moderate brushing to maintain their coats.

Physical Characteristics

Shepherd Inus typically weigh between 40-60 pounds, with males being heavier, and stand roughly between 19" to 22" tall.

Their ears are large and erect, a common trait in both German Shepherd and Shiba Inu parents.

Shepherd Inus have a strong and agile build, with well-muscled bodies built for power and endurance.

They require daily exercise and work for optimal health.

Their coat is short to medium length, with a double coat that sheds heavily once or twice a year.

Credit: youtube.com, PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Moderate brushing is required to maintain their coat.

The most common coat color of Shepherd Inus is tan/red with black markings on the face and body.

Shepherd Inus can have various body markings, such as black, red, or white, in their coat color.

Their tail is long and curly, a trait inherited from the German Shepherd parent.

Shepherd Inus have a wolf-like appearance, with pointed, erect triangular ears and long snouts.

Their coat colors can include red, black, tan, sesame, and cream, similar to the Shiba Inu.

Grooming

When it comes to grooming, regular brushing is a must for the Shepherd Inu. They have a medium-length double coat that needs brushing at least twice a week throughout the year.

Their coat will suffer from serious bouts of shedding at least once a year, so be prepared for some extra cleaning. Regular brushing removes dead hairs and can detangle knots, reducing the amount of shed hair left on sofas and clothes.

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You'll also need to brush your dog's teeth at least three times a week, ideally starting when your dog is a puppy to get it used to the process. This will help ensure good dental hygiene.

Their nails will need to be trimmed regularly, usually every 2–3 months, depending on how much time they spend walking and running on hard surfaces. If you struggle to cut nails, you can ask a professional groomer or even your vet to assist with this.

Size and Growth

A German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix can grow up to 10-16 inches in height, depending on the size of their parents.

Their weight can vary significantly, ranging from 40-70 pounds, with the exact weight depending on the size of their parents.

The height range for a Shiba Shepherd can be between 19 to 22 inches, with the weight ranging between 40 to 60 pounds.

Weight and Height

The German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix can weigh anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds, depending on the size of their parents. If their parents were small-sized, then the breed mix would likely be small-sized as well.

A fully grown Shiba Shepherd can grow up to 10-16 inches in height, but this can vary depending on the size of their parents.

The weight range for a Shiba Shepherd is typically between 40 to 60 pounds, with the exact weight depending on which parent's traits are dominant.

Puppies

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Puppies can be found in local shelters, making adoption a viable option for those looking to bring a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix into their family.

Adoption costs vary by shelter but are usually a low adoption fee.

Finding breeders for this hybrid breed can be challenging due to its lack of recognition by kennel clubs.

Speaking to breeders of either parent breed or joining breed groups on social media and dog forums can be helpful in locating reputable breeders.

This mix is a rare combination, which may make it difficult to find breeders, but with persistence, you can find one.

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of a Shepherd Shiba Inu mix shouldn't be too challenging, but it does require some basic knowledge of their needs.

Exercise is crucial for their overall health, and they need regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

A good diet is also essential, and you should make sure they're eating a balanced and nutritious food that meets their specific needs.

Good oral hygiene is just as important, and regular brushing of their teeth is necessary to prevent any dental problems.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also help prevent obesity, which is a common issue in many breeds.

Training and Behavior

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Training a Shepherd Shiba Inu mix can be a challenge, especially if you start late.

They are, however, easy to train if you begin early, and they enjoy pleasing their owners.

Potty training them requires a lot of patience, but with persistence, you can get there.

These dogs are great at learning and have a great temperament, making them easy to train.

Their independent nature can sometimes make them come across as stubborn, but with the right approach, they can thrive.

Mix Temperaments

The German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix breed has a great temperament, making it easy to train them. These dogs are great at learning and enjoy pleasing their owners.

They can be very playful yet loyal to their owners, which is a great combination for family pets. A German Shepherd Shiba Inu hybrid may inherit some of their parent's characteristics, such as aggressiveness, so it's essential to get to know the parents' temperaments.

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These dogs can be great with the family and children but may portray their protective traits, especially on any potential threat. Potty training them requires a great deal of perseverance, especially with the Shiba Inu gene that can make them quite the rebel.

Training them early is crucial, as they can be quite selective, but with consistent effort, they can learn quickly. With patience and persistence, you can overcome their stubbornness and enjoy a well-behaved companion.

Exercise

Exercise is crucial for your Shepherd Inu mix, and they require between 60 and 90 minutes of physical activity every day.

You'll need to find ways to keep them engaged and active, such as taking them on a decent walk. German Shepherds are known for their agility, and your hybrid will likely inherit this trait.

In fact, German Shepherds have a canine sport called Schutzhund that tests agility, strength, and the bond between the dog and handler. You can enroll your Shepherd Inu mix in Schutzhund, which is now open to dogs of any breed.

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The Shiba Shepherd's price can be steep, ranging from $1,200 to $2,400, depending on factors like the breeder's reputation.

You'll want to consider the Shiba Shepherd's grooming needs, as they have a double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular brushing.

They generally don't do well in hot weather due to their coat, and can be prone to overheating if exposed to excessive heat for long.

However, with proper care, they can live in a hot climate as long as you keep them hydrated and provide shades for them to cool off.

Good for Families?

The Shepherd Shiba Inu mix can be a loving companion, but it's essential to consider their needs and temperament before bringing one home. They can be loyal and loving, but also prone to aggression.

This hybrid breed is not recommended for families with young children, as they can be wary of strangers and protective of their family. They may become alarmed when children play with others, especially if the games get loud or boisterous.

Credit: youtube.com, Are Shiba Inus Good Family Dogs? 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Shiba as a Family Pet

To ensure a harmonious household, it's crucial to socialize your Shepherd Shiba Inu mix from a young age. This will help them become more confident and calm in the presence of strangers and other pets.

Puppy and training classes are an excellent way to socialize your dog and teach you how to train them effectively. These classes will also help you learn how to encourage good behavior and prevent unwanted habits.

As a guard dog, the Shepherd Shiba Inu mix is always alert and watching for potential danger. This means they may not be the best fit for apartment living, as they can be prone to barking at noises from outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sheba a dog breed?

Yes, the Shiba is an ancient Japanese dog breed. Known for its spirited and adaptable nature, it's a popular companion dog in Japan.

Jeffery Skiles-Bins

Junior Copy Editor

Jeffery Skiles-Bins is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar and syntax, Jeffery has honed his skills in editing a wide range of articles, from in-depth breed profiles to engaging lifestyle pieces. Jeffery's portfolio showcases a diverse array of topics, including "Dog Breeds Originating in Asia" and "Animal Breeds Originating in Vietnam", which demonstrate his ability to research and edit complex, specialized content.

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