The Shiba Inu American Eskimo Mix is a unique and fascinating breed that combines the best qualities of its two parent breeds. This mix is a cross between a Shiba Inu and an American Eskimo Dog, resulting in a dog that's both energetic and adaptable.
They can grow up to 18 inches in height and weigh between 25-45 pounds, making them a relatively small to medium-sized dog. Their coat can vary in color and texture, often featuring a mix of the Shiba Inu's red or black coat and the American Eskimo's white coat.
These dogs are known for their intelligence and trainability, often exceling in obedience and agility training. Their strong prey drive and high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
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Understanding Your Shiba Inu American Eskimo Mix
Your Shiba Inu American Eskimo mix will likely have a thick coat of medium-length fur, which may be white or have color patterns similar to a Shiba Inu.
Their ears will be erect, and they often have curled tails.
Shiba-Mos will be active and alert dogs who enjoy physical and mental challenges, so be sure to offer them plenty of walks and consider enrolling them in canine sports or obedience trials.
Their adult size will depend on the size of their American Eskimo parent, but most mixes will weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.
You should always leash your Shiba-Mo in public, as Shiba Inus are known to be escape artists, especially when excited or startled.
Their living areas should be safe and escape-proof, and they should be introduced to pocket pets and cats early in life to prevent aggression.
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Dog Mix Personality
Your Shiba Inu American Eskimo Mix, or Shiba-Mo, can have a personality that's either aloof and stubborn or happy to follow direction and eager to please. This mix of traits can make them a unique and interesting companion.
Shiba Inus are known to be stubborn and difficult to train, so if your Shiba-Mo inherits this trait, be prepared for some challenges. They may need more patience and consistency when learning new commands.
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As a Spitz breed, Shiba-Mos are likely to have a high prey drive, which means they may have a strong instinct to chase small animals. This is why it's essential to introduce them to pocket pets and cats early in life to prevent aggression.
Shiba Inus are also known to be escape artists, especially when excited or startled, so it's crucial to keep them leashed in public and ensure their living areas are safe and escape-proof.
Despite their potential stubbornness, Shiba-Mos can thrive with the right training and attention. Consider enrolling them in canine sports or obedience trials to help keep them occupied and engaged.
Physical Characteristics of a Dog Mix
A Shiba Inu American Eskimo mix, or Shiba-Mo, will likely have a thick coat of medium length fur. This coat may be white, or feature color patterns similar to a Shiba Inu.
Their ears will typically be erect. Curled tails are also common in Shiba-Mos.
The adult size of a Shiba-Mo will depend on the size of their American Eskimo parent. American Eskimos come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, ranging from about 10 to 40 pounds.
Most Shiba-Mos will weigh between 15 and 30 pounds, but larger and smaller dogs are possible.
Health and Care
Shiba Inu American Eskimo mixes are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. A good breeder will check both parents for inherited conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and luxating patella.
These dogs can also develop hip dysplasia, which is a common issue in many breeds. Allergies are also an infrequent issue for both Shiba Inus and American Eskimo dogs, although they can occur.
To keep your Shiba Eskimo cross healthy, it's essential to monitor their weight and prevent obesity. American Eskimo dogs are more prone to obesity, but regular exercise and a high-quality diet can help prevent this issue.
Here are some key health concerns to be aware of:
- Eyelash disorders
- Degeneration of the image forming part of the eye
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Kneecap dislocation
- Diabetes
Remember to brush your Imo Inu's thick coat regularly to prevent matting, and maintain their dental hygiene by brushing their teeth every 2-3 days.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of Imo Inu care.
Imo Inus have a thick coat that sheds frequently, so brushing them twice or thrice a week is a must to avoid matting.
During shedding seasons, a daily brushing is necessary to remove loose hairs, so be prepared for extra grooming time.
Bathing your Imo Inu every two or three months is a good rule of thumb, and use a high-quality dog shampoo for the best results.
Regular dental care is also crucial, so brush your Imo Inu's teeth every two or three days to keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Clipping their nails after 3 or 4 weeks will help prevent overgrowth, and wiping their ears regularly will prevent infections.
Food & Diet
A Shiba Eskimo cross, like any other dog, needs a high-quality diet to stay healthy. Look for high-quality dry dog food and follow the feeding guidelines on the bag to determine the right amount of food for your dog.
As with any dog, your Shiba Eskimo cross's age, activity level, and size will determine how much and how often you feed them. Consult your vet if you have concerns about your dog's weight and health.
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Both Shiba Inus and American Eskimo dogs are generally healthy breeds, but obesity is a common issue that can be avoided with a good diet and regular exercise. Shiba Eskimo crosses are prone to obesity, especially if they're not given enough exercise.
Shiba Eskimo crosses are likely to live between 12 to 15 years on average, which means they'll be with you for a long time, so it's essential to establish a healthy eating routine from the start.
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Getting a Dog
Before bringing a Shiba Inu American Eskimo Mix into your life, consider their energetic and intelligent nature. They need more exercise than average, so daily walks or trips to the dog park are a must.
Obedience training is crucial for their well-being, but they might enjoy learning new commands thanks to their ancestry. Be prepared for a stubborn streak from their Shiba Inu ancestors.
Active families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or jogging may be a great match for a Shiba Inu American Eskimo Mix. This breed is built for athletic activities.
Providing a loving home for a canine companion goes beyond providing affection and food. You should consider whether you can meet their needs, which might be more demanding than average.
Health and Conditions
Shiba Inu American Eskimo mixes are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Both Shibas and Eskimos can develop Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and luxating patella.
A good breeder will check both parents for these problems and hip dysplasia before breeding. This can help reduce the risk of these conditions in the offspring.
Allergies are an infrequent issue for both breeds, but can still affect some individuals. Obesity is a main health concern for Shiba-Mo owners, as American Eskimo dogs are more prone to this issue than Shiba Inus.
To keep your Shiba Eskimo cross healthy, make sure they get plenty of exercise and a high-quality diet. This can help prevent obesity and other health problems.
Here are some specific health issues that can affect Shiba Inu American Eskimo mixes:
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
- Luxating patella
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Obesity
Sources
- http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-eskimo-dog/detail/ (akc.org)
- A post shared by Bruno the Shiba mix (@bruno.theshibamix) (instagram.com)
- Shiba Inu Mixes: 20 Popular Shiba Cross Breeds You'll Love (caninejournal.com)
- American Eskimo (petkeen.com)
- Imo-Inu (American Eskimo & Shiba Inu Mix): Info, Pictures, ... (hepper.com)
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