Shiba Inu Doodle Mix: A Comprehensive Breed Overview

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Posted Oct 1, 2024

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Top view crop anonymous female browsing netbook while sitting on cozy chair with adorable Shiba Inu dog
Credit: pexels.com, Top view crop anonymous female browsing netbook while sitting on cozy chair with adorable Shiba Inu dog

The Shiba Inu Doodle Mix is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Poodle, specifically the Standard Poodle. This breed is known for its unique appearance and friendly temperament.

Shiba Inu Doodles are often described as small to medium-sized dogs, weighing between 15 and 40 pounds. They have a short, curly or wavy coat that requires regular grooming.

Their intelligence and trainability are inherited from their Poodle parent, making them highly responsive to obedience training. With consistent training, they can learn to obey commands and behave well in public.

Shiba Inu Doodles are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health issues early on.

Here's an interesting read: White Doodle Dog

What Is Poo Shi?

The Poo Shi is a unique and fascinating breed that's a mix of a Toy or Mini Poodle and a Shiba Inu. They're also known as Shiba Inu Poodle mix, Shibadoodles, Shibapoos, Pooshi, or Shiba-Poo.

Credit: youtube.com, Poo Shi Puppies for Sale

Their parent dogs, Poodles and Shiba Inus, are known for their intelligence and loyalty, traits that the Poo Shi inherits. This means your Poo Shi will be fiercely loyal and protective of you.

Poo Shis come in various sizes, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. They can be a great companion for families with kids, as they're playful, loving, and alert.

One of the main reasons Poo Shi owners love their dogs is their smartness and independence. However, this can also make training challenging, especially for novice dog owners.

Poo Shis are relatively rare and expensive, especially if the parent dogs are show-winners or champion dogs. They're a worthwhile investment, though, as they make excellent watchdogs and companions.

Here's an interesting read: Shiba Inu Look Alike

Poo-Shi Mix Basics

A Poo-Shi will be a bright, playful dog that should be very willing to please, with a stubborn streak.

They get their smartness and loyalty from both parent dogs, making them fiercely loyal and protective of their family.

Credit: youtube.com, Shiba poo Puppies

Pooshis bond well with their family, but may not be the greatest dog around cats and other small pets without careful training.

Their size varies based on the size of the Poodle parent, making them a relatively rare hybrid dog breed.

They're also known as Shiba Inu poodle mix, Shibadoodles, Shibapoos, Pooshi, or Shiba-Poo.

There are already a plethora of "designer" dogs in shelters and rescues waiting for someone to love and care for them, so consider adopting a dog in need.

For more insights, see: Shiba Inu Size Comparison to Human

Physical Characteristics

A Shiba Inu Doodle's coat can be a beautiful mix of its parent breeds, with a high chance of inheriting a Shiba Inu's double coat instead of a Poodle's single coat.

Coats may also get a Poodle's wave or even some curl, giving them an attractive look.

Coloration will depend on the genetic background of the parents, resulting in a wide range of colors like apricot, white, beige, cream, black, black-and-cream, red, red-sesame, merle, etc.

The height of a Shiba Inu Doodle can vary greatly, from 12-18 inches (30-45 cm), depending on the Poodle used in the breeding.

Weight can also vary, with most Shiba Inu Doodles weighing around 9-23 lb. (4 to 10 kg).

A fresh viewpoint: Red Shiba Inu Puppy

Health and Care

Credit: youtube.com, A Complete Guide to Care for Your Shiba Inu

Health issues in Shiba Inu Doodles can be a concern, but with proper care and attention, many of these issues can be prevented or managed.

Some common health issues in Shiba Inu Doodles include eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. These issues can be genetic, so it's essential to have your pup's parents tested for these conditions.

Regular grooming is crucial for Shiba Inu Doodles with a Poodle-like coat, as they can be prone to skin issues. Daily brushing and regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent these problems.

To keep your Shiba Inu Doodle healthy, it's essential to feed them a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Look for foods that meet or exceed the AAFCO guidelines and are free from additives and fillers. A raw dog food diet can also be a good option, but it's essential to consult with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist before making any changes to your dog's diet.

Here are some common health issues that may affect your Shiba Inu Doodle:

  • Eye problems: glaucoma, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy
  • Orthopedic issues: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation
  • Other issues: allergies, epilepsy, Addison’s disease

Considering a Poo-Shi

Credit: youtube.com, Shih Poo - Top 10 Facts about the Shih Poo Dog

A Poo-Shi can make a fantastic home companion, but it's essential to consider their high prey drive, which means they'll chase small animals and might not be the best fit for homes with cats or other small pets without proper training.

They'll be bright and playful, but also have a stubborn streak, so be prepared for some challenges in training.

Poo-Shis can be prone to joint and ligament issues, such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia, so regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial to maintaining their physical health.

With their Shiba Inu heritage, Poo-Shis may exhibit "primitive" dog behaviors, like ignoring their owners or being sassy, but this can also make them loving and loyal companions.

If you do decide to bring a Poo-Shi into your family, ensure they're securely leashed when out, as their high prey drive can lead to chasing small animals.

Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring for signs of joint or ligament issues are vital to keeping your Poo-Shi healthy and happy.

Health and Conditions

A Woman with Headphones Sitting on a Sofa with Her Shiba Inu Dog
Credit: pexels.com, A Woman with Headphones Sitting on a Sofa with Her Shiba Inu Dog

As you're considering bringing a Poo Shi into your family, it's essential to be aware of the potential health conditions that may arise. Poo Shis are prone to eye issues, with glaucoma and cataracts being common concerns.

In fact, Shiba Inus already have a high incidence of eye problems, and Poodles are also susceptible to cataracts and retinal issues. This means it's crucial to ensure your Poo Shi's parents have undergone thorough eye testing.

Hip dysplasia is another potential issue, where the hip joint doesn't fit properly within the pelvis. This can lead to arthritis and mobility problems later in life.

Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is also a possibility. This often requires surgery to correct.

Here's a list of potential health concerns to watch out for:

  • Eye issues (glaucoma, cataracts, etc.)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Ear infections (due to entropion)

With regular veterinary check-ups and proper care, many of these conditions can be managed or even prevented.

What to Feed a Pooshis

You have to be very careful what you feed your Pooshi, as they are prone to rapid weight gain. Select the right food after consulting your dog breeder or vet nutritionist.

Look for foods that meet or exceed the AAFCO guidelines. The food you choose should be free from additives and fillers. If possible, you can also opt to feed your dog a raw dog food diet.

Appearance & Grooming

Credit: youtube.com, LIVE Dog Grooming Behind the Scenes! Yorkie’s, Havanese, Malshi, Shiba Inu, Doodle, Standard Poodle

Pooshi puppies need regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding, especially if they inherit their parent's Poodle coat.

Brushing should be done at least every other day to keep their coat in good condition.

If they inherit their Shiba Inu coat, they'll need more frequent brushing to manage shedding.

These dogs rarely need to be bathed, as they don't develop an odor and don't drool.

To prevent dental problems, it's essential to brush their teeth as often as possible.

DNA testing can determine the coat traits and shedding genes of your Pooshi puppy, helping you understand their grooming needs.

Suggestion: Shiba Inu Coat

Are Hypoallergenic?

The Shiba Inu Doodle is often touted as a hypoallergenic breed, but what does that really mean? In reality, there's no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, but some breeds affect allergy sufferers less than others.

Allergies are triggered by a dog's dander, saliva, and urine, so breeds with low-shedding coats like the Poodle are less likely to cause symptoms. Since the Shiba Inu Doodle has a Poodle-like coat, it's a good bet that it won't affect allergy sufferers as much as some other breeds.

Additional reading: Shiba Inu Hypoallergenic

Credit: youtube.com, Are Shiba Inus Hypoallergenic?

Shiba Inu Doodles have inherited the Poodle's low-shedding trait, which means they produce less dander and are a better choice for people with allergies. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, and regular grooming is still necessary to reduce shedding and prevent skin issues.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Shiba Inu Doodles, which may require regular veterinary care:

  • Eye issues like glaucoma and cataracts
  • Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation
  • Ear infections and skin issues due to excessive grooming

By being aware of these potential health concerns, you can take steps to prevent or manage them, and enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your Shiba Inu Doodle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Shiba Doodle?

A Shiba Doodle, also known as a Poo-Shi, is a loyal and affectionate hybrid breed that combines the intelligence of a Poodle with the confidence of a Shiba Inu. This unique mix makes them a great family pet for those looking for a loving and intelligent companion.

Heather Murphy

Writer

Heather Murphy is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in the world of pets. With a background in animal care, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making her articles informative and engaging. Heather's articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as pet treats and other related subjects.