If you're considering bringing a Shiba Inu mix into your family, you'll want to know what to expect from this unique breed combination.
Shiba Inu mixes can inherit the original Japanese dog's independent nature, making them strong-willed and stubborn at times.
Their intelligence is off the charts, often rivaling that of their purebred Shiba counterparts.
Shiba Inu Mix Breeds
Choosing a Shiba Inu mix breed can be a game of chance since your puppy will take characteristics from each parent.
You'll want to research both parent breeds if you're considering a mixed-breed puppy.
Some Shiba Inu mixes are "designer dogs" bred specifically by a breeder, and these are often F1 crossbreeds like the popular Labradoodle.
Akita
The Akita is a large breed that can influence the size and weight of its mix breeds, like the Shibakita.
Akita Inus are known for their loyalty to family and can be protective of them. This trait is also seen in Shibakitas.
Shibakitas generally weigh from 30 to 45 pounds and stand up to 24 inches tall at the shoulder, depending on which parent breed traits they inherit.
Both Akita and Shiba Inu mix breeds tend to have thick double coats that shed continually, with two heavy shedding periods in spring and fall.
These dogs can be prone to wandering if left alone for long periods or without proper fencing. Shibakitas are no exception.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are a sweet and friendly breed that can make great family dogs.
They have a loving nature which is why Golden Shiba mixes often inherit this trait and love their human family members.
These dogs are athletic and high-energy, enjoying physical challenges like water activities and retrieving.
Golden Shibas will thrive in active families with plenty of outdoor access.
Their moderately high prey drive means they need to be socialized to play nicely with smaller pets.
Most Golden Shiba mixes weigh around 45 pounds and have a medium build.
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Poo Shi: Poodle
The Poo Shi is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Poodle.
These dogs are great hunting partners with high prey drive, making it essential to keep them leashed when out walking.
Their size can vary from eight to 40 pounds in weight and stand anywhere from 12 to 20 inches in height. The largest Poo Shi pups have a Standard Poodle parent.
The coat type of the Poo Shi depends on which parent's genes are most dominant, so your pup could have a double coat like its Shiba Inu parent or a short, curly coat like the Poodle.
Their energetic nature requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a parent breed in one of our favorite Shiba Inu mixes: the Shiba Husky.
This medium-sized dog can range from 13.5 inches to 24 inches in height and weigh anywhere from 17 pounds up to 60 pounds.
Both parent breeds have a high prey drive, which means they might not be suitable for homes with small pets that could be seen as prey.
The Shiba Husky is known to be somewhat unruly when off-leash, making a well-fenced yard or garden a must-have.
These pups are pretty energetic and need lots of exercise each day to keep them happy and healthy.
They're also sociable dogs who enjoy interacting with their human pack and other dogs.
Malamute
The Malamute is a parent breed of the Shiba Malamute mix.
They are known for their thick, luxuriant coats that shed heavily, especially in the spring and fall.
This means you'll need to spend a lot of time grooming your dog to prevent your home from becoming covered in fur!
Malamutes can grow up to 22 inches tall and weigh between 17 pounds and 50 pounds.
The breed is generally pretty healthy but can be vulnerable to inherited health conditions like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Dachshund
Dachshunds come in three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy.
Their short legs can sometimes lead to back problems if they're combined with a long back in their offspring, like the Shibadach breed.
The weight of Dachshunds varies greatly, ranging from 9 to 25 pounds, depending on their size.
Shiba Inu mixes like the Shiba Dox often inherit the courageous and inquisitive character of the Dachshund.
Dachshunds are known for being quite vocal and alert, making them great watchdogs, especially when mixed with a Shiba Inu.
The Shibadach breed is generally healthy, but can suffer from back problems due to their inherited traits from the Dachshund parent.
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Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a bouncy and playful breed.
They are full of fun, which makes them great companions for active families.
Cairn Terriers weigh anywhere between 13 and 25 pounds.
These small dogs have a life expectancy of up to 16 years.
Their friendly nature makes them a popular choice for many dog owners.
Other Popular Breeds
If you're looking for other breeds that might remind you of a Shiba Inu mix, consider the Akita and the Hokkaido.
The Akita is known for its large size and wolf-like appearance, which is similar to the Shiba's fox-like features.
Like the Shiba, the Akita has a strong prey drive and can be independent at times.
In terms of grooming, both breeds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.
Shiba Inu Mix Characteristics
A Shiba Inu Chihuahua mix can vary greatly in temperament due to the varied personalities of both parent breeds.
Their personality and temperament will depend on the temperaments of their parents as well as their upbringing.
You can expect a confident little dog that will be fiercely loyal to its owners but aloof and possibly unfriendly to others.
They'll likely weigh between 8 - 12 pounds and stand about 9 - 12 inches tall, making them a very small dog.
Their coat colors may vary from solid tan, white, black to mixed color coats, depending on the Chihuahua side of their heritage.
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Characteristics of a Shiba Inu Mix
A Shiba Inu mix can weigh between 8 - 12 pounds and be about 9 - 12 inches tall.
Their coat colors vary a lot, from solid tan, white, black to mixed color coats.
Shiba Chi's may not be able to tolerate cold weather as well as other dogs due to their coat type.
Chihuahuas have the largest brain in proportion to body size of all dogs.
Some Shiba Chis look like small, mixed terrier dogs with a regal and distinct fox-like appearance washed out.
A confident little dog is what you can expect from a Shiba Inu mix - fiercely loyal to its owners but possibly aloof and unfriendly to others.
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Breed Health Issues
Shiba Chi mixes are generally healthy dogs with a relatively long lifespan of 12-15 years.
While they're not prone to serious health issues, it's essential to be aware of some potential problems that can arise.
Dental issues are common in Shiba Chi mixes, so regular brushing and dental check-ups are crucial to prevent them.
Patellar luxation is another issue to watch out for, where the kneecap slips out of place.
A heart murmur can also occur, which may not cause symptoms initially but can lead to more severe problems if left untreated.
Glaucoma and cataracts are eye-related issues that can affect Shiba Chi mixes.
Molera, a soft spot on the skull, is another potential issue in young Shiba Chi puppies.
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Care and Maintenance
To keep your Shiba Inu mix clean and healthy, regular grooming is a must. Brush its thick coat twice to thrice a week to avoid matting.
Shedding seasons can be intense, so daily brushing will help remove loose hairs. Bathing every two or three months with high-quality dog shampoo will also keep their coat looking great.
Remember to brush your Shiba Inu mix's teeth every two or three days to maintain its dental hygiene.
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Dietary Requirements
The Imo Inu requires premium-quality nutrition-dense foods due to its medium size and high activity level.
To determine the right amount of food for your pet, consider their age, size, and activity levels - adult Imo Inus need three cups of food a day.
It's essential to provide clean drinking water throughout the summer months to prevent discomfort from warm temperatures.
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Exercise
Exercise is a must for Imo Inus, and they need at least an hour or two of activity every day to stay fit and healthy.
Their high energy levels mean they require regular exercise to keep them from getting restless and destructive.
Set aside dedicated time for their playtime and exercise, which can include games like fetch, brisk walks, or even jogging.
If you live in a city, make sure your Imo has access to grassy areas or off-leash parks where they can run around freely.
However, if you have a backyard in a suburban or rural area, let them exercise freely under close supervision.
It's essential to monitor your Imo when outside as their high-prey drive may prompt them to break free and chase small animals.
Always lead the pack when outdoors, as your dog will naturally follow you.
Be mindful of their heavy coat during hot weather, as they can easily overexert themselves in warm temperatures.
Grooming
Grooming is essential for your Imo Inu's overall health and well-being.
Imos have a thick coat that sheds frequently, so regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting. Brush them twice or thrice a week during non-shedding seasons, but daily brushing may be needed during shedding seasons to remove loose hairs.
Bathing your Imo Inu every two to three months with a high-quality dog shampoo will keep their coat clean and healthy. Regular nail clipping is also important, so clip their nails after 3 or 4 weeks.
Brushing your Imo Inu's teeth regularly can help prevent dental problems. Aim for brushing their teeth every two or three days.
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Training and Behavior
Training a Shiba Inu mix requires consistency and firm commands, especially when correcting unwanted behaviors like aggression and snapping.
Both Shiba Inus and Huskies have high prey drives, making them potential escape artists if not provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Early training is crucial for Shiba Chi's to prevent stubbornness from setting in. They can be prone to challenging larger dogs, so extra supervision is necessary.
Husky Inus need lots of obedience training and socialization to prevent destructive behavior when left alone.
Shiba Inu mixes like the Imo Inu are generally loyal and loving, but they do suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
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Temperament and Intelligence
The Imo Inu is a loving and loyal breed that thrives on attention from its owner.
They're highly social dogs who love to play and perform tricks for their owners, which makes training a breeze.
Imo Inus are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so it's essential to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day.
Their friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for families with kids, but remember to supervise playtime closely to avoid any accidents.
Socialization at a young age is crucial for Imo Inus to get along well with other pets, including dogs they meet in the park.
Training a Shiba Inu Mix
Training a Shiba Inu Mix requires early and consistent training due to their stubborn nature.
Both Shiba Inus and Chihuahuas can be difficult to train, so it's essential to establish clear boundaries from an early age.
Shiba Chi's may challenge larger dogs and require more supervision and correction.
It's crucial not to let their tiny size fool you into going easy on them in terms of obedience training.
A Shiba Inu Husky mix will need lots of obedience training, socialization as well as exercise and mental stimulation.
Without proper training and exercise, Husky Inus can be destructive if left with nothing to do.
Shiba Chi's are prone to aggression and snapping, so correcting unwanted behaviors with firm and consistent commands is vital.
Training a Shiba Inu mix should be done with patience and consistency, as they can be challenging to train.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Shiba Inu Exercise Needs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Shiba mixes live?
Shiba mixes generally live for 13-16 years, similar to their Shiba Inu parent breed. However, individual lifespans can vary depending on various factors including genetics and health conditions.
What is a Shiba Inu mix with a Boston terrier?
A Shiba Inu mix with a Boston Terrier is known as a Shibos. This unique breed combines the friendly temperament of a Boston Terrier with the high energy level of a Shiba Inu.
Are Shibas good dogs?
Shibas are loyal companions for those who provide attention and stimulation. However, their anxious nature may not make them suitable for very young children
Is Shiba dog friendly?
Shiba Inus are generally wary of strangers but not typically aggressive. They may be aloof with new people and pets, making socialization key for a friendly Shiba.
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