Shiba Inu Poodle Mix: Complete Guide to Care and Ownership

The Shiba Inu Poodle Mix is a unique and intriguing hybrid breed that combines the intelligence and trainability of a Poodle with the loyalty and affectionate nature of a Shiba Inu.

They typically weigh between 15-30 pounds and stand between 13-19 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a compact yet energetic companion.

These dogs are known for their low-shedding coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

A Shiba Inu Poodle mix can inherit a double coat from its Shiba parent, which sheds considerably.

Their 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, and red.

In general, you can expect your Shiba Inu Poodle mix to measure between 12-18 inches tall.

Their weight can vary greatly, ranging from 9-23 pounds.

Some breeders use Standard Poodles while others may use Miniature or even Toy Poodles in the breeding process.

The coat of a Shiba Inu Poodle mix might not be standard, and it could inherit the Poodle's low-shedding coat.

Shiba Inu Poodle mixes are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Eye problems seem to be a common concern for Shiba Doodles, with glaucoma and cataracts being prevalent issues within the breed. Make sure your pup's parents have had thorough eye testing done.

Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are joint-related issues that can cause pain and mobility problems in Poo-Shis. These conditions can be inherited from their parent breeds and may require surgery to correct.

Some health issues that can affect Shiba Inu Poodle mixes include allergies, ear infections, eye infections, epilepsy, Addison's disease, mitral valve disease, and cancer.

Here are some common health concerns for Shiba Doodles:

Poo-Shis are generally healthy dogs that don't suffer from too many health problems or complications if they're well cared for and receive regular vaccinations and worming treatments.

They can live a happy and healthy life with proper care, but like all breeds, they're susceptible to certain conditions.

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Eye issues seem to be the most prevalent health concern in Poo-Shis, particularly glaucoma and cataracts.

Hip dysplasia is another common issue that can cause problems for your pup's joints.

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slides out of its groove, often requiring surgery.

Regular eye testing can help detect potential issues early on.

Some health conditions in Poo-Shis include:

These conditions can be largely prevented or avoided with careful breeding and puppy selection, so make sure to research reputable breeders.

Regular exercise is essential for your dog's overall health and wellness.

A Poo-Shi requires at least 45 minutes of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

This can be a long walk around the block, a visit to the local dog park, or even just a good run around in the yard with the kids.

If you don't provide your Poo-Shi with enough physical activity, they may become destructive due to boredom and excess energy.

Discover more: Shiba Inu Exercise Needs

The Poo-Shi is a confident and fiery breed with a strong prey drive inherited from their Shiba Inu parent.

They tend to be independent and stubborn at times, which can make training a bit challenging.

With patience and consistent training, they can learn to listen and obey commands.

Their intelligence, courtesy of the Poodle side, makes them generally easy to train once you've won them over.

A well-socialized Poo-Shi will bond closely with their family members but remain wary of strangers, making great guard dogs that will alert you to any danger.

The PooShi temperament is a unique blend of its Shiba Inu and Poodle parents.

These dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal, making them great family pets.

Their confidence and strong will can sometimes manifest as a stubborn streak, but with patience and training, they're generally easy to train.

PooShis tend to bond closely with their family members but are wary of strangers, which makes them excellent guard dogs.

They'll stand their ground and alert you to any danger, but they're not naturally aggressive.

In fact, both Poodles and Shiba Inus enjoy relatively good health, so with proper care, your PooShi can live a long and happy life.

Some PooShis may inherit the Shiba Inu's sassy attitude, which means they'll deliberately ignore you until they're ready to listen.

If caught early, this trait can be overcome with training, but if left unchecked, it can become a challenging behavior to change later on.

PooShis have a moderate amount of energy and enjoy activities like long walks or romps around the park.

Living with multiple pets can be a challenge, especially if you're introducing a Poo-Shi into your household.

They have a significant prey drive, which means they'll want to chase small animals, making it problematic to bring home a small pet like a hamster or a rabbit.

Generally, Poo-Shis get along well with other dogs and can even learn to live harmoniously with cats if raised together from an early age.

However, be aware that Poo-Shis may become possessive and territorial, which could lead to destructive behavior if they feel ignored or left alone for too long.

If you're considering adding a new furry friend to your family, it's essential to supervise interactions closely and provide plenty of attention and exercise for your Poo-Shi.

Grooming your Shiba Inu Poodle mix is relatively easy and straightforward.

A quick brush once or twice a week will usually be all that's required to keep their coat looking its best, but some may need more frequent brushing depending on their coat type.

You'll also want to have their nails clipped regularly and their teeth brushed with canine toothpaste to prevent dental problems.

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

Your Poo-Shi will require a quick brush once or twice a week to keep their coat looking its best.

However, if your dog has a coat more like a Poodle than a Shiba Inu, you may need to have it clipped by a professional dog groomer every few months.

Their nails should be clipped regularly and teeth brushed with canine toothpaste to maintain overall health.

A Pooshi's coat can require brushing at least every other day if they inherit the Shiba Inu type of coat from their parents.

If your Poo-Shi takes after the Poodle coat, they'll need more frequent grooming sessions with a professional groomer to prevent matting.

Fortunately, these dogs rarely develop an odor and don't drool, so you won't need to bathe them often.

The Poo Shi is a relatively easy dog to own and look after.

They are suitable for first-time and experienced dog owners alike, as long as you give them time and attention.

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Early training and socialization are crucial so that your Poo Shi becomes a loyal friend for life.

These intelligent dogs are affectionate and loyal, not at all timid, and bond closely with their family members.

However, they can be wary of strangers, making great guard dogs that will stand their ground and alert you to any danger.

With patience, the Poo Shi is generally quite easy to train, despite having a bit of a stubborn streak.

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To keep your Shibapoo healthy and happy, you need to feed them premium quality dry dog food formulated for their size and activity level.

Their ideal diet should provide a range of nutrients from meat, grain, and vegetable ingredients, high in protein and dietary fiber.

Be very careful what you feed your Pooshi as they are prone to rapid weight gain, which can cause health issues.

Select the right food after consulting your dog breeder or vet nutritionist for personalized advice.

Related reading: Shiba Inu Diet

Look for foods that meet or exceed AAFCO guidelines to ensure your Shibapoo gets the necessary nutrients.

Aim to choose a food free from additives and fillers for a healthier diet.

Feeding your Shibapoo a raw dog food diet can also be an option, but it's essential to consult with a vet nutritionist first.

If you're looking for a Shiba Inu Poodle mix puppy in Australia, be aware that they are rare and highly sought after.

You might need to join a waitlist if you can't find a reputable breeder or puppy for sale near you.

Consider looking for a rescue dog instead, as there are already many "designer" dogs in shelters waiting for love and care.

Shiba Inu Poodle mix puppies can be expensive due to their rarity, but they're also fiercely loyal and make great family pets if properly trained and socialized.