Shiba Inu Pug Mix: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

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Posted Oct 12, 2024

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Cheerful brunette in comfy wear embracing fluffy adorable Shiba Inu dog while lying together on cozy couch in light living room
Credit: pexels.com, Cheerful brunette in comfy wear embracing fluffy adorable Shiba Inu dog while lying together on cozy couch in light living room

The Shiba Inu Pug Mix is a unique and lovable breed that makes a great companion for many families.

Their small size, typically weighing between 10-20 pounds, makes them a great choice for apartment living.

They are known to be energetic and playful, requiring daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

This breed is generally considered to be relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing.

Their short coats and minimal shedding make them a great choice for people with allergies.

Physical Characteristics

Shiba Inu Pug mixes tend to be a little taller than a Pug but slightly shorter than a Shiba Inu.

They will be between 14-16 inches tall at the withers.

Their weight will vary, but most will fall between 16-24 pounds.

Some puppies may inherit the short, flat Pug nose or the elongated and fox-like snout of the Shiba.

Most Shiba Inu Pug mix puppies will have a rounded snout.

If this caught your attention, see: Basset Hound Beagle Mix Puppies

Glad woman and Shiba Inu dog resting together on couch
Credit: pexels.com, Glad woman and Shiba Inu dog resting together on couch

They will have button ears, which are a departure from the triangular, fox-like ears of a purebred Shiba Inu.

Their coloring will vary, but they will often have a mix of the Pug's and Shiba's colors.

If the Pug parent is a fawn pug, the Shiba Inu Pug mix puppies will have the pug's signature black facemask.

Their curly tail is a signature feature that they inherit from both the Pug and the Shiba.

Shiba Inu Pug mixes generally look like "stretched out" Pugs.

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Personality and Temperament

Shiba Inu Pug mixes are a unique and joyful breed, often described as "joyful samurai." They can be quiet and snuggly, but also feisty and sociable.

Their personality is a mix of the exuberant and fun-loving Pug and the reserved and dignified Shiba Inu. This blend often mutes the exaggerated parts of each breed's personality, resulting in a friendly but not overly needy dog.

Shiba Inu Pug mixes are intelligent dogs that will be a loyal companion, but they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement is key to encouraging good manners and obedience, and a few treats can go a long way!

They are active dogs that require routines and learning, and they will soon pick up the habits of your home. Their intelligence and loyalty make them a great addition to any family, but they may be aloof to strangers and prefer a single "master" figure.

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Health and Care

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The Shiba Inu Pug mix is generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. They can live between 12 and 16 years, which is a relatively long lifespan.

Shiba Inu Pug mixes are susceptible to ocular problems, including watery eyes and redness in the eyes. They may also suffer from allergies, both food and environmental, which can be challenging to diagnose.

Some potential health concerns for Shiba Inu Pug mixes include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and canine glaucoma. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has performed health screenings, such as OFA Certifications for hips and elbows.

To keep your Shiba Inu Pug mix healthy, engage them in regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime. This will help prevent health problems and keep them happy and active.

Here are some common health concerns for Shiba Inu Pug mixes:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Canine glaucoma
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Cancer

Life Span

A person's life span is influenced by their genetics, with some families passing down a long life span to their children.

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On average, a person's life expectancy is around 72 years, with women living longer than men.

The quality of care received in old age can significantly impact an individual's life span.

Research has shown that people who engage in regular physical activity tend to live longer.

A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases that can shorten life span.

Staying mentally active and socially engaged can also contribute to a longer life span.

A study found that people who have strong social connections tend to live longer than those who are isolated.

Health Issues

Shiba Inu Pug mixes are generally a healthy breed, with many living between 12 and 16 years. However, they can be prone to some health issues that you should be aware of.

Both Shiba Inu and Pug breeds are susceptible to ocular problems, and Shiba Inu Pug mixes may suffer from watery eyes and redness in the eyes.

For your interest: German Sheperd Mixes

Adorable purebred Shiba Inu dog sitting near sakura branches with small flowers in garden against blurred background on summer day
Credit: pexels.com, Adorable purebred Shiba Inu dog sitting near sakura branches with small flowers in garden against blurred background on summer day

Allergies can also be a problem, with Shiba Inu Pug mixes prone to both food and environmental allergies. This means you may need to do some trial and error to determine what your dog is allergic to.

Patellar luxation, a condition where the knee cap slides in and out of the femur, is another potential issue. This can cause limping, especially after physical activity.

You can expect your Shiba Inu Pug mix to be at risk for some of the same health ailments as its parent breeds. This includes hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, canine glaucoma, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and cancer.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for in your Shiba Inu Pug mix:

  • Watery eyes and redness
  • Patellar luxation
  • Food and environmental allergies
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Canine glaucoma
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Cancer

Food & Diet

Feeding your Pug Shiba requires matching their food intake with their activity level.

A small dog like your Pug Shiba has a fast metabolism, which means they're at risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This can cause lethargy in your puppy.

To keep their blood sugar stable, feed them small meals three times a day.

As your pup grows into adulthood, you can cut back to two meals per day.

Exercise

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Exercise is crucial for a Pug Shiba's health and happiness. They need regular physical activity to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.

The Pug in your hybrid pet is playful by nature, making them eager to join in on a game of fetch. This playful energy can be channeled into fun activities.

A daily walk is a great way to engage your Pug Shiba, especially if you don't have a lot of space in your backyard. This will help keep them active and happy.

Their protective nature means they should always be kept on a leash during walks. This will ensure their safety and prevent any potential problems.

Owning a Shug

Owning a Shug can be a great experience, but it's essential to consider their needs and characteristics. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their smaller size and lower exercise needs.

Their training can be moderately easy, but it's crucial to offer tasty treats to keep them engaged. A lack of interest can lead to difficulties in training, so be prepared to get creative with rewards.

Shugs can be quite playful and feisty, but they also make loyal companions. Their intelligence and comical appearance will surely draw attention at the dog park.

Shug

From above of crop anonymous male owner petting adorable fluffy Akita Inu dog while spending free time together at home
Credit: pexels.com, From above of crop anonymous male owner petting adorable fluffy Akita Inu dog while spending free time together at home

The Shug is a unique and lovable breed that's perfect for apartment living due to its smaller size and lower exercise needs. They thrive in smaller households with no children.

Their size is relatively small, typically standing between 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 16 and 24 pounds.

Shugs can suffer from lack of interest during training, so offering tasty treats is a must. This makes training moderately easy but requires some extra effort.

Their appearance can vary greatly, with some taking on more Pug attributes and others more Shiba Inu attributes. The longer snout of the Shiba Inu can help offset the Pug's breathing issues, making the Shug a relatively easier breed to care for in this regard.

Pet Compatibility

Owning a Shug can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider their pet compatibility.

The Pug Shiba, being a mix of a Pug and a Shiba Inu, may have a strong prey drive due to the Shiba Inu's hunting history.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed Just for You

This means they might chase children or cats that run from them, so it's crucial to supervise interactions closely.

The Shiba Inu's keen sense of wanderlust can also lead to trouble if they're not properly contained.

They should never be let off the leash in unenclosed areas, as they might take off after a squirrel or other small animal.

The Pug, on the other hand, is more open to other dogs or pets in the home, making them a great addition to a multi-pet household.

However, the Shiba Inu's protectiveness over toys and food can sometimes lead to conflicts with other pets, so it's essential to establish clear boundaries and rules.

Overall, with patience, love, and proper training, your Shug can learn to live harmoniously with other pets and even enjoy their company.

Conclusion

They're perfect for apartment living, and with regular walks, they can thrive in any environment.

Their adaptable nature makes them a great choice for city dwellers or those with limited outdoor space.

As long as they get enough exercise, Shiba Inu Pug mixes can do well in small apartments or large homes.

Their adaptable nature is just one of the many reasons why this mix is a great companion for many families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Shiba pup?

The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed known for its small, muscular build and spirited personality. This adaptable companion dog is a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

Edwin Grimes

Senior Assigning Editor

Edwin Grimes is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, Edwin has established himself as a trusted expert in his field. Edwin's areas of expertise include canine diet and nutrition, where he has successfully overseen the development of numerous articles and series.