A Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix is too cute for words. They are a highly intelligent and affectionate pooch as well. Still, there is a lot more that you need to know about adding this pup to your family. Here is a lowdown on what to expect:
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix Basic Characteristics?
- Height: 19 to 22inches
- Weight: 40 – 60lbs
- Coat: Double coated
- Level of Affection: High
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, with proper training and socialization
- Dog Friendly: Potentially, with proper socialization
- Cat Friendly: Unlikely
- Preferred Climate: Prefers cool to cold climates
- Shedding Levels: High
- Trainability: Moderate
- Potential to Bark/Howl: High
What Does a Shibu Inu German Shepherd Look Like?
This combination makes some pretty cute pups. Here are some potential scenarios of what a Shibu Inu German Shepherd may look like:
What Will Their Facial Features Be Like?
Shibu Inu German Shepherds will have a distinct wolfish facial appearance. If the pup takes after their Shibu Inu parent, they may appear to look slightly more fox-like. If they are more like their German Shepherd parent, they will have a slightly longer snout. Expect pricked-up ears.
What Kind of Body Type Will They Have?
This mixed breed is powerful, but in an understated way. They will have a long, lean body that is also quite muscular. They will also be on the taller side.
What Will Their Coat Look Like?
The first thing to be aware of is that your dog will have a double coat. Therefore, you should expect at least moderate amounts of shedding. Your dog may blow their coat at least once a year. The fur may be of medium to long length, depending on the parents.
As for the colors, these pups are often a mix of two or more colors, although it is possible for them to be a solid hue. The most commonly expected shades are black, cream, red, silver, grey, sable, liver, blue, and white.
This pooch may have markings around the face, ears, tail, and legs.
What Kind of Temperament Does a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Have?
Shiba Inu German Shepherds have a considerable capacity for affection and loyalty. Being excellent companions, they are the perfect addition to a family. You may also find that this pup will bond with some people in his or her family over others.
That being said, this mixed breed may be highly suspicious of strangers. If you aren’t careful, this may even progress to aggression. The best way to prevent this trait is to socialize your pup at a young age and then to continue socializing them as they get older.
Shiba Inu German Shepherds can be good with children, but proper socialization and training is required. In general, it is best to have this pup around older kids. Younger children may be a bit too rough with your dog and they may respond poorly in return.
As for other dogs, this is a bit of a toss-up. On the one hand, early introduction and proper socialization will often teach your Shiba Inu German Shepherd to get along with other dogs. At the same time, your pooch may have a possessive streak.
This means that they may feel uncomfortable around dogs – and even people – being around their food, treats, and toys. Thus, they may have a tendency to snap or snarl in such situations.
It is unlikely that these dogs will get along with cats. They have a high prey drive and have a natural instinct to chase after small animals without hesitation. You can try socializing your dog at a young age, but there may be limits to how well this may work.
The thing to keep in mind about Shiba Inu German Shepherds is that they are intelligent but incredibly independent and strong-willed. This isn’t a pup for the faint of heart or someone who isn’t ready to take charge. If you can’t take a dominant role, you will often find that your Shiba Inu German Shepherd will lead the way for you!
What are the Health Issues Associated with a Shiba Inu German Shepherd?
Mixed breeds do tend to suffer from fewer medical conditions than dogs with parents of the same breed. Nevertheless, there is always a potential for certain health issues to crop up. Here is what you should know:
What is the Life Expectancy of a Shiba Inu German Shepherd?
These dogs do have a pretty long life expectancy. They can live up to 12 to 14 years. The best way to ensure that your pooch lives a long and happy life is to provide them with proper nutrition and ensure that they have easy access to high-quality medical care.
What are Common Health Issues Experienced by Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix?
Some of the issues that your pup may contend with include:
- Glaucoma
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Degenerative myelopathy
The best way to reduce the risk of these diseases from developing is to find a good breeder. They often research both parents and their predecessors to determine if there were symptoms on either side. Thus, there is a greater chance of having pups that will be healthy with minimal issues.
Naturally, frequent check-ups are also a good way to keep your pup healthy and to improve their quality of life. Make sure to take your dog to vet if you notice any symptoms of a developing medical condition.
What are the Nutrition Requirements for a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix?
Your Shibu Inu’s nutrition requirements will depend on several factors. This includes energy levels, size of dog, and specific health conditions.
The important thing is to always choose a high-quality dog food for your dog, from the moment they are a puppy. This kibble must only contain high-quality food sources and be free from artificial ingredients or fillers.
In many instances, it is best to speak with your vet about the best food for your Shiba Inu German Shepherd. They will be the best judge of what your pup needs for proper growth and development. If your pooch is prone to food allergies, the vet may suggest a dog food with a limited number of ingredients.
It is important to carefully control the portions for your Shiba Inu German Shepherd. Only ever give as much as the manufacturer dictates. Dong so will prevent your pup from gaining too much weight. In turn, this may work to prevent any kind of dysplasia or joint issues.
How Much Exercise Does a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Need?
This is a moderately active breed and can use up to about an hour of exercise. Of course, this can vary from one dog to another, so it is important to alter the workout schedule to suit your dog’s need.
If your dog seems too tired after an hour of exercise, cut down this time. On the other hand, if they still seem quite active, you may want to slowly increase their workout time.
Daily walks are a good way to help your dog burn off any excess energy and prevent them from being destructive. Don’t be afraid to pick up the pace when you are out with your pooch and to step it up to a jog. It is a good idea to split the total exercise time into two or more sessions for maximum impact.
Due to their Shiba Inu genes, your pup may have a strong prey drive. Thus, you should never let them walk off leash and always keep a firm grip on them. They may be easily distracted by small creatures and take after them without warning.
How Do You Groom a Shiba Inu German Shepherd?
As mentioned, these are pretty fluffy dogs and have a double coat to boot. Due to this, you will need to keep the shedding under control. For the most part, brushing your dog three or four times a week will help to keep your home largely fur free.
Now, these dogs will blow their coat, which means that the shedding is likely to increase during Spring and Fall. During this period, it is best to brush your dog every day. Taking them to the groomers may help to keep the problem under control as well.
It is important to minimize the number of baths each year with this mixed breed. In most cases, you will only need to bathe your dog every three to four months. You should only break this cycle if your dog is really dirty or has begun to smell. Bathing your dog too often can cause unhealthy skin and coat.
What is the Best Living Environment for Shiba Inu German Shepherds?
Due to their coats, these dogs don’t do well in warm weather. They prefer cooler climates and are often well-insulated from the cold. Despite this, you should never leave your dog outside alone when the temperature drops.
In warmer months, make sure that your Shiba Inu German Shepherd stays inside during the day. Only exercise them early in the morning or later on in the evening. Never take them out at the hottest parts of the day as they may overheat quickly.
With this mixed breed, it is difficult to know whether they will do well in apartments or not. Some pups may be fine while others with a lot of excess energy may not appreciate the smaller space. If you do live in an apartment with a Shiba Inu German Shepherd, make sure to give them plenty of exercise.
How Can You Train a Shiba Inu German Shepherd?
On the one hand, the Shiba Inu German Shepherd is an incredibly intelligent breed and their capacity for being trained is enormous. On the other, these dogs are known for being quite headstrong and stubborn. Therefore, trying to teach them new commands and tricks can be rather difficult.
Now proper socialization and early training may help to curb some of these natural instincts. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to enroll your dog in training courses. Start with puppy classes and then determine whether you will need to continue working with a trainer.
This is a tactic you should try as it can help to prevent bad habits from forming while your pup is still young. A dog trainer is experienced enough to know how to deal with headstrong dogs and can help you to establish a leadership role early on.
Where Can You Find Shiba Inu German Shepherds?
This is still a pretty rare breed, so you may have to do some research to find a breeder who specifically deals with this mix. Always choose a reputable breeder. As mentioned, they will ensure that your puppy is as healthy as possible so that you can enjoy your best friend with minimal issues.
A good breeder will also help to socialize the pups at a young age. This can make it a lot easier to make your Shiba Inu German Shepherd less suspicious and aggressive as they get older.
Can You Adopt a Shiba Inu German Shepherd?
Since this is a designer breed and not very common, you may find it quite hard to find this dog in a shelter. However, checking online and extending your search to other areas may help your cause.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Shiba Inu German Shepherds:
Are Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive?
These dogs can be quite suspicious of strangers and may occasionally be territorial. It is rare for them to be outright aggressive, though.
Are Shiba Inu German Shepherds Good Dogs?
Friendly and loyal, these dogs can be an excellent addition to a family. As they are quite headstrong, they can also require some special handling.
Do Shiba Inu German Shepherds Like to Cuddle?
While they are affectionate, these dogs aren’t exactly lap dogs and aren’t prone to cuddling. They may have favorites that they are especially close to, though.
This is what you need to know about the Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix. You will now be able to decide whether this pooch is a good fit for you and your home.
