The Shiba Inu is an Asian dog breed that found its way to the United States and quickly rose in popularity, getting on the top 50 list of popular dogs in American homes.
Its foxy looks and dignity has endeared it to many pet lovers.
Over the years, this breed has been crossed with several others to create designer Shiba Inu mixed breeds.
As more people get drawn to novelty, these Shiba Inu cross breeds are in high demand.
This article will look into the 20 popular Shiba Inu mixes (adorable pictures included) right after some vital information on the Shiba Inu dog breed.
Shiba Inu Dog Breed
Information
| Height | 13 to 17 inches |
| Weight | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Coat | Thick and double |
| Colors | Orange, red, sesame |
| Temperament | Alert, bold, good-natured |
| Ideal For | Active families, owners with experience |
Characteristics
| Health | High |
| Grooming | Medium |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
Overview
The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese dog breeds.
The Akita, Shikoku, Kai, Shiba, Kishu, and Hokkaido are other Japanese native breeds, all bigger than the Shiba Inu.
An ancient dog breed, this little breed from the land of the Rising Sun started with the role of a hunting dog for a small game.
World War 2 affected many dog breeds due to several factors, including scarcity and the canine casualties on the battlefield.
The Shiba Inu also faced the danger of extinction during and after the war. Thanks to breeding programs, this breed was saved.
The standard was drawn by Nihon Ken Hozonkai and it got recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1993.
This breed weighs 20 to 30 pounds and grows up to 16 inches. Its ears are long and pointed, giving it a foxy look.
The thick double coat makes this breed appear like a teddy bear. The common colors on the coat are sesame, orange-red, and urajiro.
In personality, the Shiba Inu is characterized majorly by its boldness and fiery nature.
According to the Japanese, it has spiritual boldness (kaani-i), a good nature (ryosei), and alertness (soboku).
Its independent nature makes it hard to train. Owners shouldn’t be misled by this breed’s size.
Far from being eager to please pooch, these dogs are more eager to do things their way.
It is prone to illnesses like hip and elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, epilepsy, cancer, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Top 20 Most Popular Shiba Inu Mixes
1. Shiba Husky = Shiba Inu Husky Mix
The Shiba Inu Husky mix is one of the most popular mixed breeds around, more popular than many other Husky mixes.
It is a cross between the Shiba Inu and the Siberian Husky, both of which have facial resemblances but different sizes and personalities.
When it combines both parents’ genes, this cross breed is usually a medium-sized one.
There is no standard weight or height, but the Shiba Husky often weighs from 17 to 60 pounds with a height that falls between 13.5 to 24 inches.
It is a bit complex to determine the right traits for this breed.
The Siberian Husky mix is friendly and open-minded to everyone, but the Shiba Inu is not the best choice for a playmate.
Both parents are independent breeds, though, making this Mix more suitable for experienced owners.
2. Corgi Inu = Shiba Inu Corgi Mix
The Corgi Inu was designed from the Shiba Inu and the Welsh Corgi.
This Mix is less stubborn than the Shiba Husky, making it a good companion for many different types of families.
Because both parents are small, the Shiba Inu Corgi mix is also small. These dogs usually weigh 17 to 27 pounds with a height of 9 to 15 inches.
One advantage of this mix over the previous one is its adaptability.
The Corgi Inu mix can adapt to apartment living with the only condition that you give it enough exercise.
It is also very trainable and needs early socialization for a family with kids and other pets.
3. Shepherd Inu = Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix
The Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix is a mix who’s both a bundle of joy and a source of frustration.
It is a cross between the Shiba Inu and the popular herder dog, the German Shepherd.
With two bold parents, you can imagine how confident the hybrid dogs are.
Shepherd Inus are often medium-sized to large dogs, weighing between 20 and 60 pounds and attaining a height of 22 inches.
Combining a hunting dog with a herder increases the likelihood that your Shepherd Inu will be territorial, and most of them are.
They need proper socialization to reduce this tendency. A well-trained member of this breed makes a loyal and protective breed.
4. Shiba Chi = Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
Tiny, cute, and sweet companions, the Shiba Chi is a cross between the Shiba Inu and the petite Chihuahua.
These pooches are velcro dogs, forming a strong bond with a member of their families.
Coming from small parents, the Shiba Inu Chihuahua mix is small too. It weighs between 8 to 12 pounds and often grows up to 12 inches.
Don’t be deceived by the size, though. This mix and its parents are considered a poor choice for new pet parents.
They are not easy to train and should not be indulged regardless of their cuteness and size.
A badly trained Shiba Chi can become aggressive. This breed is also unsuitable for a house with small kids.
5. Pom Shi = Shiba Inu Pomeranian Mix
Amongst the Pomeranian hybrids, the Pom Shi is both popular and intriguing.
It has as parents two widely different breeds, the Shiba Inu and the Pomeranian.
This combination helps breed out the unfavorable behaviors of both parents.
The Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix is a medium-sized dog breed that weighs up to 16 pounds and grows up to 17 inches.
The facial appearance doesn’t vary much as the parent breeds look slightly similar.
The big difference lies in personality. Pomeranians are cozy and friendly cuties that are outgoing and love meeting new people.
Shiba Inus are reserved and independent. The Mix may either be outgoing, reserved, or fall somewhere in between.
6. Poo Shi = Shiba Inu Poodle Mix (or Shibadoodle, Shibapoo, Shiba Poo)
Crossing two dignified breeds have always been a classy option, and the Poo Shi is the result.
It is a cross between the Shiba Inu and the Poodle. Besides the dignity, this Mix is also an athlete.
The Shiba Inu Poodle mix appearance is as cute as the numerous names, and the size depends on which variety of Poodle was used.
The mix will often weigh from 8 to 40 pounds and grow up to 12 to 20 inches.
With these dogs, expect intelligence and a high dose of confidence. Their moderate energy level makes them easier to handle.
The intelligence helps them learn new commands with ease, but they can be stubborn too.
7. Shibador = Shiba Inu Lab Mix
With a strong sense of curiosity and a high level of intelligence, the Shibador had won the hearts of people.
It is a cross between the Shiba Inu and the most popular dog breed in the United States, the Labrador Retriever.
The size and appearance of the parents differ, so do not assume the Shiba Inu Lab mixed breed will have the same appearance and size.
Usually, its weight falls between 30 and 50 pounds with a height that’s between 18 to 23 inches. However, that’s not a general truth.
Another point of contention between the parents is in personality.
There are many key differences between the parents and a few similarities, so you can’t predict the personality of the mixed pup.
Be prepared for anything. That said, Shibadors are often workers who love to play but also show a sense of independence.
8. Shiba Inu Pitbull Mix
Unlike other designer breeds on this list, the Shiba Pitbull mix is a rare one.
It is assumed that the cross between the Shiba Inu and the Pit Bull was not intentional. Well, here we are.
Shiba Inu is the smaller parent, and the mix tends to fall in between the size of both parents.
Thus, it often weighs from 20 to 45 pounds and grows up to 18 inches.
The parents also have personalities as different as their sizes. While the Pit Bull is a playful extrovert who wants to socialize, the Shiba Inu is warier.
The offspring could swing either way or combine both to have a friendly dog who’s also independent.
The Shiba Inu can also serve to calm the boisterous nature of the Pit Bull.
9. Golden Shiba = Shiba Inu Golden Retriever Mix
The Golden Shiba crosses the Shiba Inu with the family’s favorite Golden Retriever.
Like many other designer breeds on this list, the parents have different appearances and temperaments.
In size, the Shiba Inu Golden Retriever mix usually is either small or medium.
The variations and lack of standard we see in other designer breeds are the same as the Golden Shiba.
The weight range is from 30 to 50 pounds with a height that gets up to 28 inches.
The Shiba Inu’s aloof and independent nature contrasts with the Golden Retriever’s love for people.
The offspring may either be reserved or social or end up in the middle.
10. Shi Beagle = Shiba Inu Beagle Mix
The Shi Beagle crosses two good hunting breeds, the Shiba Inu and the Beagle.
Not surprisingly, it has a strong hunting instinct and tracks well.
The Shiba Inu Beagle mixed breed is a small one, a good choice for those who live in apartments.
With an average weight of 24 pounds and a height of 15 inches, it doesn’t take up too much space.
It does require exercise, so daily walks are recommended.
The influence from both parent breeds makes the Shi Beagle a loyal and affectionate dog who may sometimes be aloof and can spend time alone.
This can be advantageous to busy owners who wouldn’t want to come back to a wrecked apartment.
This mixed breed is not the easiest to take care of, but it makes a good companion.
11. Aussie Shiba = Shiba Inu Australian Shepherd Mix
Aussie Shiba crosses the Shiba Inu and the Australian Shepherd to produce a versatile dog breed.
The Shiba Inu Australian Shepherd mix plays many roles in a household and adds value to any family it goes in.
Its weight range usually falls between 20 to 40 pounds and it grows up to 25 inches.
The Australian Shepherd parent is bigger than the Shiba Inu, so its influence determines how big the mix will grow.
This breed is both a companion and a watchdog, having the right amount of love for family and wariness towards strangers to play both roles.
The combination can also help balance the possessive nature of the Shiba Inu.
Both parents are intelligent too, so the offspring will too.
12. Shiba Inu Border Collie Mix
The Shiba Inu Border Collie mix is a hybrid fashioned from a cross between the Shiba Inu and the Border Collie.
This is an intelligent and energetic breed that needs an active owner.
Generally, this mix is medium size with a weight range of 20 to 40 pounds and a height of 16 to 19 inches.
The Border Collie is superior in size, but not by much. Thus, the size difference amongst the hybrid dogs will not be overt.
Following the same path as other Shiba Inu mixes, this breed can either be friendly or reserved and independent.
It can also combine the traits to give well-balanced dogs. It is a gamble.
13. Pug Shiba = Shiba Inu Pug Mix
The Pug Shiba crosses the Shiba Inu and the Pug. It is also known as a Shug Inu.
The Shiba Inu Pug mix is as rare as the Shiba Pitbull mix, so expect to draw the attention of strangers when you take your mixed breed pooch outside.
It is one of the small Shiba Inu mixes thanks to both parents being small.
It has a weight range of 16 to 24 pounds and a height of 14 to 16 inches.
A big benefit of this mix is that it usually takes the face of the Shiba Inu and not the Pug.
Thus, it is not vulnerable to breathing issues.
The Pug Shiba Mix love snuggling up to their humans if it leans more towards the Pug or stays in the middle.
However, if it stays on Shiba’s side, it will prefer its own space.
14. Shiba Inu Basenji Mix
The Shiba Inu Basenji mix is a cross between two tough-headed breeds, the Shiba Inu and the Basenji.
A new pet parent or one with no experience with stubborn dogs will get frustrated with this mix.
That aside, this designer breed is luckier than other ones because the parents have a close resemblance.
Thus, there could be some similarities between members of the mixed breed.
They often weigh between 17 to 23 pounds and grow up to 16 inches.
Like we hinted at, this breed is a poor first-time dog. The ideal owner is a firm, patient and experienced individual, not a novice.
Both parents are known to be stubborn and don’t see the need to please their owners.
The same applies to this breed. Its strength and agility are advantages, though. It can also play the role of a watchdog.
15. Chowba = Shiba Inu Chow Mix (or Chow Inu)
Chowba or the Chow Inu is the designer child of the Shiba Inu and the Chinese Chow Chow.
Like the precedent breed, this breed needs a confident and experienced owner.
The Chowba weighs between 35 to 50 pounds and grows up to 17 inches.
The difference in the appearance of both parents isn’t vast, so while all the hybrid dogs won’t look the same, they will have similar looks.
Intelligence is a big feature in the Shiba Inu Chow mix—so is stubbornness.
It is also not the most playful or affectionate breed and is more feline in its temperament.
If you can handle all these, then you get a loyal and dedicated pet.
16. Shibakita = Shiba Inu Akita Mix
Shikabita crosses two native Japanese breeds, the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu.
The pride, dignity, and loyalty of Japanese dog breeds are apparent in this designer breed.
The Shiba Inu Akita mix wouldn’t have a problem with appearance as both parents share foxy looks with pointed ears.
The Akita is larger than the Shiba though, which makes the size dynamic. Usually, it weighs 30 to 45 pounds and grows up to 24 inches.
Both parents are intelligent breeds that easily pass on to the Mix.
It learns with speed, an asset during training. However, its intelligence also leaves it vulnerable to boredom.
Without proper stimulation, these dogs may get destructive.
17. Jack Inus = Shiba Inu Jack Russell Mix
The Jack Inu is a mixed breed with the Shiba Inu and Jack Russell as parents.
Both parents were developed to be hunters, so you know what to expect from the offspring. It is a scarce hybrid.
Jack Inu is under the category of Shiba mixes with no uniform appearance.
They are both small dogs, however, so this cross breed is too.
The latter weighs 10 to 18 pounds and grows up to 15 inches.
Also, expect the same difficulty in training that you would with other Shiba Inu mixes.
Shiba Inu Jack Russell mixes are both intelligent and independent, traits that may cause them to be stubborn.
18. Shiba Rottie = Shiba Inu Rottweiler Mix
The Shiba Rottie mix is a cross between the Shiba Inu and the Rottweiler.
The latter is a very popular guardian.
Combining its traits with the courageous Shiba Inu is a recipe for disaster—for intruders, that is.
The Rottie is far bigger than the Shiba Inu, so their Mix may either be medium or large.
Its weight range is usually from 49 to 59 pounds and the height from 19 to 21 inches.
Owning this designer breed is an adventure of its own.
Having energetic parents with independent spirits and protectiveness, the Shiba Inu Rottweiler mix is sometimes a handful.
It is not for everyone but offers undying devotion to those who can train it.
19. Shibadach = Shiba Inu Dachshund Mix (or Shibadox)
The last Shiba Inu cross breed on our list is the Shibadach. It combines the Shiba Inu with the Dachshund.
Both are hunters, making the offspring an active hard worker.
The Shiba Inu Dachshund mix is not your typical lapdog.
It weighs from 11 to 14 pounds with a height of 15 to 30 inches. Going after the footsteps of its parents. It is a small to medium-sized breed.
The personality of this breed is bigger than the size.
Many people would expect an easy task when they get a small dog. Hopefully, we now know that’s a fallacy.
Even small dogs can be a handful, and this designer breed needs a capable owner to handle its excesses.
20. Shocker: Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel Mix
While it is a Shocker to find a designer breed named this way, the Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix is commonly called that.
It is an unusual cross between the Shiba Inu and Cocker Spaniel.
Determining the exact appearance and temperament of this breed is also near impossible.
The Cocker Spaniel and Shiba Inu look nothing alike. That said, they do share similar weight and height.
Thus, the mix has a stable size. It weighs between 15 to 30 pounds and usually peaks at 12 inches.
The personality of the Mix is more complex than the appearance. While the Cocker Spaniel is a happy, affectionate dog breed, the Shiba Inu is the opposite.
FAQs
What is the most famous Shiba Inu?
Before the fame of this breed in the United States, there was a popular Shiba Inu named Hachiko, whose loyalty stands as a good example of doggy devotion.
This dog waited decades at the train station after his master went to work one day and didn’t return.
The Shiba Inu’s loyalty is admirable, which is why it is a common choice for cross breeding.
What is the mix of a Shiba Inu?
A Shiba Inu mix is a crossing of this breed with another to get what is known as a designer breed. There are many designer breeds today.
What is the best Shiba Inu color?
Of all the colors on the Shiba Inu’s coat, red is considered the most preferred, especially on show dogs. The cream is another loved color.
Final Thoughts
The Shiba Inu has all the potentials of a good pet, so do its mixes.
The other parent’s influence may determine how each mix will behave, but there are common grounds in these hybrids.
For example, be prepared for a show of independence and intelligence from any Shiba Inu mixed dog breed.
The Shiba Inu cross breeds have many factors that make them not suitable for every pet parent.
If any on this list interests you, do well to make further research on that particular cross breed.
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