These two dogs look like they have a common ancestor, right? Well, that is right to a certain point. Domestic dogs are descendants of the wolf, but not many look as much to wolves as Siberian Husky, Akita Inu, and Shiba Inu. Some might say Shibas and Akitas have a more fox-like appearance. With that in mind, today, we will talk about a Shiba Inu Husky mix.
When you combine the fox-like appearance of Siberian Husky and the fox-like appearance of Shiba Inu, what do you get? Well, a beautiful and regal dog, one that is stunning and popular.
Shibas are relatively new to the designer dog breeds scene. They are relatively new to the United States. But they quickly captured the hearts of people and have risen up in the ranks of The American Kennel Club.
Now, we have to say, this Siberian Husky mix is not for everyone. Let’s talk about temperament, trainability, health, and everything in between.
Meet The Breed
There is no official name for this designer breed yet. We know it as the Shiba Inu Husky mix. Some might call it the Husky Inu or Shiba Husky. But that is not it.
Its parents look similar with their fluffy coats and wild appearance. But their personalities are different. Both are stubborn, but that is where the similarities end.
The Shiba Husky mix is not for everyone. The temperament is what might make you think twice. But let’s go step by step.
Meet The Parents
The first step we need to make to find out more about the Shiba Inu Husky mix is to get to know the parents. They will give us a better idea of what to expect from your designer dog.
Shiba Inu
Up until the 1950s, this puppy was a closely guarded secret of Japan. Some might say it was a national treasure. Things changed when in 1954, a military family imported it into the United States of America.
Once this puppy set foot on American soil, it flourished. Nowadays, the Shiba Inu breed ranks in the top 50 by the popularity of The American Kennel Club.
It is a wonderful family pet that is smaller than medium-sized dogs, yet bigger than small dog breeds. It is somewhere in the middle. Something like a Beagle.
It was originally bred for hunting in the mountainous regions of Japan. Nowadays, it is classified as a non-sporting breed.
Famous for their affection for the family. They are not as cuddly as other family pets, but they are happy to be in the same room as you. They are exceptionally protective of their family.
Here are some common personality traits:
- They have a tendency to be territorial and resource guarding
- They have a medium-to-high prey drive
- Lightning-quick and extremely playful
- Protective of their family
Husky
The Siberian Husky is one canine full of personality. And that is what makes it a popular choice for a mixed breed. The canine originates from Siberia and was originally bred to transport heavy loads from one tribe to another. A classic sled dog if you like. They are known as crazy clowns in the canine world.
This loyal, outgoing, and mischievous puppy is a great family companion. But with the right family that can understand their character and train him properly.
When it comes to training, they are more interested in playing games than taking part in training sessions. Highly energetic, they are also smart. That is a recipe for accidents if you do not handle and train your Husky sled dog properly. Here are some common personality traits:
- Huskies are more prone to howling than barking.
- Affectionate family members
- They love to make friends with everyone they meet
- Huskies love to play with children
- Pack animals by nature
- They have a high prey drive
Appearance
We can now talk about your Shiba Husky mix. What would this dog look like? Well, you have a combination of wolf and fox appearance, so expect a wild animal appearance.
This mixed breed dog will have triangular-shaped ears, a long muzzle, and a fleshy square nose. His eyes can be amber, dark, or blue in color. The blue comes from the Siberian Husky parent breed. They can also inherit the different colored eyes of Huskies.
Typically, this designer breed weighs between 25 and 50 pounds, standing between 15 and 20 inches. In other words, a typical family pet. The difference between Husky Shiba Inu Mix, and a Bichon Frise, is that the former is a muscular and well-proportioned athletic puppy.
These dogs have fluffy coats, no matter which genes they inherit. Their fluffy coat will keep them warm during the winter months, something both parents need in the mountainous regions. The two layers are a dense undercoat and a softer outer coat.
The coat color ranges from black and tan, red, cream, red sesame, white, sable and white, black and white, brown and white, and so on.
Temperament
If you are ready to tackle the temperament of your puppy, this dog will keep you entertained. You can expect a dog with high spirits and a real sense of curiosity.
You have to deal with a highly energetic dog. Obedience training is a must to make your life easier. More on that later on.
These dogs are too smart for their own good and would rather play some games than train. This is where you need to assert yourself and be firm, calm, and dedicated to training. It is worth it in the end.
Remember, Huskies have a reputation for being stubborn. The same applies to Shiba Inu, and you have a combination of the two. So, training is a challenge.
The good news is that they have a natural pack animal instinct. If you establish yourself as the alpha leader, they will listen to you and train with you.
Same as the Shiba and Husky, this mixed puppy are curious by nature. They will love to explore and run around. Even with a reliable recall, you should keep your dog on a leash.
Yes, you have a loyal and loving dog that just wants to have fun. But a leash will save you some headaches when your Shiba Inu Husky mix runs off to explore. Your puppy will come back, but it will take its time exploring.
Training
As we said before, this Siberian Husky mix is difficult to train. It is not a dog we recommend to first-time owners.
There are a couple of challenges you have to work on. The first is guarding tendencies inherited from the Shiba Inu. Then, you have to socialize your puppy to work on its possessive nature.
All while dealing with the epic stubbornness of a Husky. Persistence and consistency will help you. Positive reinforcement is the way to go here.
As a prospective dog owner, you have to understand you have an independent dog. These puppies are loyal and loving, but they also want to play.
The trick is to use games that they love during your training session. Your canine will be motivated to play. It is just a matter of finding a game they love and using it to your advantage. And then reward for every positive and good behavior.
Exercise Needs
A Husky Inu dog needs loads of exercise, both physical and mental stimulation. Obedience training is a must from an early age. Same with socialization.
Generally speaking, they need between 60 and 90 minutes of exercise per day. The good news is that they love companionship. You can take them on a bike ride, jogging, hiking, and similar outdoor activities. Just be careful with overheating.
Huskies are dogs used to colder climates. Do not take them hiking or jogging during the high sun.
Health
This hybrid dog is relatively healthy, with a life expectancy between 12 and 16 years. If you keep up with vaccinations, feed your puppy a healthy diet, and provide regular exercise, you can expect a pet that will live for a while.
The three big risks are hip dysplasia, glaucoma, and patellar luxation. But both breeds are healthy, resulting in longevity in your pet.
Grooming
Any Husky dog owner will tell you. These dogs shed. And they shed a lot. After all, they do have a double coat that is fluffy.
Husky Shiba Inu mix will shed two times per year during a blowout session, and moderately in between.
Remember to brush your puppy frequently to get rid of that extra fur and dead hair.
Why Shouldn’t You Get One?
- Challenging dog breed for new owners
- Independent dog that has a high prey drive
- Known for being escape artists
Why Should Get You One?
- An active dog and a great companion for outdoor activities
- A family pet that loves to be around children
- Moderate protective nature
