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The Shiba Inu is an ancient Asian dog breed that first appeared around 300 BC. These muscular pups were used for hunting. The name Shiba Inu translates from the Japanese as “brushwood dog,” referring to the characteristic red color of the breed. Today, the purebred Shiba and Shiba Inu mixes are highly sought after.
In 1954, the first Shiba Inu appeared in the U.S.A. The breed currently ranks number 42 on the American Kennel Club’s popularity chart. Today, these striking, medium-sized dogs with their foxlike appearance have recently been used to create the Shiba Inu mix. These mixed-breed dogs are rapidly growing in popularity.
I take a look at 20 Shiba Inu mixes, giving you all the information you need when considering bringing one of these adorable canines into your family.
Shiba Inu Mixes You’ll Absolutely Love
When looking at crossbreed dogs, always remember that your puppy will take some characteristics from each parent. That makes it crucial to know a little about both parent breeds. Even so, choosing a mixed-breed puppy is still something of a game of chance!
Some of the Shiba Inus listed below are “designer dogs,” meaning they were intentionally bred because they were a mix from a breeder. If that’s what you are looking for, you’ll want to make sure you are looking for an “F1 crossbreed,” where popular mixes such as the Labradoodle were created. If you are here just looking to see what your Shiba Inu rescue pup could be mixed with, you’ll find 20 different crossbreed pictures below.
Consider An At-Home Dog DNA Test
If you are unsure of your dog’s genetic makeup, you can use an at-home DNA test kit to find out. We have personally tried and reviewed several, including Basepaws, Wisdom Panel, and Embark.
Akita Inu: The Mighty and Loyal Shibakita (Shiba Inu + Akita)
The Shibakita is a crossbreed that’s created by mating a Shiba Inu with an Akita. This crossbreed can be medium or large, depending on whether your puppy takes after the Shiba or Akita parent breeds for the mix and which traits are prevalent in the puppy. These dogs have the beautiful, foxy features of the Spitz breeds, as well as luxuriant, thick coats and upright, triangular ears.
The Shibakita generally weighs from 30 to 45 pounds, standing up to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is very protective, loyal to his family, and not always friendly with strangers. These dogs are intelligent, quick learners who need early training and socialization right from day one.
Their intelligence can work against these dogs if they’re left alone for long periods, as they can quickly become bored, leading to destructive behaviors. Ideally, you’ll have a large, well-fenced garden. That’s important, as wandering is something that both parent breeds can be prone to.
Shibakitas have double coats that shed continually, with two heavy shedding periods in spring and fall when the coat is blown. You’ll need to spend lots of time brushing your pet during that period. If you are into crafting, you may want to try knitting with all the dog hair you collect!
Aussie Shiba: The Energetic and Intelligent Fluffball (Shiba Inu + Australian Shepherd)
The Aussie Shiba is a cross between a Shiba Inu and an Australian Shepherd. These medium-sized dogs can grow to stand up to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing from 20 to 40 pounds. When it comes to personality and temperament, the Aussie Shiba is generally good with well-behaved kids and other pets. Although trainable, you will need to be patient and sensitive in your methods, as both parent breeds can become stressed and stubborn if negative reinforcement training methods are used.
As both parent breeds come from herding and guarding heritage, you will find that an Aussie Shiba makes an excellent watchdog. This crossbreed needs plenty of exercise and is happiest when given a job. A bored Aussie Shiba can become destructive and vocal if left alone for long periods. The Australian Shepherd Shiba Inu mixed breed sheds moderately and will require grooming at least twice a week to keep its coat in good condition.
The Aussie Shiba has a life expectancy of up to 15 years. Although usually quite healthy, most Australian Shepherd hybrids can be susceptible to some conditions, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and skin allergies.
Corgi Inu: The Smiley, Short-Legged Sweetheart (Shiba Inu + Corgi)
A Corgi Inu is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Welsh Corgi. The Corgi parent can be either a Cardigan or a Pembroke. Corgi Inu are highly trainable and make excellent watchdogs, too, loyal and protective of their human family. However, as these breeds have herding and hunting in their ancestry, early socialization is essential if you have little kids or other family pets in your household. This Corgi crossbreed can be a great dog for just about any family.
The Corgi Inu is typically a small dog that can be suited to apartment living, provided you give your dog lots of exercise every day. Access to a fenced, outside space is preferable. These dogs have thick, double coats that need brushing daily, especially during the spring and fall when the coat is “blown.” The Corgi Inu is generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of up to 15 years.
Golden Shiba: The Ultimate Sunshine Pup (Shiba Inu + Golden Retriever)
The Golden Shiba is a unique hybrid cross between a Shiba Inu and a Golden Retriever. Like other Golden Retriever crossbreeds, these pups are both hunting breeds that can have a deeply ingrained prey drive. That could cause problems if you have other pets, especially cats and rabbits. So, be sure to socialize and train your Golden Shiba properly before introducing them to other pets.
The Golden Shiba has a thick, silky coat of medium length. The coat color ranges from tan and honey-brown to white. Most Golden Shibas have floppy or partly erect ears. These are medium-sized pups weighing between 30 and 50 pounds and standing up to 20 inches at the shoulder.
This breed is quite long-lived, often surviving up to 15 years. They are healthy pups, although the breed can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, glaucoma, and cataracts. One serious health condition that is very common in Golden Retrievers is certain types of cancer. For that reason, you must be sure to ask your puppy’s breeder to show you clear health-screening paperwork for the Golden Retriever parent dog.
Imo Inu: The Snowy White Cuddlebug (Shiba Inu + American Eskimo Dog)
The Imo Inu is a mix between a Shiba Inu and an American Eskimo dog that usually carries a fluffy white coat. The American Eskimo dog comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. So, the adult Imo Inu could range in size from 10 to 25 pounds in weight, depending on the size of the parent dog.
This is not a suitable breed for a home with allergy sufferers. Although striking, the Imo Inu sheds constantly, and you will need to spend plenty of time grooming your pup to keep his coat free from tangles and mats.
Both parent breeds are naturally athletic, working dogs. However, their personalities are very different. The American Eskimo dog loves kids and has an endearing willingness to please, making the breed easy to train. On the other hand, Shiba Inu can be independent and aloof. So, your Imo Inu puppy will come out somewhere between the two, depending on which parent he takes after most.
PomShi: The Foxy and Fluffy Pocket Pal (Shiba Inu + Pomeranian)
The PomShi is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Shiba Inu. Although totally different in personality, these two breeds look similar with their fluffy coats and foxlike faces. The Shiba Inu is an independent breed and can be aloof, whereas the Pomeranian is very much a sociable pup who loves people.
The PomShi is a medium-sized dog, weighing up to 14 pounds and standing up to 17 inches high at the shoulder. They can shed quite a lot due to the Pomeranian side of the family. Although generally healthy and with a life expectancy of up to 16 years, the PomShi can suffer from dental problems and patellar luxation. It’s a very popular Pomeranian hybrid, and you’ll see these very commonly marketed as designer dogs.
Poo-Shi: The Curly-Haired Einstein Pup (Shiba Inu + Poodle)
The Poo-Shi is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Poodle. Like other Poodle F1 mixed breeds, the Poo-Shi is an athletic, outgoing dog with energy to burn. These dogs are great hunting partners and have a very high prey drive, which can cause problems in a domestic setting if their home is shared with other smaller pets. For that reason, keeping your Poo-Shi leashed when out walking is also a good idea.
The Poo-Shi is a medium-sized dog whose size will depend on the variety of Poodles that are used to create the crossbreed. Generally, a Poo-Shi will vary from eight to 40 pounds in weight, standing anywhere from 12 to 20 inches in height. Note that the largest Poo-Shi pups have a Standard Poodle parent.
The Poo-Shi’s coat type depends on which parent’s genes are most dominant in the puppy. So, your pup could have a double coat like his Shiba Inu parent or a short, curly coat like the Poodle.
Schnu: The Scruffy and Lovable Explorer (Shiba Inu + Schnauzer)
The Schnu is an unusual crossbreed made by mating a Shiba Inu and a Schnauzer. Usually, a Miniature Schnauzer is used to create the Schnu mixed breed. Although different in appearance and coat type, the two-parent breeds are similar in height and weight.
Your puppy may inherit the reddish-colored coat and foxy face of the Shiba Inu, or he may take after the bearded Schnauzer and have a thick, wiry black coat. Similarly, your puppy could be a light or heavy shedder, depending on whether he takes after mom or dad.
The Schnu’s personality is usually somewhere between the naturally friendly and bouncy Schnauzer and the more reserved Shiba Inu. These dogs make good family pets, getting along well with other family pets and children, provided you ensure your puppy is well-socialized and trained correctly from day one. Like other Schnauzer crossbreeds, the life expectancy of a Schnu is around 12 to 16 years.
Shairn Inu: The Spirited Terrier With a Shiba Twist (Shiba Inu + Cairn Terrier)
The Shairn Inu is a cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Shiba Inu. The two parent breeds are very different in many ways, making this a rare and unusual crossbreed that’s rarely seen at the dog park. When it comes to personality, the two parent breeds couldn’t be more different!
The Cairn Terrier is bouncy, playful, and full of fun, whereas the Shiba Inu is reserved and aloof. So, until your puppy grows up, you won’t know just how he will turn out. These small dogs weigh between 13 and 25 pounds and have a life expectancy of up to 16 years.
Shepherd Inu: The Ultimate Protector Pup (Shiba Inu + German Shepherd)
A Shepherd Inu is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Shiba Inu. These are confident pups with lots of energy. Your Shepherd Inu will not be happily left to his own devices in your backyard while you’re out at work. You will need to give your pup lots of exercise and training to keep him happy.
Shepherd Inus can be territorial, and they need experienced owners who know how to train territorial or aggressive dogs. A properly socialized, well-trained Shepherd Inu will make a loving, protective, loyal family pet. Thanks to their high prey drive, the Shepherd Inu can be troublesome when off-leash. These are pretty large dogs, standing up to 22 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 20 and 60 pounds.
Shepherd Inu mixes have medium-length double coats that shed heavily in spring and fall, so you will need to enjoy grooming your dog several times every week. Although generally healthy and with a lifespan of between 12 and 14 years, the Shepherd Inu can sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia.
Shi-Beagle: The Nosey and Mischievous Best Friend (Shiba Inu + Beagle)
The Shi-Beagle is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Beagle. This crossbreed combines the tracking and hunting abilities of both parent breeds. The Shi-Beagle is usually a doting, comical pet that will tolerate being left alone for longer periods of time than many other breeds.
The medium-sized Shi-Beagle grows to stand between 13 and 17 inches in height at the shoulder, weighing from 18 to 30 pounds. These loving, loyal dogs are the ideal size for apartment living. That said, the Shi-Beagle needs at least one long walk every day and some engaging playtimes, too. Like other Beagle mixed breeds, the Shi-Beagle can live to around 15 years of age and is generally a healthy breed.
Shiba Chi: The Tiny but Feisty Firecracker (Shiba Inu + Chihuahua)
The Shiba Chi is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Chihuahua. Although these dogs are usually tiny, their personality is anything but! If properly socialized as puppies, a Shiba Chi can be confident, independent, and loyal. Like other Chihuahua hybrids, those dogs who are not properly socialized can be aggressive, especially to other dogs.
Both parent breeds have the reputation of being difficult to train, and this is often the case with the Shiba Chi, which can be stubborn and not the most willing of canines. For the most success, be sure to begin training your puppy early. The personality and somewhat questionable temperament of the Shiba Chi make this breed unsuitable for families with children and other dogs. These dogs are happiest in a household where they can forge a relationship with just one person.
The Shiba Chi typically weighs between eight and 12 pounds, standing from nine to 12 inches tall. The Shiba Inu Chihuahua mix often has a short coat that sheds constantly. If your Shiba Chi has a short coat like that of a Chihuahua, he may not tolerate cold weather very well.
Shiba Husky: The Gorgeous Blue-Eyed Snow Pup (Shiba Inu + Siberian Husky)
The Shiba Inu is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Siberian Husky. It’s a very popular mix compared to some of the other common Husky mixes. The Shiba Husky is a medium-sized dog, ranging in height from 13.5 inches to 24 inches and weighing from 17 pounds up to 60 pounds. Both parent breeds have the reputation of being challenging to train, so the Shiba Husky is not a good choice for first-time owners. Your Shiba Husky puppy will need proper socialization and training from a young age to ensure that he’s obedient and mannerly.
Both parent breeds have a high prey drive and can be somewhat unruly when off-leash. They are both confirmed escape artists. So, you want a well-fenced yard or garden, and preferably no other small pets that might be viewed as prey. That said, the Shiba Husky is sociable and enjoys interacting with his human pack and other dogs. These pups are pretty energetic and need lots of exercise each day to keep them happy.
The Shiba Husky is a moderate shedder with two heavy shedding periods in spring and fall when the coat is “blown.” So, one of these pups won’t be suitable for a home with allergy sufferers. Also, you’ll need to brush your dog at least every other day to keep the shedding under control.
Shiba Inu Border Collie: The Lively Brainiac With Boundless Energy (Shiba Inu + Border Collie)
The Shiba Inu Border Collie mix is a high-energy, smart, and sometimes stubborn breed that isn’t the best choice for a first-time dog owner. This crossbreed needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep him happy. A bored Shiba Inu Border Collie mix can become very destructive, especially if left alone for long periods. These are medium-sized dogs, standing up to 19 inches tall and weighing between 20 and 40 pounds.
The Shiba Inu Border Collie cross has a double coat that sheds heavily in the spring and again in the fall. That means you’ll need to groom your dog several times a week to keep your carpets and furniture from becoming plastered in dog hair!
Shiba Malamute: The Wolfy and Loyal Gentle Giant (Shiba Inu + Malamute)
The Shiba Malamute is a cross between a Shiba Inu and an Alaskan Malamute. The Shiba Malamute is typically a medium-sized dog, standing from 13.5 inches to 22 inches tall and weighing from 17 pounds up to 50 pounds.
A Shiba Malamute may be independent and stubborn to train, and is probably best suited to a home with experience in owning dogs. The breed is very loyal to their human family. However, their strong prey drive can make them unsuitable housemates for smaller pets such as cats and rabbits, and early socialization is recommended.
Both parent breeds have thick, luxurious coats and shed heavily, especially in the spring and fall. Therefore, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time grooming your dog to prevent your home from becoming covered in fur! The Shiba Malamute lives for up to 15 years. Although pretty healthy, the breed can be vulnerable to inherited health conditions, including hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Shibadach: The Long and Lovable Wiener Pup (Shiba Inu + Dachshund)
If you’re looking for a cute, pint-sized pup, the Shibadach could be just what you’re looking for! This breed is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Dachshund. Dachshunds come in three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. So, that means your adult mixed-breed Shiba Inu Dachshund crossbreed could weigh anywhere between nine and 25 pounds.
The Shibadach is usually an amenable, family-friendly breed, although they can be a little possessive and territorial around their own stuff, such as toys, bedding, etc. Although generally a healthy crossbreed, the Shibadach can suffer from back problems if the individual inherits his Dachshund parent’s characteristic short legs and extra-long back. The life expectancy of a Shibadach is usually between 12 and 16 years.
Shibo: The Dapper and Friendly Gentleman Dog (Shiba Inu + Boston Terrier)
The Shibo is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Boston Terrier. This is quite an unusual mixed breed, although the dogs are of a similar size and weight, making it easier to predict the outcome of the cross than when the parents are totally different.
However, the Shiba Inu and Boston Terrier have very different coat types. The Shiba Inu has a fluffy, foxlike coat that sheds moderately, whereas the Boston Terrier’s coat is shorter and sheds less. Both parent breeds have very different personalities. The Shiba Inu is reserved, independent, and aloof. However, the Boston Terrier is lively, sociable, and full of fun and games.
The Shibo is healthy and can live to around 15 years of age. However, your puppy may inherit one potential health issue from the Boston Terrier side of his breeding. As with most Boston Terrier mixes, this breed can have the same issues as most brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs, and that can lead to breathing problems.
ShiPin: The Pint-Sized Fireball Full of Attitude (Shiba Inu + Miniature Pinscher)
The ShiPin is a cross between a Miniature Pinscher and a Shiba Inu. This is a very unusual mixed breed between two very different parent types. One thing that’s certain is that the mixed-breed dog will be small and compact, with the petite, powerful physique that characterizes both parent breeds.
Your ShiPin will likely have the same reddish coat as both his parents. However, unlike the Miniature Pinscher’s short, flat coat, the Shiba Inu has a fluffy, luxuriant coat. When it comes to personality, the ShiPin can be sociable and people-oriented or more aloof and reserved, depending on which parent your puppy most takes after. Like several other Pinscher hybrids, this breed is generally healthy, with a life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years.
Shocker: The Fluffy-Eared Cuddle Monster (Shiba Inu + Cocker Spaniel)
The hilariously named Shocker is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Cocker Spaniel. As with any crossbreed, it’s something of a lottery to work out how the puppies of these very different parent breeds will turn out.
The Cocker Spaniel is typically a loving, happy-go-lucky type who gets along well with everyone in the family, including other pets. On the other side of the equation is the Shiba Inu breed, who has a much more reserved personality. So, the adult crossbreed’s personality will be a mystery until the puppies mature.
More predictable is the size of an adult Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel crossbreed. The mature Shocker is likely to weigh between 15 and 30 pounds, standing up to 12 inches high. The Shocker has a life expectancy of up to 15 years and is usually healthy. However, hip dysplasia and eye problems can sometimes manifest themselves in this crossbreed.
Shug Inu: The Goofy and Lovable Snugglebug (Shiba Inu + Pug)
The Shug Inu is a mixed breed that’s created by crossing a Shiba Inu with a Pug. This very unusual crossbreed is seldom seen. His comical, snub-nosed appearance will undoubtedly draw attention at the dog park! When it comes to personality, the Shug Inu can be snuggly and quiet, as well as sociable and feisty. However, these pups are generally intelligent, spunky dogs that make loyal companions. The Shug Inu is best suited to a home with singles rather than a family with kids.
The Shug Inu is a small dog, standing between 14 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 16 and 24 pounds. One advantage of this crossbreed is that the elongated foxy face of the Shiba Inu can counteract the effects of the flat-faced Pug, relieving many of the breathing issues that the purebred Pug can face.
Do you have a lovable Shiba Inu mix in your life? We would love to hear about it in the comments.
Keeping Your Shiba Inu Mix Healthy
Ensuring your Shiba Inu mix stays happy and healthy requires a balanced approach that meets their physical, mental, and medical needs. From nutrition to exercise and vet care, here’s how to keep your furry companion in top shape.
Provide a Healthy, Age-Appropriate Diet
A well-balanced diet is the foundation of good health for any dog, and your Shiba Inu mix is no exception. Feed them high-quality dog food tailored to their age, size, and activity level. Puppies need nutrient-dense meals to support growth, while adult and senior dogs benefit from formulas designed for joint health and digestion. Avoid excessive treats and human food, which can lead to obesity and digestive issues. If unsure, consult your vet for dietary recommendations based on your dog’s unique needs.
Ensure Regular Exercise to Keep Them Fit
Shiba Inu mixes often inherit high energy levels from their parent breeds, making regular exercise essential. Daily walks, playtime, and activities like fetch, agility training, or hiking will keep them physically engaged and prevent boredom. Some mixes, such as those with Border Collie or Husky lineage, may require even more exercise to stay content. Lack of activity can lead to destructive behaviors, so match their exercise routine to their energy levels.
Stay on Top of Vet Appointments
Routine veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring your Shiba Inu mix’s health and catching potential issues early. Schedule annual wellness exams, keep up with vaccinations, and follow recommended flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Dental health is also essential, so consider brushing your pup’s teeth regularly or providing dental chews. As they age, senior-specific check-ups can help detect and manage age-related conditions.
Consider Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can help you provide the best care to your pup. Learn more about what pet insurance is and what it covers in our detailed guide. Our in-depth reviews also recommend the best pet insurance for Shiba Inus.
Keep Their Mind Engaged With Mental Stimulation
Shiba Inus are intelligent and independent thinkers whose mixes often inherit these traits. Provide puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive play to keep their minds sharp. Teaching new tricks, introducing scent games, or engaging in obedience training sessions will help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Socialization with people and other dogs also significantly affects their mental well-being.
By focusing on a well-rounded approach to health, your Shiba Inu mix can thrive and enjoy a long, happy life. A proper diet, exercise, vet care, and mental stimulation will ensure they stay active, engaged, and full of personality.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Michelle has been a dog owner her entire life and is currently a co-parent to two rescue pups, Barley and Lily. Michelle specializes in pet insurance for dogs. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
