The Shiba Inu is an ancient Asian dog breed that first appeared in 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 the Shiba Inu mix are highly sought after.
In 1954, the first Shiba Inu appeared in the U.S.A. The breed currently ranks at number 44 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.
In this article, we take a look at 20 Shiba Inu mixes. We give you all the information you’ll need if you’re thinking of taking on one of these handsome canines as a family pet.
Shiba Inu Mixed Breeds
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,” which means that they were bred specifically 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.
If you are not certain of your dog’s genetic makeup, you can use an at-home DNA test kit to find out.
Akita Inu: Shiba Inu Akita Mix
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 if 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.
Aussie Shiba: Australian Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix
The Aussie Shiba is a cross between a Shiba Inu and an Australian Shepherd. These are medium-sized dogs that 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 an Aussie Shiba makes a great watchdog. This crossbreed does need plenty of exercise and is happiest when given a job to do. 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 his 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: Corgi Shiba Inu Mix
A Corgi Inu is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Welsh Corgi. The Corgi parent can be either a Cardigan or Pembroke. Corgi Inu are highly trainable and make great watchdogs, too, loyal and protective of their human family. However, as these breeds have herding and hunting in their ancestry, early socialization is important 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 do 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: Shiba Inu Golden Retriever Mix
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 a problem 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 to 50 pounds and stand 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: American Eskimo Dog Shiba Inu Mix
The Imo Inu is a mix between a Shiba Inu and an American Eskimo dog that usually carries a fluffy white coat. There are three sizes of 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: Pomeranian Shiba Inu Mix
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 independent and can be aloof, whereas the Pomeranian is very much a sociable people person.
The PomShi is a medium-sized dog, weighing up to 14 pounds and standing up to 17 inches high at the shoulder. 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: Poodle Shiba Inu Mix
The Poo-Shi is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Poodle. Similar to 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 Poodle that’s 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: Schiba Inu Schnauzer Mix
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: Cairn Terrier Shiba Inu Mix
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 are small dogs weighing anywhere between 13 and 25 pounds and having a life expectancy of up to 16 years.
Shepherd Inu: German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix
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. That said, 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 quite large dogs, standing up to 22 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 20 and 60 pounds.
Shepherd Inus 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: Shiba Inu Beagle Mix
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 does require at least one long walk every day and some 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: Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
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, loyal, and confident. 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, who 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: Siberian Husky Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a cross between a Shiba Inu and a Siberian Husky. It’s a very popular mix when compared with 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, and 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 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: Malamute Shiba Inu Mix
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, luxuriant coats and shed heavily, especially in the spring and fall. For that reason, 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: Dachshund Shiba Inu Mix
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: Shiba Inu Boston Terrier Mix
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, whereas 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: 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.
It’s likely that your ShiPin will have the same reddish coat as both his parents. However, the Shiba Inu has a fluffy, luxuriant coat, compared with the Miniature Pinscher’s short, flat 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: Cocker Spaniel Shiba Inu Mix
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, 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: Pug Shiba Inu Mix
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, and his comical, snub-nosed appearance will certainly 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 to 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 can be faced by the purebred Pug.
The purebred Shiba Inu makes a great canine companion for a home without kids and other pets. A Shiba Inu can be challenging to train and is not a suitable canine companion for someone without experience owning a dog.
However, you can still enjoy the good looks and charm of the Shiba Inu by choosing a crossbreed that might be a better fit for a family. These pups make great guard dogs and are loyal and protective of their human family. Most Shiba Inu mixes are healthy, attaining a lifespan of up to 16 years, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your pet.
If you don’t want to take on a Shiba Inu mix puppy, you might find an adult dog in a shelter who is waiting for a forever home. Always ask the rescue center to prove that the dog has been temperament tested and health screened before committing. Good luck with finding the perfect Shiba Inu mix!