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Shiba Inu Malamute mix is a crossbreed between two purebred dogs, a Shiba Inu and an Alaskan Malamute. With the wake of designer dogs, you may want to know how this crossbreed is in terms of appearance and personality. Read on.
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix is a great family dog with traits from both parent breeds. The most dominant traits in this crossbreed are friendly and mild goofy. In addition, the crossbreed has lots of floof, cloudlike fur all over the body.
This crossbreed is commonly known as Shiba Malamute and gets the best of both parent breeds.
So, this Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute guide will take you through the crossbreeds’ personality, appearance, and care tips. Stick around and learn about this interesting designer dog.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix Appearance
A Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute is slightly bigger than a Shiba Inu. This is a result of the considerably larger size of Shiba Inus.
The crossbreed weighs between 17 and 50 pounds and is 13 to 25 inches tall. The crossbreed is not only bigger than Shiba Inu but also weighs more.
One of the notable features of this crossbreed is its curly tail. The tail of this crossbreed curls inwards towards the spine like that of a Shiba Inu.
Also, the tail is fluffier than that of a Shiba Inu. The fluffiness comes from the Alaskan Malamute, which has lots of fur around the body.
In addition, this crossbreed has a wider and less triangular face. So, the crossbreed loses some bit of the ‘foxlike’ appearance of a Shiba Inu. The head is fluffier than the rest of the body.
The ears resemble those of a Shiba Inus but can be slightly larger due to the impact of the Alaskan Malamute parent breed. The ears size depends on the crossbreed’s growth.
The Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute has a fluffier body. Both parent breeds are fluffy; however, the Malamute is fluffier than the Shiba Inu parent.
This crossbreed can assume a variety of colors which include;
- Black and Tan
- Orange and White
- Black and White
- Red Sesame
- Sable and White
- Cream, Red, Silver, or Black
With this crossbreed, plenty of grooming is needed. So, you should prepare to groom your Shiba Malamute regularly.
The crossbreeds’ thick and luxurious undercoats will blow during hotter months. So, you must stay ahead of their schedule and prioritize the necessary grooming practices.
Notably, this crossbreed isn’t good for hot and humid climates. This is a result of the crossbreed’s thick coat.
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix Personality
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute has a weird personality that isn’t good for first-timers. The crossbreed is stubborn and strong-willed.
If you’re not ready to endure the pain of obedience training, then you’re not ready to own this crossbreed. You must train them from an early age to improve their behavior.
Both parent breeds are known to be independent and stubborn. Therefore, expect the crossbreeds to bear similar traits to the parent breeds.
Thankfully, the Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix takes the loyalty of the Shiba Inu parent. So, expect your crossbreed to show loyalty to its pack.
Of importance, you should consider socializing this crossbreed as early as possible. That way, you’ll manage their stubborn trait and make them accept strangers.
Be on the lookout when you have this crossbreed close to other family pets. They’re dominant and can easily trigger a fight, especially if they lack socialization. Such pets include cats and rabbits.
Notably, this crossbreed has a high prey drive, as is with both parent breeds. So, ensure you have the leash on when walking with your canine friend.
The crossbreed also tends to bolster at any movement sign, especially from small animals. That’s why you need to train and socialize with them from an early age.
Thankfully, both parent breeds are quieter, and such is the crossbreed. Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute hardly makes noise; however, expect an occasional bark for alert purposes.
This crossbreed likes pawing or whining on the floor. But the most you’ll get is a slight howl due to the Shiba Inu parent.
If the Alaskan Malamute traits override the Shiba Inu, don’t consider the crossbreed a guard dog. This is a result of the friendly nature of Alaskan Malamutes.
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix Care and Maintenance Tips
Training Needs
This crossbreed is intelligent and a little bit difficult to train. The breed often wants to take the alpha position, which you shouldn’t allow.
Instead, you have to be firm and consistent always. Ensure to be firm always so that they can know their place.
The best way to train your canine friend is to break the training into smaller sessions. Short sessions are easier and take an average of 5 minutes. This keeps their attention span high.
Also, the crossbreed might have a high prey drive. So, ensure to handle them properly and initiate obedience training early.
Positive reinforcement should always stick to your fingertips. Praise them when they do well and try to correct bad behavior.
Grooming Requirements
Grooming is essential for every other dog, and so is the Shocker mix. Although this crossbreed has less fur, you must groom them occasionally.
You must note that grooming involves several practices, which are brushing the coat, clipping your canines’ nails, and bathing them.
You don’t have to do all these grooming practices simultaneously. Instead, have a timetable for each.
For example, you can brush their coats twice a week. Clip their nails once every three months, and take them for a bath every three to six months.
Although this crossbreed doesn’t shed a lot, you should invest in a good vacuum cleaner. It helps keep your floor clean and free from fur.
Otherwise, occasional shedding will happen, thus sending fur tumbleweeds everywhere in your house. If your crossbreed is more of a Shiba Inu, a vacuum cleaner and a brush will come in handy.
Exercise Requirements
This crossbreed is a moderate to high energy level dog. So, you don’t need a lot of exercise. Plan for long or short walks to keep your canine friends’ energy levels down.
Enough walks for your canine friend should last at least 40 minutes. However, you can do up to an hour; this depends on your pooch friends’ state by the 40th minute.
Lack of exercise can make them destructive. Ensure you exercise your pooch friend at least once a day. The crossbreed can either have a high or moderate energy level.
So, exercising them prevents a lot of bad traits. Besides, a tired dog is a good dog. You can also use other exercise ways like playing games.
Playing games around your homestead with your crossbreed helps them exercise. At the same time, you can introduce training and positive reinforcement during play.
Socialization Needs
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix needs socialization. Although this crossbreed is often good with people, you need to socialize them.
Socialization should go hand in hand with training. So, as you train them, ensure you visit the dog park for socialization.
Also, socialize them with people. However, most Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mixes are usually good with people. However, this isn’t a guarantee; the Shiba Inu might override Alaskan Malamute.
If Shiba Inus overrides Alaskan Malamute, the cross may not be good with strangers. Therefore, socialization should be compulsory.
However, if your pup isn’t aggressive and behaves well with strangers, there’s not much need for socialization.
Diet And Nutrition
Shocker mix needs a good diet as the cross is a muscular dog with a lot of athleticism. Besides, the cross loves to play and can move all day without wearing out.
So, you should feed them a high-protein diet to supplement their high energy needs. The dog’s body is naturally fat-friendly. I don’t mean feeding your pup until they’re overweight.
So, 2 to 2 and ½ cups of food daily is enough. You can divide the amount into two meals. Also, the different food types you use have guidelines. Ensure to read them before feeding your canine friend.
Health Issues in Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix
This crossbreed of an Alaskan Malamute and a Shiba Inu is generally healthy. However, there are some complications the breed is prone to, including;
- Glaucoma: This is an eye complication that results from high fluid pressure inside the eye. It often causes blindness and has no treatment.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a joint problem where the hind socket joints dislodge from their normal position. So, they keep rubbing together, causing pain and mobility issues.
- Cataracts: This health condition affects the eyes. Whereas it’s not life-threatening, this condition can lead to blindness.
- Patellar Luxation: This condition involves the dislocation of the kneecaps. The treatment usually involves surgery.
- Allergies: This crossbreed is prone to both food and skin allergies. So, you must know what you’re feeding your canine friend. Common causes of allergies are mold spores, pollen, and some types of proteins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix Live?
Shiba Inu mix Alaskan Malamute can live for an average of 12 to 17 years. However, a good diet and care can prolong your fur friend’s lifespan.
So, ensure to feed your high-quality dog food and follow the grooming practices. That way, you maintain your canines’ health and can prolong their lifespan.
How Much Does a Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix Cost?
A Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix will cost you between $500 and $1000. The price depends on several factors, including breeder location.
Also, the records of both parent dogs can influence the price. If the primary parents are high-quality purebreds, the price can shoot high.
Are Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix dogs aren’t high-maintenance dogs. They’re of average maintenance since they’re not prone to diseases.
That said, the cost of maintaining this crossbreed averages the costs of maintaining both breeds.
Can Alaskan Malamute Shiba Inu Mix Be Left Alone?
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix can be alone for a short period. If you’re away for long and your fur friend gets bored, they can become destructive.
However, if you’re going to be away for a short while, provide their best toys to keep them busy. Also, ensure to put all sensitive items far from the access.
Are Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix Dogs Aggressive?
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix dog can be aggressive; however, that happens if the cross has more Shiba Inus traits.
Further, you can always train your dog against aggression. Also, socialization helps reduce aggression.
Do Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix Dogs Bark a Lot?
This crossbreed hardly barks unless it’s necessary to do so. They only bark to alert their owners of something.
So, the Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix does not bark a lot. They’re quiet despite Shiba Inu being excessive barkers.
The Wrap Up, Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute Mix
Shiba Inu Alaskan Malamute mix is a dog with an amazing personality. The cross is loyal, affectionate, loving, and intelligent.
So, being an intelligent dog, you don’t expect to encounter issues during training. However, if it happens, that may result from the Shiba Inu gene composition.
Thankfully, they are quick to grasp commands. Also, Alaskan Malamutes likes doing tasks successfully. So, you’re assured of obedience from the crossbreed.
The crossbreed between a Shiba Inu and an Alaskan Malamute is a good family pet and knows to relate well with kids.
Ensure to introduce your fur friend to training and socialization while young. Every dog is easier to train at a young age.