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Shiba Inu Basenji mix is a crossbreed between a purebred Shiba Inu and Basenji dog breeds. This cross brings together two parents from headstrong dogs, thus can be difficult for first-timers. The crossbreed is primitive and can be confusing if you don’t understand the parent breeds.
Shiba Inu Basenji mix is a cross between two breeds that have an almost similar appearance and share similar traits. Therefore, the crossbreed is quiet and doesn’t like barking without no reason. The uniqueness of Basenji breeds is that the female dogs go into heat once per year.
Due to the stubborn Shiba Inu parent breed, this crossbreed hasn’t become famous but is slowly gaining popularity.
This Shiba Inu Basenji mix guide takes you through valuable insights about the crossbreed, such as physical appearance, personality, and care tips.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Basenji Mix Physical Appearance
Shiba Inu Basenji mix is a small to a medium dog with a lot of independence and aloofness. Although they can be sweet dogs, they’re naturally cautious and like to keep clear boundaries.
This crossbreed typically weighs between 17 and 24 pounds and has a height of between 16 and 21 inches.
The cross has a compact body with a slightly muscular build. The fox-like face of the Shiba parent is evident together with the erect ears.
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On the other hand, the crossbreed has triangular-looking ears and almond eyes, giving them a cute face. They have a curly tail that often curves above their back spine.
The crossbreed has different coal color mixtures, including black and tan, pure white, or brindle and tricolor.
This crossbreed regularly sheds throughout the year but blows its coat twice a year. They blow their coat at the start of fall and spring. Apart from the coat-blowing seasons, the crossbreed has moderate grooming needs.
In terms of looks, the crossbreed is among the most fastidious-looking dogs. The cross doesn’t enjoy staying or getting dirty and likes grooming themselves.
Also, they’ll hardly want to get wet. The crossbreed thinks as if this is getting dirty. Thankfully, the crossbreed has little to no doggy odor. They also have minimal dander, thus perfect for people with body allergies.
Shiba Inu Basenji Mix Personality
Shiba Inu Basenji mix isn’t perfect for first-time dog owners. They have a lot of primitiveness and thus require a firm handler.
This cross isn’t eager to please; they tend to think for themselves and decide what to do. So, don’t expect this crossbreed to always adhere to your commands.
Also, aversive training tricks may not work with this crossbreed. Instead, use positive reinforcement, praises, and awards where possible. Be patient throughout the training duration.
This crossbreed requires early socialization and training as they’re more sensitive. So, easy training improves the chances of getting them to grasp commands.
They can be aggressive and aren’t the best close to children. Also, they’re territorial and anxious, thus the need for a confident, calm, and firm handler.
Thankfully, they’re among the most affectionate breeds. They like expressing their love and loyalty to their owners. However, they’re cautious of strangers.
Both parent breeds have a high prey drive, and so is the offspring. Therefore, ensure to socialize them with small animals and pets early enough.
They’re strong and agile and can jump fences as they have the escape personality of a Shiba Inu. Shibas are escape artists; they have this as their nickname.
They’re excellent climbers, thus their ability to scale high fences. You should have a fence around your home yard before letting them free off leash. Of course, this crossbreed is alert and cautious.
What Are Care Tips for Shiba Inu Basenji Mix?
Grooming Requirements
Grooming is essential for every other dog. So is the Shiba Inu Basenji 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.
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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 in three months, and take them for a bath every three to six months.
Although the Shiba Inu Basenji doesn’t shed much, you should invest in a good vacuum cleaner. It helps keep your floor clean and free from fur.
Otherwise, occasional shedding will happen, thus causing fur 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-energy 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. So, 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.
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.
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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.
Socialization Needs
Shiba Inu Basenji 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 Basenji mixes are usually good with people. However, this isn’t a guarantee; the Shiba Inu might override the Basenji.
If Shiba Inus overrides Basenji, 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
Shiba Inu Basenji 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 Basenji Mix
This crossbreed of a Basenji and a Shiba Inu is generally healthy. However, there are some complications the breed is prone to, including;
- Cataracts: This health condition affects the eyes. Whereas it’s not life-threatening, this condition can lead to blindness.
- 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.
- Patellar Luxation: This condition involves the dislocation of the kneecaps. The treatment usually involves surgery.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is a Shiba Inu Basenji Mix?
Shiba Inu Basenji mix costs at least $500; however, the price goes up to $1,000. It depends on the parent breeds and the reason for selling.
This is a pretty friendly breed that new owners can consider having. However, you must be ready for training and socialization.
Also, ensure to do pretty much research first.
What Does a Shiba Inu Basenji Look Like?
A Shiba Inu Basenji mix has traits from both parents. The cross has triangular ears that stand attention and has a muzzle with a square nose.
The crossbreed can assume a variety of colors. Size-wise, the crossbreed is a medium-sized dog with strong musculature and stamina.
What Is the Shiba Inu Basenji Mix Lifespan?
Shiba Inu Basenji can do between 12 and 15 years on average. The better you feed your dog, the more you’ll have them around.
You should feed your dog high-quality food to boost their lifespan. Besides, high-quality food keeps dogs healthy.
Are Shiba Inus Basenji Mixes Aggressive?
Shiba Inu Basenji mix isn’t an aggressive breed. They’re friendly, loving and loyal to their owners and family.
So, this crossbreed is good for family life. Besides, it takes pride in having a friendly family and being playful around owners.
That said, if you’re planning to own one, you have nothing to worry about aggression.
Concluding Sentiments on Shiba Inu Basenji Mix
This crossbreed is typically not demanding. So, all they need is a little bit of human attention and affection. Also, they don’t need much exercise.
Thankfully, this crossbreed is social and hardly has aggression issues. So, if you have other home pets, be sure they won’t bring chaos. Instead, they’ll integrate well.
Also, the exercise needs for the crossbreed aren’t high. They need only 40 minutes of exercise every day. However, you can play some games at home without going for walks.
Thankfully, this crossbreed doesn’t necessarily shed a lot. So, you may be lucky to get one that doesn’t shed a lot.