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Shiba Inu Chow Chow mix is a crossbreed between two purebred Shiba Inu and Chow Chow dogs. Both dogs give rise to an interesting crossbreed commonly known as Chow Inu, Shiba Inu Chow mix, and Chowba.
Shiba Inu Chow mix is a crossbreed between two ancient breeds known to be unique with their mixture of traits. Shiba Inus are the stubborn and independent type with some aloofness, while Chow Chow, on the other hand, is intelligent with a mind of their own.
This crossbreed may not be the best for first-timers or novice dog owners. The crossbreed requires consistent obedience training to make them a good pet.
This Shiba Inu Chow Chow guide presents insights about this crossbreed you don’t want to miss. Keep reading on below;
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Chow Chow Mix Physical Appearance
This crossbreed gives rise to a strong and sturdy dog that leans towards either of the parent breeds. So, the mix might have more of Shiba Inu traits or the other way.
The crossbreed has a double coat as it is with both parent breeds. A double coat signifies they’ll need frequent grooming. Besides, both parent breeds are double coats, and so is the offspring.
In addition, Chow Inu has ears that stand attention, are pointy, and are pricky looking. This is a trait in both parent breeds; they have pointed ears.
The crossbreed has a teddy bear face which often resembles the fox face of a Shiba Inu. With such a cute face, the Chow Inu has, for sure, a stunning look.
The coat colors of a Chow Inu range widely. Some common coat colors that the crossbreed assumes include fawn, red, black, dark brown, or blue.
The coat length is dependent on one crossbreed to another. The common coat length is from medium to medium-long.
The coat is often particularly dense around the neck area. This is a trait in both parent breeds; however, it’s more pronounced in the Chow Chow parent.
The coat thickness around the neck gives Chow Chow a lion-like appearance. So, be sure to deal with excessive shedding, especially during the coat-blowing seasons.
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The crossbreed will always blow or lose the soft undercoats during the coat-blowing season. This causes tumbleweeds of fur in every corner of your house.
During the shedding season, prepare for extra grooming and vacuuming. That way, you’ll keep your furniture and house free from fur mess.
Shiba Inu Chow Chow Mix Personality
First, this crossbreed needs a person with prior experience handling either parent breed.
Besides being intelligent, this crossbreed has other traits that can be stubborn if you’re not a firm handler.
Chow Inu mix hardly enjoys play. This crossbreed doesn’t like exercise a lot; however, it’s good you introduce regular exercise for health reasons – whether they like it or not.
Also, being ancient breeds, Chow Chows and Shiba Inus have high dominance and aggression level. So, obedience training is very important.
In fact, this crossbreed isn’t the best for a multi-dog household. They may not work out well with other adult dogs unless you introduce them when they’re puppies.
Also, Chow Inus aren’t good with kids. This cross has a high aggression level which is a negative trait for children.
Nevertheless, Chow Inu can also be the most loyal and intelligent dog with the right owner. Although they may not be affectionate and cuddly, they’re so loyal to owners.
You should note that their love and dedication come based on their terms. This doesn’t mean you should let your Chow Inu be in charge, though.
Maintenance And Caring Tips for The Shiba Inu Chow Chow Mix
Grooming
Shiba Inu Chow mix has a double, as are both parents. So, you must be ready for grooming practices. This includes practices like brushing their coat, clipping nails, and bathing your canine friend.
The mix also blows off the coat twice a year. Therefore, during this time, you should prepare for heavy shedding. Having a brush and a vacuum cleaner is a plus.
Due to the anticipation that your Chow Inu will shed a lot, always prepare early. A grooming session every other day and during the coat-blowing season is perfect.
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That way, you can keep away the Chow Chow hairballs and fur tumbleweeds. When it’s shedding season, during the spring and fall, brush them every day, or even twice a day.
Clip your Shiba Inu Chow mix nails. However, if you’re unsure of your skills, approach a professional groomer. They’re perfect in their job and will keep your furry friend clean, at a fee, of course.
Baths can come once every three to six months. Not so often as you may wash away the essential skin oils.
Exercise Requirements
Being a high-energy breed, Chow Inus needs a lot of exercise. You must exercise your Shiba Inu Chow mix at least once a day. This should be a session of a minimum of one hour.
Since Shibas and Huskies are highly energetic, active dogs, the cross assumes the same traits. The crossbreed is active and playful with strong stamina.
This crossbreed needs active families. If you’re not the type to go for walks every day, you may want to consider another breed. Otherwise, you must pull up your socks and meet the breeds’ exercise needs.
Failure to exercise your pooch friend makes them turn to bad behavior. They can turn on your prized possessions, causing damage to them.
Just so you know, the Shiba Inu Chow mix requires at least 60 minutes of activity every day. So, ensure you have an hour every day for play or exercise; any can do.
Training Requirements
There’s no doubt that you must train this crossbreed. Since the mix likes doing tasks, obedience training is a must.
In addition, this crossbreed has issues with training that fairly new dog owners might find hard. So, I’d encourage anyone who wants this crossbreed to have prior experience.
Remember, parent breeds have traits like strong-willed, stubborn, and independent. So, you expect all of these to come together through crossbreeding.
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The crossbreed only responds to what makes sense. They’re just like Shibas, especially with being independent.
Also, on sensing a threat, they can easily react by fighting back. They don’t give up and want to challenge anything.
That said, use reward-based training from an early age. Also, positive reinforcement helps a lot, along with verbal praises.
Consistency is key to successful training. Ensure to associate specific commands with certain things and be consistent with the commands.
Diet And Nutrition
Shiba Inu Chow mix needs a good diet as the cross is a strong dog. Besides, the cross loves to play and can move all day without wearing out.
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 Chow Mix
This crossbreed of a Chow Chow 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.
What Are Drawbacks of Breeding a Chow Chow with A Shiba Inu?
Both Shiba Inus and Chow Chows breeds have several behavior issues. So, it can be a drawback to breed these two unique breeds.
Besides, the breeds’ wild traits can be quite difficult to handle, train, and socialize. Both breeds are super independent and have high aggression.
Breeding together two aggressive breeds isn’t much of a flex. The cross will obviously have a lot of aggression energy you may not withstand.
Further, both breeds are known to be lazy. So, you’ll hardly enjoy time without a leash. Besides, they don’t always enjoy exercise, especially Chow Chows.
However, if you have the time for constant training and socialization, you may want to go ahead.
Basic needs include a good fence and a good gate so that your canine friend can always enjoy some time outdoors.
Chow Chows are even worse as they can be destructive and are curious. So, curiosity is what drives them. While Shibas are less curious and more strong-willed.
Also, Shibas are aloof and hardly crave much attention. They prefer doing what they think is right, not what you ask them to do.
So, you should have a good plan before breeding these two breeds. Besides, you should have owners who know and understand what they’re exactly anticipating.
Otherwise, breeding these two dogs and passing the cross to a new dog owner isn’t ethical. The new owner must have temperament and accommodation skills which new owners hardly have.
If you don’t want more dogs to end up in shelters, don’t just breed any dogs. Ensure you consider the traits of the cross and its likelihood of getting a willing owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chow Inus Shed a Lot?
Shiba Inu Chow Chow mix sheds a lot as is with both parent breeds. So, grooming is a must with this crossbreed.
In addition, you can get a vacuum cleaner. That way, you’ll be able to deal with the occasional shedding.
How Much Is a Shiba Inu Chow Mix?
Shiba Inu Chow mix costs at least $500; however, the price goes up to $1,000 or above. It depends on the parent breeds and the reason for selling.
This is a pretty complex breed I wouldn’t wish for new dog owners. However, if you’re ready for constant training and socialization, you can go ahead.
Also, ensure to do pretty much research first.
What Is the Chow Chow Shiba Inu Mix Lifespan?
Shiba Inu Chow mix 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 canine friend high-quality food to boost their lifespan. Besides, high-quality food keeps dogs healthy.
Final Words on Shiba Inu Chow Mix
This crossbreed is typically demanding and adorable. Before deciding to own one, you must give the idea good thought and time.
However, if you’re sure to devote time to training and correcting bad behaviors, you can have one. The results are rewarding, but it takes a lot of time.
If you already have other dogs, I’m afraid since this cross hardly socializes with other dogs. However, your results can be vice versa.
Also, ensure to confirm from the breeder the behavior of the parents and about the two lineages. That gives you clues about any generational conditions, especially health-related.