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Shiba Inu Doberman mix is a cross between a purebred Shiba Inu and Doberman. The breed can be more of a Shiba or a Doberman, depending on the traits that manifest the most. The crossbreed often makes a powerful, strong dog that suits watchdog duties.
The Shiba Inu Doberman mix has traits from both parents. So, the cross has some independence with strong prey and drive instincts. The breed responds well to positive reinforcement and socialization.
So, as is the norm, if you get this crossbreed, train and socialize them from a young age. This can be from a young age, between 6-9 months.
In this Shiba Inu Doberman mix guide, I’ll take you through the dos and don’ts when handling this crossbreed. Stick here and continue reading below for more details about this unique amazing mix.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Doberman Mix History
Most hybrid dogs hardly have a good trace of their history. This results from everyone being free to crossbreed these two breeds.
Especially in recent times, breeding designer dogs has become a trend. So, we’ll take a deeper look at the history of both parent breeds.
Doberman History
Doberman dogs first came from Apolda, a town in Germany, around the 1890s. This was the period when Franco-Prussian War was happening under Karl Friedrich Louis Shiba Inu Dobermann.
His primary aim in breeding these two dogs was to create an ideal breed for protection. He needed protection, especially when passing through bandit-infested areas.
So, he set out to breed a dog offering strength, endurance, speed, intelligence, loyalty, and ferocity. In his opinion, it was an “All in One Dog.”
Later on, Otto Goeller also took part in developing the dog to the current day dog appearance. So, the breed has several traits, and Shiba Inu Doberman wanted to mix their traits.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu came from Japan. Besides, it has been a Japanese breed for centuries. However, in recent times, the breed has been available in different parts of the world, including the United States.
During World War II, Shiba Inus nearly got extinct from the bombings. By the end of the war, only three Shib lines were remaining.
So, to save this breed, two of the remaining Shibas did breed together. From there, the stubborn and independent Shiba was born.
Shiba Inus first came to the U.S in 1954. However, no serious breeding took place until the late 1970s. The first litter of Shiba Inu in the U.S was born in 1979.
Now that we know the history of both breeds let’s see the traits of the crossbreed.
Shiba Inu Doberman Mix Size and Weight
Since Shiba Inu Doberman mix has a height of 24-27 inches, measuring at the shoulder level. Further, the mix weighs 60-100 lb.
Therefore, the crossbreed between the two breeds is slightly bigger than Shiba Inus. Also, this dog feeds on a moderate amount of food.
Shiba Inu Doberman mix is muscular and strong. Therefore, the cross can offer you watchdog services. They’re not only strong but also aggressive to strangers. However, socialization and training help make this breed less aggressive.
Shiba Inu Doberman Mix Personality
Like other mix or designer dogs, the personality of a Shiba Inu Doberman mix comes from both parents. However, one parent might have a higher contribution.
This crossbreed gives a strong dog with good body musculature. Another thing is high prey instinct.
Shiba Inus have a high prey instinct, thus the presence of the trait in the mixed breed. You need to initiate training at an early age to counter this and other bad behaviors.
Apart from training, socialization also comes in handy. The two should go together. You should also socialize your Shiba Inu Doberman mix with people and other pets.
The crossbreed is affectionate and likes seeking owners’ attention. Unlike Shibas, the Shiba Inu Doberman mix likes your attention most of the time. Of course, not all the time.
The crossbreed is a little independent. Yes, Shiba Inu Doberman mix expresses some independence, taking time to do things by themselves. However, this doesn’t happen often.
What Are Shiba Inu Doberman Mix Care Tips?
Grooming Requirements
Shiba Inus are much more shedders than Doberman Pinschers. The rate of shedding for your crossbreed depends on the parent which it takes after.
If yours takes after Shibas, you should be ready for regular shedding. Also, they blow their coats twice a year. During that time, you’ll have to groom your dog often. So, you should prepare to brush at least two times a week.
However, if your cross takes after Doberman, you don’t have to worry much about shedding. Unlike Shibas, Dobermans don’t shed a lot.
Either way, I’d advise you to equip yourself with a good vacuum cleaner. It’ll surely help you keep the floor clean and reduce the mess of tumbleweeds from your fur friend.
Also, apart from brushing, you should bathe your dog at the right time, maybe after 3-6 weeks. You should ensure a light wash to remove dirt.
When you wash your dog so much, you interfere with their body oils which are essential for the skin.
Exercise Requirements
This is one of the high-energy dogs. So, if you’re planning to own a Shiba Inu Doberman mix, prepare to dedicate time for exercise.
The best form of exercise involves taking your dog for walks and playing games. That way, you stimulate your dogs’ minds and wear them out.
Energy buildup in dogs often leads to destructiveness. You don’t want your crossbreed to interfere with your couches and furniture for lack of exercise.
So, plan o exercise your dog every day to maintain their energy level. The cross loves to go for walks and will bounce off the walls when you’re about to walk out for one.
Of course, a tired dog is a good dog. Also, you can play games like fetch in the backyard when you’re not in the mood to go out.
However, one pro-tip is that walks, on-leash, and off-leash work magic with high-energy dogs.
Training Requirements
Training the Shiba Inu Doberman crossbreed is crucial. Some of the crosses assume Shibas aggression, thus the need for training.
Here comes the big question, when should I begin training?
You should begin training from an early age. I’d recommend within the first 5-9 months. While training, ensure to be a strong, firm handler with consistency.
Consistency is key when training any cross-breeds with a Shiba element. Thankfully, you can begin positive reinforcement as early as four months.
Positive reinforcement includes praising your dog when they do good. Also, the more your dog gets to exercise, the easier they are to train.
Through exercise, you bond with your dog. So, you can utilize the bond to train your furry friend. Thankfully, this breed is intelligent and loves to please its owners.
So, you’re bound to have easy and smooth training sessions. Also, take your canine friend to the park and doggy daycare. That helps to get them around people and dogs for socialization.
Shiba Inu Doberman Mix Feeding and Nutrition
In most cases, diet applies per dog basis. So, each dog is unique and has varying dietary needs. However, you should avoid diets associated with being overweight.
Besides, this crossbreed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. So, in the diet, ensure to incorporate supplements.
Examples of supplements you might want to consider are fish oils and glucosamine. Another example involves chondroitin supplements.
Trial and error apply here as you have to try and establish what your crossbreed likes and what they don’t like.
Since Shibas have a wolf background, you can also consider raw diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Shiba Inu Doberman Cost?
The Shiba Inu Doberman mix costs averagely between $500-$1000. However, you can get one from a rescue at a lower price.
Prices vary depending on the dog’s health and cross parents. However, it shouldn’t cost anything past $1000.
What Is the Shiba Inu Doberman Lifespan
The Shiba Inu Doberman mix has an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Nevertheless, there are other factors such as diet and care that matter.
Feed them high-quality food if you want to enjoy a longer time with your cross. Also, ensure to visit the vet frequently for check-ups.
Is A Shiba Inu Doberman Mix Aggressive?
Shiba Inu Doberman mix is a strong and friendly dog with slight aggression. The aggression comes from Shibas, which are known for that.
However, you can curb aggression by training your cross from an early age. Apart from training, initiate socialization early as well.
Are Shiba Inu Doberman Mix Dogs Good with Kids?
Shiba Inu Doberman mix breed is good with kids, but you should socialize them together first.
Since the crossbreed has little to no aggression, you shouldn’t worry when they’re close to kids. Of course, you should train your kids how to handle and treat dogs.
The Concluding Sentiments on Shiba Inu Doberman Mix
The Shiba Inu Doberman mix is a middle size dog with a strong body and powerful musculature. Besides, the crossbreed is friendly and affectionate.
It is a mix of a purebred Shiba Inu with a Doberman. So, the offspring shares traits from both parents.
This designer dog is one of the best as it’s good for family life. Besides, it can act as a companion and watchdog at the same time.
It has a strong desire to serve and thus is among man’s best friends. Unlike Shibas, the Shiba Inu Doberman mix will hardly throw tantrums at you.