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The Shiba Inu Husky mix is among the beautiful-looking designer dogs. So, with the wake of designer dogs becoming the order of the day, you may be wondering which one to go for. This crossbreed is simply stunning.
The Shiba Inu Husky mix is also known as Shiba Husky. It’s a relatively new designer dog gaining popularity at an alarming rate. It has a fluffy coat due to both parent breeds’ double coats and a rugged appearance.
Shiba Husky assumes a variety of traits from the parent breeds, Shiba Inu and a Siberian Husky.
In this Shiba Inu Husky mix guide, we’ll take you through some details about this cross and possibly help you make an informed decision.
Before we learn about the Shiba Husky mix, it’d be better if we explore the traits of both parent breeds.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Husky Mix – Parent Breeds
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus came from Japan to the United States in the early 1950s. That’s where Americans’ love for Shiba Inu came from up to date.
The breed stems back to 300 B.C when it was used for hunting small animals and birds. Currently, Shiba Inus are companion dogs in different parts of the world.
By 2020, Shiba Inus were the 44th most popular dog breed in America. They’re naturally alert, active, and attentive. However, they’re more independent with bold personalities.
Also, Shiba Inus can be stubborn as they’re intelligent and independent. So, they often want to do what they think is right, even if it means going against you. They’re quite difficult to train.
While Shibas are wonderful family pets, they can be very possessive. And they also show aggression under provocation. However, socialization and obedience training works wonders.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a unique breed with myriad wild traits and assumes some traits from wolves. They have a crazier personality if you compare them with Shiba Inus.
The breeding of huskies was purposely for transporting heavy loads from one tribe to another. Siberian Husky originates from the arctic region of Russia.
So, Huskies are energetic and need active families. They’re full of beans and need daily exercise to remain healthy, happy, and in a good body.
By 2020, the Siberian Husky was 14th most popular dog in America. The breed is loyal, outgoing, and mischievous. So, they are perfect to offer your family companion.
Siberian Husky, just like Shiba Inu, is known to be independent and stubborn. They’d rather play games than participate in training sessions.
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Personality
A crossbreed between Shiba Inu and Husky gives a stunning and, of course, beautiful dog. The cross has several names, including Husky Inu, Shiba Husky, and Siberian Shiba.
The Husky Inu is relatively new to the United States dog market. This dog has a mischievous personality. So, it’s not good for everyone.
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The cross is a foxy/wolflike breed with traits from both sides. They have pointed triangular ears and muzzle with a square nose.
The mix inherits eye color from both parents resulting in a dark, amber, and blue color. On most occasions, both eyes don’t look alike.
In addition, while some pups might show affection, cuddle, and want your attention, others are seemingly independent. The independence streak becomes more as they grow.
The coat varies. However, the color is somewhere between those of the parents. However, you’re sure the cross will have a fluffy coat that needs brushing. Failure to which you’ll find hair on and in everything, including furniture.
The good thing is that the crossbreed is clean, just like the parents. They like to keep their bodies clean and tidy all the time. So, you won’t have to endure the stress of baths now and then.
The energy level for this crossbreed is above the roof. They’re active dogs and need a lot of exercise mentally and physically. Hence the reason they suit active families.
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Temperament
Shiba Inu Husky mix is an intelligent breed that often shows affection, but not all the time. Also, they can be quite energetic.
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Besides, the Shiba Inu Husky mix is social but can be stubborn at times. So, if you’re looking to own one, prepare for daily exercise.
This crossbreed is family-oriented and enjoys living with its human family. Funny enough, the Shiba Inu Husky mix doesn’t like interacting and playing with other dogs.
However, training and socialization help a lot. Of importance, both training and socialization can make your crossbreed good with children. You only need to socialize them together.
Luckily, this cross enjoys romping around kids, especially if they know boundaries. You should teach your kid these boundaries as early as possible.
If this crossbreed lacks good training and socialization, it can be aggressive to people. Not only people but other pets as well. So, lack of training causes behavior issues.
Common behavior issues include chewing, marking, barking, and even territoriality. So, initiate training as early as you can. That can be anywhere from 5 months.
Maintenance And Caring Tips for The Shiba Inu Husky Mix
Grooming
Shiba Inu Husky 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.
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Due to the anticipation that your Husky Inu will shed a lot, always prepare early. A grooming session every other day and daily during coat blowing season is perfect.
That way, you can keep away the Husky 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 Husky 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, Husky Inus needs a lot of exercise. You must exercise your Shiba Inu Husky 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 Husky 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.
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 Husky 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 Husky Mix
This crossbreed of a Husky 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 Siberian Husky with A Shiba Inu?
Both Shiba Inus and Siberian Huskies 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 a high prey drive.
Breeding two breeds with a high prey drive isn’t much of a flex. The cross will obviously have a lot of energy you may not withstand.
Further, both breeds are known to be escape artists. So, you’ll hardly enjoy time without a leash.
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.
Huskies 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
How Much Is a Shiba Inu Husky Mix?
Shiba Inu Husky 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 complex breed I wouldn’t wish for new dog owners. However, you can go ahead if you’re ready for constant training and socialization.
Also, ensure to do pretty much research first.
Is A Husky the Same as A Shiba Inu?
No. Huskies are different breeds from Shiba Inus. However, the two breeds share a common origin and are somewhat related to wolves.
While Shiba Inus resemble foxes a lot, Huskies are more like wolves and even howl. Shibas howl as well but not as much as Huskies.
What Does a Shiba Husky Look Like?
A Shiba Husky looks like a wolf-fox mix. 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.
Why Do Shibas Look Like Huskies?
Siberian Shibas look like huskies since they’re a cross of a Shiba Inu parent and a Siberian Husky.
Shiba Inus are gaining popularity at an alarming rate. Since coming to the United States, Shiba Inus have been a favorite breed for many.
What Is the Husky Shiba Inu Mix Lifespan?
Shiba Inu Husky 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 dogs high-quality food to boost their lifespan. Besides, high-quality food keeps dogs healthy.
Final Words on Shiba Inu Husky 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 your time to training and correcting the bad behaviors, then 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.