Best Smart Shiba is an Amazon Associate. We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. For more information, visit my privacy policy page.
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix is a designer dog that you get after crossing purebred Shiba Inu and Keeshond. Both crosses differ in their personalities and traits. While Keeshonds are bright, obedient, and agile, Shibas are stubborn, independent, and loyal.
So, a Shiba Inu Keeshond mix gives a mix of traits and has a beautiful appearance. The crossbreed is loving, affectionate, and family-friendly. That said, you may want to consider having a Keeshond Shiba Inu mix for your family.
This crossbreed is healthy and hardly experiences health problems. This Shiba Inu Keeshond guide takes you through valuable tips on caring for this awesome crossbreed.
View this post on Instagram
However, before we get to the personality of the crossbreed, let’s first explore the histories of both parent breeds.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Parent Breeds History
Keeshond History
Keeshond dogs have several nicknames, including German Spitz, Dutch Barge Dog, Wolfspitz, and the Smiling Dutchman.
This dog breed is older and traces back to the 1600s and 1700s. It was a companion dog at the time and still serves other purposes, like being a watchdog.
It was a watchdog primarily for boat life when people were sailing along the Rhine River. During the political unrest in Holland, the Keeshond dog became popular and a symbol for the Rebel Party.
From there, this dog became popular among ordinary groups of people. Interest in Keeshonds became popular again in the 1920s, causing the breed’s recognition by American Kennel Club in 1930.
Shiba Inu History
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 for hunting small animals and birds. Currently, Shiba Inus are companion dogs in different parts of the world.
By 2020, Shibas 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 pretty difficult to train.
While Shibas are lovely family pets, they can be very possessive. And they also show aggression under provocation. However, socialization and obedience training works wonders.
Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Personality
Shibas and Keeshonds differ in many ways, especially in temperament. Nevertheless, a mix of the two often has traits from both parents in equal measures.
View this post on Instagram
Shiba Inus are ancient breeds; the breed originates from Japan. In the ancient days, they were purposely hunting small animals.
So, Shiba Inus are good at hunting and can hunt or flush out their prey with ease. They can do this solely without the need for your directions.
Shiba Inu are independent and have high intelligence. They’re smart; this is evident in many ways, like challenging you. Aloofness and stubbornness are present in Shibas.
Ever heard your friend dismiss Shibas as difficult to train? The independent and stubborn nature of Shibas often causes the dismissal.
On the other hand, Keeshonds were primarily family dogs. Therefore, they were the best option for family life as they’re affectionate and offer compassion.
Unlike Shibas, Keeshonds are more obedient. They’re among the best service dogs and can help with search and rescue mission activities. This breed has friendly compassion and is gentler.
Keeshonds are more compassionate with people. This has made the breed one of the most popular in Europe and America.
Both Shiba Inus and Keeshonds share having a high prey drive. So, expect the crossbreed to behave the same. Therefore, socialize your Shiba Inu Keeshond mix with other pets from an early age.
Ensure to socialize your crossbreed with cats early on. The crossbreed often has a high prey drive and tends to target cats most of the time.
Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Appearance
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix is a dog with a thick or silky coat containing medium-length fur. The coat color varies from tan, brown, honey brown, or white.
Also, the crossbreed might have upright ears. However, most of the crossbreeds have ears that stand attention. If your cross leans more to Shiba Inus, they can have pointed ears.
View this post on Instagram
The Shiba Inu Keeshond mix size varies. The crossbreed is of moderate size, though. While Shibas weigh an average of 25 pounds, Keeshonds reach 40 pounds. So, the cross is somewhere between 25 and 40 pounds.
The size of the crossbreed depends on both parents. The bigger the parents, the more likely the cross will be big. However, this isn’t always a guarantee.
General Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Characteristics
Temperament
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix has a moderate temperament. Besides, the cross is intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. So, expect your crossbreed to act with compassion.
Also, the mix is highly energetic and will spend most time close to you, if not playing with you. Not only playing, but the breed also loves outdoor activities. You should be ready for some runs across the yard when playing.
Therefore, this crossbreed is friendly and reliable. They can accomplish tasks by themselves. Unlike Shiba Inus, you’ll get more reliability from this crossbreed.
Also, the cross has the brave and protective nature of Keeshonds. There’s no doubt all these traits together give the dog an exciting personality.
Further, the crossbreed can become aggressive. However, this happens under provocation. Socializing and training your pup from a young age reduces aggression.
The aggressive behavior comes from the Shiba Inu parent. However, if you train and socialize your pup from a young age, they grow to become the best pets.
Generally, this cross is perfect for a family pet dog. It also acts as a watchdog due to high alertness.
Health
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix is generally health. However, there are common diseases that can come from either of the parents. The breeds common health problems include;
- Cancer
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Renal Atrophy (PRA)
- Skin Allergies
- Food Allergies
- Patellar Luxation
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
If you suddenly observe your dog change behavior, you might want to check their health. So, a visit to the vet is inevitable.
Now that we discussed some health challenges above, you may wonder how to check if your cross is okay from the breeder. What you should do is ask the breeder for health clearance.
A health clearance certificate is a piece of paper that shows your dog is free from any health issues.
Nutrition Needs
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix needs a normal diet. However, it should have plenty of nutrients. This helps supplement the breeds’ energy needs.
So, what are common things to feed your Shiba Inu Keeshond mix?
- Baby Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Cooked Chicken
- Grains
Other products you can add to your dog’s diet include fish oils and chondroitin supplements. These supplements prevent the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia.
Further, if you’re adding them, ensure to use the appropriate amounts of carbs, proteins, and vitamins.
On the other hand, if you prefer dry food, select high-quality dry food. Cross-check the ingredients before making a purchase.
Remember, when finding the right dog food for your fur friend, you must consider their size and age. Also, feed them ½ cup three to four times daily if it’s a puppy. However, if it’s a mature dog, twice a day, 1 to 1.5 cups of dog food are enough.
Apart from food, fresh water is crucial. Maintain the same schedule when feeding your pup. That’s a form of obedience training and positive reinforcement.
Grooming Needs & Shedding
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix sheds a lot. So, they require frequent grooming of their coats.
Grooming involves brushing your crossbreed two to three times a week. However, if you have the time, you can do it daily. The more you brush your cross, the fewer fur tangles or mats.
Another grooming practice is brushing your dogs’ teeth thrice a week. Brushing their teeth keeps tartar away and prevents bacteria buildup.
You can brush your dogs’ teeth, but too much brushing can be harmful.
In addition, bathing is part of grooming. A bath should be once or twice a month. That keeps their coat shining and prevents bad odor.
Of importance, check your dogs’ ears at least once weekly. They may have an infection if you smell bad odor or see redness.
So, prevent this by wiping their ears using cotton balls. Dampen them with pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent infections and clear bacteria.
Exercise Needs
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix needs a strict exercise schedule. First, this crossbreed has high energy. So, you have to exercise them so that they dispel off energy.
Buildup of energy in dogs causes destructive behavior. Therefore, when you exercise your dog, you tire them off, and all they can do when back home is to take long naps as they relax.
So, since it’s an energetic breed, ensure to add daily exercise to your schedule. The exercise takes 40 minutes to an hour every day. You can do it once or twice a day, depending on how busy you’re.
There are various ways to help your fur friend exercise. They include walking, hiking, swimming, or playing fetch. When you don’t like going for walks, play fetch with your furry friend.
Lack of enough exercise can trigger aggression. Signs your dog needs exercise include digging, escaping often, and chewing furniture, carpets, and wood edges.
Training Needs
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix requires training from a young age. Luckily, this breed is usually easy to train and is intelligent.
This breed grasps commands faster. Since Keeshond are good service dogs, they greatly influence the Shiba personality in the crossbreed. The result is a friendly dog with a lot of compassion.
Obedience training should start from around 6-9 months. Consistency during training is a crucial aspect.
Also, ensure to remain consistent with your social cues. Avoid shouting, and be patient with your dog during rain.
Above all, don’t punish your dog when they mess around. Instead, you should use positive reinforcement by simply catching the act and correcting it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does the Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Cost?
The Shiba Keeshond mix should cost between $500-$1500. The cost can be less or more depending on the parent breed and breeder.
However, get your crossbreed from a reputable breeder. Quack breeders often breed dogs with existing health conditions. To get a healthy pup, find a reputable breeder.
Is The Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix a Good Family Dog?
The Shiba Inu Keeshond mix is a good family dog. The dog has all qualities that make a perfect pet. These qualities include loving, friendly, compassionate, and good with kids.
Good family dogs aren’t aggressive and should relate well with kids. So is the Shiba Inu Keeshond mix. Also, the mix is brave and intelligent, thus easy to train.
Is The Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Easy to Train?
This crossbreed is brave and thus easy to train. Besides, the mix is intelligent and likes to follow instructions.
So, you won’t have challenges training this breed. Training the dog on obedience and adhering to commands will only take a while.
Is The Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Smart?
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix is smart and intelligent. The intelligence comes from the Keeshonds, which are companion dogs.
Being a smart dog, the Shiba Inu Keeshond mix can be a perfect companion. But, ensure to train and socialize the dog from an early age.
Are Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Good Guard Dogs?
The Shiba Inu Keeshond mix can be a good guard dog with proper training and socialization. So, train the mix from the time they’re still a puppy.
Early training and socialization work for almost all dog breeds. Similarly, do the same for your mixed breed.
Do Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix Shed a Lot?
Yes. Shiba Inu Keeshond mix shed quite a bit of fur. However, they don’t shed as much as pure Shibas.
They shed seasonally. Therefore, you should be keen with the shedding periods, especially during spring and summer.
Be ready with a vacuum cleaner. It’s necessary due to the extra vacuuming needed during the shedding months.
Conclusion On Shiba Inu Keeshond Mix
Shiba Inu Keeshond mix is a good family dog and relates well with kids. So, if you’re considering owning one, have no worries if you have small kids.
However, as your Shiba Inu Keeshond mix grows, socialize and train them how to behave or relate with kids. Thankfully, this breed is naturally good with kids.
In addition, the breed has a good personality and isn’t as temperamental like Shibas. However, ask the breeder about the crossbreed’s parents’ traits.
With good research, you’re sure to provide this beautiful dog with the best home and petting. Thanks for reading!