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Shiba Inu Lab mix is commonly known as Shibadors. It’s a crossbreed between purebred Shiba Inu and purebred Labrador Retriever. This mix gives an intelligent, active, and affectionate canine companion.
Shibadors are perfect for active families that offer exercise for mental stimulation. Because of their smartness and athleticism, they can be complex for new owners. Thankfully, this crossbreed is good for apartments living or large houses.
Owning a Shiba Inu Lab mix is an amazing experience. However, you must commit to their needs. Besides, they’re the same body size as Shiba Inu mix German Shepherd.
So, if you need an intelligent, affectionate, and active canine friend, this is one of the breeds to consider. This Shiba Inu Lab mix guide takes you through useful info about this crossbreed; stay tuned!
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Lab Mix: Parent Breeds History
Being a designer breed, the Shiba Inu lab mix can either have dominant traits from one side or have a mixture of traits from both.
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Learning about both breeds’ history helps you predict what the cross may turn out to be.
Shiba Inus are Japan’s beloved dogs. They’re known to be loyal, smart, and alert, with a high dose of independence.
In addition, Shibas have a high prey drive with territorial instincts. This results from the fact that they were purposely for hunting small animals and game birds.
Shiba Inus have a wolf-like appearance with triangular eyes and small erect ears. Their enthusiasts prize them for the Urajiro markings that often appear around their side muzzle, jaw, cheeks, ears, neck, and chest.
On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers are loyal and intelligent. But, they’re more friendly to people and other pets; they always want to please you as their pack leader and owner.
Shiba Inu History
Shiba Inu is an ancient breed and has been around for thousands of years. This breed originates from Japan, the mountainous Chubu region. They were for hunting and flushing birds in thick bushes.
During the 20th century, Shibas almost got extinct. This was a result of wars, World War II, food shortages, and diseases.
Luckily, there were three remaining Shibas. The remaining ones crossed with other Japanese dog breeds like Mino, San’in, and Shinshu. The result was the modern-day Shiba.
Labrador Retriever History
This breed came from St. John’s water dogs. These dogs primarily came from the European settlers from the eastern side of the Canadian province of Newfoundland.
Water dogs first came to England in the 1830s with traders. The water dogs crossbred with British hunting dogs resulting in the Labrador Retriever.
The very first Labrador Retriever to ever exist was black. However, other coat colors like liver and yellow continued to emerge in the succeeding years.
So, what’s the physical appearance of this crossbreed? Let’s explore that below;
Physical Appearance of Shiba Inu Lab Mix
You can hardly predict the appearance of this crossbreed. However, there are general traits that are common in most Shibadors.
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This crossbreed has a thick coat with medium-length fur. Besides, the coat also tends to appear white with a light tan or black and tan in color. Their ears hardly stand attention. Most Shibadors have floppy ears, which are often partly erect.
Size-wise, Shibadors vary from one dog to the other. Typically, Shiba Inus weighs around 25 pounds, while Labradors can go all the way up to 100 pounds.
The size of the crossbreed is average for both parents. So, most Shibadors weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. However, they can be slightly above or below this range.
Shiba Inu Lab mixes are well-proportioned with a somewhat musculature. Seldomly will the crossbreed retain the foxlike appearance of a Shiba Inu. But they retain the triangular-shaped eyes.
The muzzle appears slightly tapered and of medium size. This cross can assume various coat colors, including sesame red, creams, golds, or black-tan mixes. This primarily depends on the parents.
What’s the Personality of a Shiba Inu Lab Mix?
Shiba Inus and Labrador Retrievers share several traits. So, Shibadors usually inherit traits from both parent breeds.
A Shibador can lean towards either of the parent breeds. The crossbreed is aloof and independent. Also, some appear puppy-like and are more attentive to their human owners.
The cross is playful and has moderate energy. Therefore, you need to prepare to exercise your crossbreed. Thankfully, they don’t need a lot of exercise and spend most time sleeping.
Every once in a while, the crossbreed tends to want some time alone. Some Shibadors have a high prey drive. This trait is more common in Shiba Inus.
Thankfully, this crossbreed is easy to train. So, you can easily train them not to chase after small animals. Instead, you’ll train your Shibador on redirecting their instincts to chase.
This crossbreed is alert and intelligent. They like to accomplish tasks and want to play fetch most of the time. You can use this play as a form of exercise instead of going for walks.
Shiba Inu Labrador Retriever Mix Size and Weight
Shiba Inu Labrador Retriever mix is of moderate size with a height of 20-30 inches and weighs 30-50 pounds.
The crossbreed averages the size and weight of both parent breeds. Despite the breed’s moderate size, it can serve roles of bigger dogs like being a watchdog.
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Since the crossbreed is of moderate size, it can fit in households with limited space. However, ensure to exercise them as they have high energy and are playful.
Shiba Inu Labrador Mix Care and Maintenance
Grooming Needs
The crossbreed between these two dogs gives a shedding dog. However, this depends on the individual mix. Some may be more like Shibas and thus shed a lot.
Brushing your crossbreed is a must. So, ensure to have the right brush to prevent the matting of hair. You can brush your pooch friend several times a week.
Also, you should invest in a vacuum cleaner. It helps keep your floor clean and free from tumbleweeds of fur. Both a vacuum cleaner and brush are a must-own.
Also, bathe your canine friend every 3 to 6 weeks. Don’t bathe your cross a lot as it may affect their skin. A lot of baths wash away essential oils to expose the skin.
Another thing you shouldn’t forget is nail clipping. However, if you’re unsure about your skills, approach a professional groomer for advice or assistance.
Exercise Requirements
Exercise is another crucial aspect of this active crossbreed. So, you must be ready for extremely long walks. You should do walks of up to 60 minutes at a go.
Unlike Shiba Inus, this cross has a moderate energy level in most cases. So, exercise has to happen regularly. Otherwise, you risk making your mix destructive with a lack of exercise.
Give enough exercise and do some positive reinforcement during the walks. That way, you use the exercise time to train your dog on some commands.
As we all know, a tired dog is a good dog. So, either go for walks or hikes for at least 45 minutes. You can observe when they start serious panting to know when to stop the exercise.
Training Requirements
Training is crucial for every other dog. Besides, the Shiba Inu Lab mix is an intelligent breed despite having some degree of stubbornness.
So, you’ll need to be a firm handler and be strict with commands. Similarly, consistency is vital not to let your dog take advantage of you.
Positive reinforcement is essential for this crossbreed. That said, ensure to use praises when your crossbreed does well. They love to impress and will do more of what impresses them.
That said, the more you exercise your dog, the easier it becomes to train. You bond with your dog and gain their trust as you exercise with them. So they can easily follow your commands.
Socialization Needs
You must start socialization from an early age. This includes socializing your Shiba Inu Lab mix with kids, people, and other pets.
So, you may want to make frequent visits to the dog park. That is a good way to socialize with your canine friend. However, you should observe if they’re comfortable socializing with other dogs.
Also, socialize your pooch friend with people. Tag them along when you’re going to meet some friends. That way, you let your crossbreed tour the world through you.
In addition, the dog becomes more social the more they meet new people and interact with other dogs.
Feeding Requirements
You must feed your crossbreed high-quality food. Using good food has numerous benefits for your pet.
For example, you can buy more time with your pooch friend by feeding them high-quality food. Healthy food is good for longer life.
Also, ensure trial and error to determine what your mix loves. Also, ensure to determine what they may be allergic to.
You should avoid overfeeding your canine friend. Being overweight risks your dog’s health. Some health problems due to being overweight include elbow and hip dysplasia.
Also, you may want to look into some raw diets that suit your dog. With the Wolf background in Shibas, a raw diet can make a good choice.
What Are Common Health Issues That Affect Shiba Inu Lab Mix?
This crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever 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
Do Shibas and Labrador Retrievers Get Along?
Shiba Inus and Labrador Retrievers get along well but need socialization. So, you should first socialize and supervise them before letting them be.
Shiba Inus have a major issue with other dog breeds. However, training and socialization come in handy.
So, ensure to train and socialize your canine friend. If possible, you should start this from an early age.
Is The Shiba Inu Lab Mix Good for You?
The Shiba Inu Labrador Retriever mix is good for you if you’re sure to be consistent with training. Also, they’re somewhat difficult for first-time owners.
This crossbreed needs an owner with experience and skills in handling either parent breed. If you’re looking for a first-time dog, this may not be your best choice.
What Is the Shiba Inu Lab Mix Lifespan?
Shiba Inu Lab mix has a lifespan of 12 and 15 years.
Almost all dogs have a similar lifespan. However, high-quality food and care are necessary for a longer lifespan.
So, feed your canine friend high-quality food to prolong their time on earth by keeping them in good health.
Is A Shiba Inu Labrador Retriever Mix Good with Children?
The Shiba Inu Lab mix is good with children as it’s a loving and friendly breed.
Nevertheless, you must train your kids how to handle the breed. Otherwise, the cross can become aggressive under provocation.
Also, socializing them together in your presence helps your pooch friend interact with kids peacefully.
Final Words on Shiba Inu Lab Mix
The Shiba Inu Labrador Retriever mix is a loyal dog with loving traits. However, it has its quirks as well, such as being independent.
Depending on the parent breeds, the crossbreed might have some aggression issues. To counter them, ensure to train and socialize your canine friend from an early age.
Thankfully, the crossbreed is friendly to the owner and immediate family. So, you’re sure to have a nice family dog with protective features.
Further, the breed doesn’t shed as much as Shiba Inus. Although you have to carry out grooming practices, they won’t be much of a bother if you have a brush and vacuum cleaner.
Finally, training and socialization are key for any designer dog. So, don’t overlook these two practices.