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The Shiba Inu Chihuahua mix crosses purebred Shiba Inu and purebred Chihuahua. Shiba Inu mixed with Chihuahua can bring great joy and love to your home. This breed is a designer dog gaining popularity and fame in recent years.
Shiba Inu, mixed with Chihuahua, is a designer dog with exciting traits. The cross can be like Chihuahuas with a sassy attitude or more laid back like the Shiba Inu side. Shiba-Chi breed is a loyal dog, especially to the owner and family.
Shiba Inu mixed with Chihuahua is a loyal dog breed but needs training and socialization. This guide takes you through insights about this crossbreed you don’t want to miss.
Table of Contents
What Are Characteristics of Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahua?
Shiba Inus and Chihuahuas have varying temperaments. So, the Shiba-Chi also has varying temperaments depending on the parent.
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The temperament of a Shiba-Chi can run across the gamut. This includes overly spicy, sprung, yappy, calm, affectionate, and sweet.
Since most Shibas have aggression in them. This mix can show some level of aggression as well. Besides, the mix has independence, loyalty, and confidence like Shibas.
That said, the temperament of a Shiba Inu Chihuahua mix varies. The mix will likely become more aggressive if the parents are highly aggressive.
However, you can intervene in your pups at early ages with training. Also, start socializing early when you note the aggression.
In most cases, the mix results in a confident little that’s fiercely loyal. Also, it’s aloof and possibly unfriendly to strangers.
Can You Train a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix?
This mix is trainable. Although, training may be a little bit difficult due to its aloofness. However, with the proper steps, you’ll successfully train this crossbreed.
Also, both dogs, Shiba and Chihuahua, have stubborn traits. So, you have to go easy when training the Shiba-Chi mix.
Of importance to this breed is obedience training. If your Shiba-Chi learns to obey commands, you’re good to go.
From the moment you start the training, you shouldn’t stop. Consistency is key when training any dog breed with a Shiba mix.
Besides, consistency is the only sure bet to training a Shiba-Chi breed. If you’re not consistent, you’ll hardly make any progress training your pooch friend.
However, consistency allows you to move to the following command before your Shiba-Chi forgets the earlier lessons. This crossbreed is prone to aggression and snapping. So, these are things training helps with.
Ensure to catch the act. Correct bad behavior from an early age. Be firm and consistent with the commands you use.
Although the cross is small to medium size, they challenge and aggravate larger dogs. So, ensure to stay keen on your Shiba-Chi when around other dogs. Use corrections where possible.
Overall, Shiba-Chi’s aren’t the perfect dogs if you have children. They’re quick to become aggressive when kids provoke them. The breed isn’t good with young children.
Physical Characteristics of a Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahua
Physical-wise, both a Shiba Inu and a Chihuahua are small in size. So, the cross gives a relatively small to a medium dog that weighs approximately 8-15 pounds and has a height of 8-13 inches.
While Shiba Inus often have a plush double coat, the Chihuahuas only have fur that’s either long or short. So, they have short or long-haired coats.
Colour-wise, Chihuahuas are distinct from Shibas. They’re primarily solid tan, mixed color, white, and black coats.
Shiba-Chi has a solid sensitivity to high temperatures. This, though, depends on the coat type of your canine friend.
So, what does a Shiba-Chi typically look like?
Shiba Inus mixed with Chihuahuas usually resemble little terrier dogs. When Shibas distinct foxlike appearance disappears after mixing with Chihuahuas dissimilar body facial appearance.
But you can always tell a Shiba-Chi mix by looking at the face; the mouth resembles Shibas. However, what still differentiates them is their large ears and eyes.
Also, the body shape turns a bit lankier. So, from the eyes, you can tell a Shiba-Chi mix. However, from a distance, you can confuse a Shiba-Chi for a small Shiba Inu.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix Personality
Shiba-Chi’s personality chooses to take on the appearance of either parent. However, Chihuahuas seem more dominant in that most cross puppies resemble Chihuahuas.
In addition, Shiba-Chi has an athletic body, though small in size, and has average energy. The crossbreed has the following traits, graceful, elegant, and bold.
When standing, Shiba-Chi is usually 10 inches on average and has large eyes and ears resembling those of Chihuahuas.
So, the cross is more likely to inherit Chihuahua traits. Also, the Chihuahua DNA determines the coat color of the Shiba-Chi mix.
Things To Know About Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahua
Shiba-Chi is an intelligent dog that can make a good companion friend. However, the breed can show a stubborn streak now and then.
This stubbornness makes training them a little bit difficult. All you need to do is be patient with training, remain consistent, and foster positive reinforcement.
Due to the training challenges, you may want to start training your canine friend immediately after you have them. Also, stick with the commands all the time.
Any lousy behavior you observe can become a habit. So, use positive reinforcement for discipline. Avoid punishing your pooch friend.
Most owners of small dogs let them get away with them. However, don’t be such as owner; correct your Shiba-Chi when you catch the act.
Other key issues to note about this breed include;
- Exercise Needs
- Grooming
- Diet And Nutrition
- Energy Level
- Living Condition
What’s more;
Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahua Exercise Needs
If you own the Shiba-Chi crossbreed, you must take their exercise routine seriously. Although Chihuahuas are lazy, Shiba Inus, on the other side, are active dogs.
So, the crossbreed needs to exercise frequently. In addition, you can do some runs around your home yard to exercise this breed. They don’t need a lot of time for exercise.
Shiba-Chi is more similar to the Chihuahuas. So, since Chihuahuas don’t need a lot of exercise, the crossbreed also needs a little exercise. A few minutes are enough.
Shiba-Chi’s are medium energy level dogs, hence require little exercise. Also, the intensity of the exercise shouldn’t be high.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix Grooming Needs
You don’t have to worry on grooming your furry friend if you own one. Grooming this crossbreed is as easy as 1,2,3. All you need is a brush, and possibly a vacuum cleaner.
However, if your Shiba-Chi has long hair, you’ll have to carry out grooming practices more frequently. Brushing your Shiba-Chi should be once a week.
Also, your Shiba-Chi needs to take baths. This breed usually doesn’t like taking baths. However, a bath after every six weeks isn’t bad at all.
Ensure to brush your Shiba-Chi’s hair once every week. Grooming helps avoid matting and tangling of fur. Also, as you groom check your Shiba-Chi’s ears. They are prone to infections.
Of course, dental care is equally important. You should brush your Shiba-Chi’s teeth once a week.
Clipping their nails is something you don’t want to forget. Long nails can be dangerous as your fur friend can easily hurt you as you plan.
So, ensure to cut their nails as you conduct other grooming practices. Clip your Shiba-Chi’s nails at least once every month.
If your canine friend’s nails are dark, ensure to consult a vet for the nail clipping. You can easily mistake and do it wrongly and cause injuries.
Diet And Nutrition
Your Shiba-Chi’s diet and nutrition are crucial in ensuring a healthy diet for your fur friend. So, ensure to feed your fur friend a nutritive diet.
Always check the components, and ensure to purchase high-quality dog food. That way, you’re sure that your doggy will grow healthy.
Also, proper diet and nutrition positively affect your dog’s life expectancy. If your dog consumes high-quality food, it’ll likely stay for long.
Thankfully, your Shiba-Chi doesn’t require large proportions of food. They only take a little food amount and are full until the next meal.
A Shiba-Chi requires a half cup of food for one full day. So, that’s not going to hurt your pocket for sure.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix Energy Level
The Shiba Inu Chihuahua mix is a medium-energy dog breed. This mix doesn’t require hours of exercise. Instead, 30-40 minutes are enough to wear out this fur friend.
So, you only need a few minutes of your day to help your pooch friend dispel off energy. Unlike Shiba Inus, they don’t run up and down all the time.
Also, they like a little bit of human attention. So, don’t worry when your Shiba-Chi shows no need for your attention.
Living Condition
Good living conditions are necessary for any other dog. So, you want to ensure your Shiba-Chi lives in a nice place with enough comfort.
Also, if your Shiba-Chi has a double coat and long hair, you might want to bathe them during the summer. That’s to help them cool down, especially if you stay in a warmer climate.
The point here is that you must choose a Shiba-Chi with a coat that aligns with your weather. If you’re in warmer areas, select one with short hair and vice versa.
Common Health Issues in Shiba Inus Mixed with Chihuahuas
Shiba-Chi has several health challenges. See them below;
- Dental Issues – This breed of dogs is prone to dental issues like cavities, gum inflammation, and bleeding gums. However, with the help of your vet, you can find a solution to this health issue.
- Patellar Luxation – This is simply a result of knee dislocation. The knee cap for your Shiba Inus dislocates from its natural position. So, it causes mobility problems in your Shiba-Chi. This challenge is common to petite and mini breeds. Especially between ages 4 and 6 months, that’s where the problem sets in.
- Heart Murmur – This shows the presence of underlying health issues. It manifests through a cardiac murmur, so it’s not a condition in and of itself. It entails high heart vibrations, causing a murmur when breathing.
- Glaucoma – This health problem develops due to improper balance of eye fluid. So, it may cause a build-up of fluid in the eye. This fluid destroys the optic nerve with time making your Shiba-Chi permanently blind.
- Eye Cataracts – This refers to a foggy coating on the eye’s lens; o, it prevents light from passing through. It results from the clumping of proteins in your dog’s eye lens. So, the clump-up ends up producing a cloud-like material.
- Molera – This is the existence of a bone between frontal and parietal bones. This happens at the top of a dog’s skull due to failure to fuse. Most puppies are born with this condition; it’s usually not life-threatening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Shiba Inu and Chihuahua Mix?
This mixes two pure breeds of both Shiba Inu and Chihuahua dog breeds. So, the result is a cross between the two breeds.
A Shiba Inu Chihuahua mix is a loyal, loving, and affectionate crossbreed. The cross is suitable for family, but not good with children.
However, you must train and socialize your Shiba-Chi, especially with children.
Is A Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahua Good with Kids?
A cross between a Shiba and Chihuahua might not be good with kids. The cross has anger issues and becomes aggressive under the slightest provocation.
However, if you train your Shiba-Chi enough, they’ll be good with kids with time. However, this shouldn’t be little kids.
Ensure you teach your kids how to handle the breed as well.
Are Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahuas Good Family Dogs?
A Shiba-Chi is a good family dog with loyalty and love. Besides, they show affection to the immediate family.
That said, this crossbreed is suitable for family life. In addition, they’re small enough to do well in apartments or houses of small size.
Final Words, Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahuas
A Shiba-Chi is a designer dog. So, this isn’t a purebred dog. However, it’s a fantastic cross with beautiful features.
Shiba-Chi is usually intelligent, independent, and loyal. However, your Shiba-Chi might show some slight signs of aggression. The little aggression comes from Shibas.
However, if you start obedience training early enough, you’ll get your Shiba-Chi to be your best friend. Also, you reduce misbehavior by training your pooch friend.
One common thing is that you have to start training early. Also, young Shiba-Chi’s are quick and easy to train than older adults.
If you have your Shiba-Chi from the time they’re a pup, start training as early as six months. Also, ensure to be consistent with commands and positive reinforcement.
Overall, Shiba Inu mixed with Chihuahuas give a brilliant cross that’s a good companion. It’s loving, affectionate, and has little independence.