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Shiba Inu Pug mix is a crossbreed between purebred Shiba Inu and Pug dogs. The common name for this crossbreed is Pug Shiba. The cross isn’t a rebel like the Shiba Inu; however, they might carry some traits from the Shiba Inu parent.
Shiba Inu Pug mix is a social crossbreed that likes interacting with people. Besides, the mix requires decent physical activity. So, you should prepare to exercise the crossbreed daily. Thankfully, the crossbreed is good with kids, thus perfect for family life. All you need to do is train and socialize this pooch friend with people and other dogs.
While Shiba Inu is among the rarest breeds, the Pug Shiba crossbreed is even more scarce.
This Shiba Inu Pug mix guide takes you through useful info to enlighten you about the recently emerging crossbreed.
Read on below;
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Pug Mix Physical Appearance
Shiba Inu Pug mix tends to be slightly taller and leggier than pure Pug. The crossbreed weighs between 16 and 24 pounds and is 14 to 16 inches tall.
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You can hardly predict the appearance of a Shiba Inu Pug mix before the crossbreed is born. The puppies differ a lot.
Some Shiba Inu Pug mix puppies have the tail curling over their back like that of a Shiba Inu. Besides, the color of the crossbreed is often close or similar to either or both of the parents.
The Pug Shiba can either have a short, flat Pug-like nose or an elongated foxlike nose like that of a Shiba Inus. Most of these crossbreeds fall anywhere in-between the two parent breeds.
The crossbreed can either assume any of Pug colors, including fawn and black, or the Shiba colors, which include black and tan, cream, red, or sesame.
Notably, if the Pug parent comes from the fawn Pug family, the resultant Shiba Inu Pug mix puppy is likelier to have a black facemask. This is a dominant genetic trait in the fawn Pug.
One common thing in most Shiba Inu Pug mixes is the stretched-out appearance. The crossbreed often looks like a stretched Pug.
In short, the Shiba Inu Pug mix is medium size, with a strong straight tail that hardly curls over the back like that of a Shiba Inu. The crossbreed has a rounded snout and button-like ears.
The Shiba Inu Pug mix hardly retains the triangular, foxlike appearance dominant in Shiba Inu dogs.
Shiba Inu Pug Mix Personality
Shiba Inu Pug mix has an interesting personality that owners simply describe as “joyful samurai.”
The personality of this crossbreed falls somewhere in between both parent breeds. So, while some of these crossbreed dogs are fun and have the exuberance of a Pug, others are more reserved and dignified, like the Shiba Inu parent.
The two parent breeds have stark differences. This makes it rather unlikely that any breeder would intentionally think of crossbreeding these two breeds.
However, when the puppies come along, they’re unique and have an interesting and loving personality. They often present a frankly unusual mix of two special breeds.
Depending on the crossbreeds’ parents, the Shiba Inu Pug mix can be snuggly and quiet or sociable and feisty.
Pug Shibas aren’t overly needy and like having time by themselves. Also, they’re intelligent and don’t show the standoffish trait common in Shiba Inus.
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In most cases, Pug Shiba is a spunky and intelligent dog. Of importance, the crossbreed is a perfect companion.
Notably, the crossbreed is a “one-master” type of dog that hardly welcomes strangers. They’re more aloof to strangers unless you train and socialize them from an early age.
Shiba Inu Pug Mix Temperament
Temperament-wise, the Shiba Inu Pug mix is a delightful crossbreed. The mix is lively, likes playing around, is alert and thus can be a good watchdog.
Also, if you want this crossbreed for your family, you’re on the right track. The crossbreed is loyal to the owner and immediate family.
However, the initial moments after getting this crossbreed are challenging since the crossbreed may be somewhat aloof with new family members.
Thankfully, after some time, the cross gets along with strangers. They easily become playful with new people in the family; however, this might take some time for socialization.
While Shiba Inus hardly cuddle, this crossbreed is charming and adorable with high intelligence and likes playing on your lap. So, you’ll need some toys around to stimulate his mind. Mind stimulation prevents destructive behavior in your pooch friend.
Don’t leave this small crossbreed alone for long. The next thing they think about is destructive chewing whenever boredom kicks in. Also, separation anxiety kicks in easily.
The Pug Shiba is loving, especially to family members. Also, they’re extra alert and will always alert you when there’s a stranger around or something unfamiliar around the home compound.
This crossbreed likes going for brisk morning and evening walks. Besides, this exercise helps wear out your canine friend, and, as we all know, a tired dog is a good dog.
Of course, start training and socialization early enough. Starting both early improves the chances of your canine friend coping up better and learning to be around people and dogs.
Notably, never over-exert your Pug Shiba as it might lead to shortness of breath. Excess exertion might cause cardiac arrest. As you exercise or go for a walk, carry a small bottle of water.
Thankfully, this crossbreed needs minimal care tips. This adorable crossbreed is full of love and will always keep you happy.
Shiba Inu Pug Mix Care & Maintenance Tips
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, the cross has to exercise 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.
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.
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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.
Training Requirements
Training is crucial for every other dog. Besides, the Shiba Inu Pug 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. As you exercise your dog, you bond with them and gain their trust. So, they can easily follow your commands.
Socialization Needs
You must start socialization from an early age. This includes socializing your Shiba Inu Pug 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 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 to have your pooch friend with you by feeding them high-quality food. Healthy food is good for longer life.
Also, ensure to do a 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.
Common Health Issues That Affect Shiba Inu Pug Mix
This crossbreed of a Pug 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
Are Shiba Inus Good with Pugs?
Shiba Inus are good, with every other dog breed ready to submit and recognize them as the pack leader.
So, other dogs that fail to submit might not relate well with Shiba Inus. Thankfully, you can socialize and train your Shiba Inu to relate well with other canine friends.
What Is the Shiba Inu Pug Mix Lifespan?
Shiba Inu Pug mix has a lifespan of 12 and 15 years. However, it can go past this depending on the quality of food you feed your pooch friend.
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 Pug Mix Good with Children?
The Shiba Inu Pug 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 Pug Mix
The Shiba Inu Pug 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.