Shiba Inu Schnauzer Mix Information Guide & Pics

Shiba Inu Schnauzer mix is a crossbreed between a purebred Shiba Inu and a purebred Schnauzer. Both parent breeds are friendly and suitable for family life, and so is the crossbreed. Common traits of the mix include being intelligent, loyal, and obedient.

Shiba Inu Schnauzer mix is also known as a Schnu. This crossbreed is cute and has a spirited personality. Besides, it has a foxlike appearance with large ears that stand attention. Further, the crossbreed is bold and can sometimes be fiery.

This crossbreed between the comical Shiba Inus and spunky Schnauzers is good for family life. Besides, the mix is good in offering protection and is more active than Shibas.

This Schnu guide takes you through the common traits and what to expect from this crossbreed. So, stick here and read further below for more details.

Shiba Inu Schnauzer Mix Personality

Shiba Inu Schnauzer mix gives a friendly crossbreed with a cat-like personality. Besides, the crossbreed is friendly and protective to its owners and immediate family.

 

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Since Shiba Inus and Schnauzers possess differing personalities, the crossbreed tends to take after any of the parent breeds. So, you can hardly determine which traits will be dominant.

In addition, miniature Schnauzers have a wide array of personalities. However, Shibas tend to retain the same personality.

Some owners of this crossbreed share that they tend to behave like terriers. This includes being grit, highly energetic, and somewhat stubborn. Also, some mixes are mellow.

Therefore, prepare to encounter an exuberant and dramatic personality. Thankfully, this crossbreed is somehow affectionate.

Shibas wierd nature blends with the spunkiness of the Schnauzer to give an exciting crossbreed. So, the crossbreed often has comical traits.

Shiba Inu Schnauzer mix is playful, intelligent, and energetic. So, your crossbreed will love playing games such as tug of war and fetch. Good for you; this crossbreed loves joining in on your morning jog.

That said, be sure that this crossbreed will want to be part of your family. Also, they enthusiastically partake in any attention you provide.

Shiba Inu Schnauzer Mix Behavior with Strangers

Shiba Inu Schnauzer mix isn’t friendly to strangers at first. Although they might act standoffish at first, they easily get along and stop being suspicious.

Also, this crossbreed is a bit timid with strangers and acts with suspicion. This makes them bark at strangers; however, they easily take in new people after introducing them together.

This crossbreed acts strange on meeting dogs of the same sex. So, ensure to gently introduce your Schnu to the dog park.

One pro tip is to socialize your Schnu from an early age. Schnauzers are more friendly to strangers than Shibas. However, the crossbreed often assumes the standoffish of a Shiba.

Also, there’s a chance that the crossbreed will have a high prey drive. So, ensure to introduce training and socialization early on.

Also, if you have other smaller pets, introduce them to your Schnu as early as possible. Don’t forget to do the same to your children. Introduce your Schnu to your kids and watch them interact.

 

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Thankfully, this crossbreed adapts to different household types easily. Besides, be sure that this crossbreed will adapt to your lifestyle easily. The cross enjoys car rides more than Shiba Inus.

Summary on Shiba Inu Schnauzer Mix Temperament;

• Slightly stubborn from time to time
• Inquisitive and expressive
• Playful and polite
• Bold when facing other animals

Shiba Inu Schnauzer Mix Physical Appearance

Shiba Inu and a miniature Schnauzer have both similar sizes and stockiness. Therefore, the crossbreed is small in size and weighs between 13-25 pounds. This can vary based on the gender.

On the other hand, the crossbreed has a height of between 12 inches and 14 inches. Your Schnu will likely have a facial appearance resembling a fox face.

Also, the color varies but is more often dark brown. Schnus have black eyes. In addition, the coat curls slightly. They have a black or reddish fur which is common in both parent breeds.

Schnus have a variety of coat colors which can either be;

• Red, White, or Cream
• Black and Tan
• Red Sesame
• Black and Silver

Funny enough, Schnus often have a beard. However, it’s shorted than that of the parent Schnauzer. The crossbreed has folded years which can vary from one crossbreed to another.

So, the crossbreeds coat can either lean towards Shibas or go the Schnauzer way. The result will either be light or heavy shedder.

Woe unto you if your Schnu leans more to the Shiba Inus. You’ll need to prepare for heavy shedding. Besides, routine grooming will be a must.

Although most Schnus have dense and fluffy coats, others often have wiry coats. The breed’s facial appearance is a mix of a Shiba Inu and a Schnauzer. A Schnu has a narrow head than a Shiba while the sides are wider.

Don’t be surprised when your Schnus ears appear canted off to the sides. In some cases, the ears of a Schnu tend to fold over, appear triangular, or are permanently pricked.

Shiba Inu Schnauzer Mix Care and Maintenance

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 Schnauzer 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 Schnauzer mix with kids, people, and other pets.

So, you may want to make frequent visits to the dog park. That is an excellent 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 having your pooch friend with you 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.

Common Health Issues That Affect Shiba Inu Schnauzer Mix

This crossbreed of a Schnauzer 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 requires 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

Is A Schnauzer Mix a Good Dog?

Schnauzer mixes are extremely friendly; however, it depends on the crossbreed with which you mix them.

So, when choosing another breed to cross with Schnauzers, consider the breed’s traits, especially aggression.

Do Shibas and Schnauzers Get Along?

Shiba Inus and Schnauzers 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 Schnauzer Mix Good for You?

The Shiba Inu Schnauzer 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 Schnauzer Mix Lifespan?

Shiba Inu Schnauzer 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 Schnauzer Mix Good with Children?

The Shiba Inu Schnauzer 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 Schnauzer Mix

The Shiba Inu Schnauzer 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 lovely 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.