Do you love Shiba Inus but also want the athleticism of a Husky? Or maybe you’re considering a mixed breed and are curious about the Shiba Inu Husky mix. Either way, this article is for you.
This guide will provide you with all the information you need to ensure you are prepared for this furry friend. We’ll cover everything from their personality and temperament to their exercise and dietary needs.
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Plus, we’ll include lots of pictures to help give you a better idea of what owning a Husky Shiba Inu mix is really like.
- What Is Shiba Inu Husky Mix?
- History Of The Shiba Inu Husky Mix?
- The Appearance Of The Siberian Husky Shiba Inu Mix
- Shibusky Temperament & Personality
- Grooming Requirement
- Dietary Needs
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Needs
- How Much Does A Shiba Inu Siberian Husky Mix Puppy Cost & Where to get it?
- Health Problems
- Conclusion
What Is Shiba Inu Husky Mix?
A Shiba Inu Husky mix, also known as Shibusky, is a hybrid dog breed that is created by crossing a Shiba Inu with a Siberian Husky. The Shiba Inu Siberian Husky mix is a hybrid dog that inherits the best characteristics of both parent breeds. As a result, these dogs are typically very intelligent, friendly, and energetic.
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History Of The Shiba Inu Husky Mix?
Just like most hybrid dogs, it is tough to precisely say when or where the Shiba Inu Husky mix was first bred. So because of this, we cannot get a good history and documentation of the crossbreed.
But, we do know that the Shiba Inu Husky mix is a relatively new crossbreed, only becoming popular in the last few decades. This is likely because both parent breeds are rare, especially outside their native countries.
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A lot of unprofessional backyard breeders have been breeding these two dogs without documenting or health testing them. As a result, little to no information about the Shiba Inu Husky mix’s early history or development.
However, to learn more about this breed, let’s look at the history of each parent breed.
An Overview Of The Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting. The word “Shiba” means “brushwood” in Japanese, and the word “Inu” means “dog.”
The breed was officially recognized as a Natural Monument of Japan through the Cultural Properties Act in 1936.
The Shiba Inu is a small to medium-sized dog, with males typically weighing between 20 and 23 pounds and females weighing between 17 and 23 pounds. They stand between 13 and 17 inches tall at the shoulder.
The coat of a Shiba Inu can be red, black and tan, or cream. The most common coat color is Red Sesame. The Shiba Inu has a thick double coat that helps to protect them from the cold weather of their native Japan.
The breed is known for its independent, loyal, keen, and spirited temperament. Shibas are intelligent dogs and are easy to train.
They typically live to be between 12 and 16 years old. Some common health problems for Shibas include eye disorders, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, and patellar luxation. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1992.
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An Overview Of The Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a type of working dog that originated in Siberia. Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people, a nomadic tribe who lived in the Arctic regions of Northeastern Asia.
They were used as working dogs, pulling sleds and transporting goods across the frozen tundra. The Siberians were bred for their strength, endurance, and loyalty.
They are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 35 and 60 pounds. They stand between 20 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder.
Siberian Huskies come in a variety of coat colors. The most common colors are Gray & White, black and white, but they can also be red and white, grey and Silver-gray.
Siberians have two types of coats: the undercoat, which is dense and insulating, and the outercoat, which is longer and harsher.
The temperament of a Siberian Husky is typically friendly, intelligent, and gentle. However, they can also be stubborn and independent.
Siberians typically live between 12 and 15 years old. Some health problems affecting Siberians include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and Hypothyroidism.
Overall, the Siberian Husky is a strong and versatile dog that makes a loyal companion. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1930.
The Appearance Of The Siberian Husky Shiba Inu Mix
As with all hybrid dogs, there’s no guarantee or assurance that your Shibusky will take after either parent more than the other.
However, certain physical characteristics are commonly seen in this mix. For the most part, a Shiba Inu Husky mix ears will be pointed/erected like the parents.
No matter which parent gene is dominant, your dog’s face will be reminiscent of a fox. The muzzle is usually shorter, and the eyes can either be almond-shaped like the Husky parent or squinty eyes like the Shiba Inu parent. In all, expect a powerfully built dog with a bushy tail that can be curled or straight.
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The Size
Hybrid dogs’ sizes can vary because of two different parents. However, for this mix, you can expect a medium-sized dog that will be 15 to 23 inches in height and weigh anywhere between 20 to 60 pounds.
However, suppose the Shiba Inu parent has a more dominant gene. In that case, your pup is likely to be smaller than a purebred Siberian Husky.
Coat Type & Color
We can already see that the Shiba Inu Husky mix will be a beautiful dog, but what about their coat? Well, both parent breeds are double coated, so you can expect your mix to have a double coat as well.
The undercoat will be dense and soft, while the outercoat will be straight or slightly wavy.
As for colors, there is a wide range that your pup could inherit. The fur color will depend on which parent he takes after more.
The colors can be anything from red, black to black and white, or any color combination with some white markings. No matter their color, they will always look like a fox.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a Shiba Inu Husky mix is 12 to 16 years. This is a longer lifespan than most dogs, and it’s thanks to the genes they inherit from their parents. The Shiba Inus and the Huskies are known for their longevity, so you can expect your mix to have a long and healthy life.
However, some factors can affect their lifespan. One of the biggest factors is their diet. If they don’t have a balanced diet, they will be more prone to health problems that can shorten their life.
Another factor is exercise. If they don’t get enough exercise, they will also be more likely to have health problems.
So, make sure you give your pup a balanced diet, a healthy environment, and plenty of exercises to help them live a long and healthy life.
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Shibusky Temperament & Personality
You should know each parent breed’s temperament and personality before deciding on a Shiba Inu Husky mix.
The Siberian Husky is an outgoing, friendly, gentle, and intelligent breed. They are also very alert and bark to inform you if someone is approaching.
The Shiba Inu is a charming, fearless, and confident breed. They are also very faithful and keenly alert.
When you mix these two breeds, you get a dog that is both outgoing and friendly but also has the confidence and alertness to make an excellent watchdog.
They are also intelligent and easily trained. If you are looking for a couch potato dog, this is not your breed.
Both the Siberian Husky and the Shiba Inu are independent breeds. This means they are not always looking to please their owners. They can be stubborn and have a mind of their own.
This mix can make a great family pet with proper training and socialization. They do best in homes with older children who can respect their space and give them the necessary exercise.
Grooming Requirement
The Siberian Husky parents are considered natural breeds because they tend to clean themselves. The Shiba Inu parent is also a natural breed but requires regular grooming.
When you cross the two, you will likely have a dog that will require regular grooming. If you are not prepared to groom your dog regularly, this might not be the right mix.
You will need to brush/comb your dog at least twice weekly and more during shedding seasons. It is hard to tell if a puppy will be a light or heavy shedder, so you might need to invest in a vacuum machine that can handle the dog’s hair around your furniture or couch.
If you live in an apartment, this is an absolute must to get rid of all the dog hair left behind.
You should also bathe your dog as needed. Be sure to use a dog shampoo, as human shampoo can dry out his skin.
Check their ears regularly for any wax buildup and clean as needed. Their nails will also need to be trimmed on a regular basis. You can either do this yourself or take them to a groomer.
As part of a proper grooming routine, ensure you brush his teeth regularly to avoid any dental issues later in life.
In all, ensure you start grooming routines early and be consistent as the Shiba Inu parents are known to often object nail trimming and teeth brushing.
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Dietary Needs
With your vet’s approval, these mixed breeds should do well on high-quality dog food, whether homemade or commercially prepared. This food should be essential for your dog’s coat and skin health.
Your Shiba Inu Husky mix’s food needs will also change as he grows from puppyhood to his adult years and then into his senior years. You will need to feed him more frequently when he is a puppy and then gradually decrease his food intake as he grows older.
These are active dogs, so ensure your dog’s food is protein-rich and has a moderate amount of healthy fat. Avoid overfeeding him, as this can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems. Make sure you always have fresh, clean water available at all times.
You can supplement your dog’s food with fresh fruits, veggies, and fish oil to benefit his coat and skin.
You can also give him raw bones to chew on, which will help clean his teeth and provide him with essential nutrients. Just be sure to supervise him while he chews on bones, as they can splinter and cause health problems if swallowed.
Exercise Requirement
Your dog is likely to be active and athletic, so make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to burn off that energy. A couple of long walks, hikes, or runs each day should suffice, but if possible, try to give him some off-leash time in a safe area where he can let loose.
Ensure you provide at least 40 minutes of daily exercise for your Shiba Inu Husky mix. Regular exercise is mentally and physically vital for these dogs as it helps keep them from getting bored, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
If you live in an apartment or don’t have access to a lot of open space, there are indoor games and activities you can do with your dog to keep him entertained and exercised, such as playing fetch.
If you have the space, a fenced-in yard is ideal for giving your dog the necessary exercise. If you don’t have a yard, that’s okay too. Make sure to walk him regularly and provide him with plenty of toys and chewable to keep him occupied.
Huskies are bred to run, so if your dog has more husky genes, ensure he is on a leash and in a harness when you are out to exercise him, as he will want to take off after any small animal he sees.
Also, Shiba Inus are known for being escape artists, they are quite independent and stubborn, so it’s recommended that if you have a Shiba Inu or your dog has more of the gene, do not let him off-leash in an unenclosed area as he is likely to run off and be difficult to catch.
Training Needs
These intelligent dogs may be challenging to train – both parents are known for being willful and headstrong. Early socialization is a must, as is basic obedience training.
Be patient, firm, and consistent with your commands, and treat your pup with praise and affection when they behave well.
Take your dog to parks and doggy playdates often, so they can learn to socialize properly with other pups.
You can take them to puppy class, which will help with socialization and basic obedience commands.
By teaching them basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down, you can better control your dog in any situation before advancing to more complex tricks and behaviors.
Teach your pooch how to housebreak – this may take some time and patience, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Ensure training sessions are fun and short – around 15 minutes – so your dog doesn’t get bored or frustrated.
These breeds will do well in positive reinforcement-based training, as they quickly learn and respond well to treats and praise. However, because of their stubborn streak, they may need additional patience and consistency.
Do not use negative reinforcement or punishment – this will only damage your relationship with your dog and make training more difficult.
If your dog has a high prey drive, teach him to walk on a leash before taking him off-leash in an enclosed area. This will help to prevent him from chasing after smaller animals.
Also, these breeds are not meant to be left alone for too long; if you are not always around, ensure you hire a dog walker or send your pup to doggy daycare.
How Much Does A Shiba Inu Siberian Husky Mix Puppy Cost & Where to get it?
The price of Shiba Inu Husky mix puppies will depend on the breeder, parents’ health, location, availability, and coat color.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1000 for a Shiba Inu Husky mix puppy. Some breeders may charge more for puppies with blue eyes or special markings.
Suppose you are looking for a Shibusky puppy. In that case, your best bet is to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with healthy, well-adjusted puppies.
You can also check your local animal shelters or rescue groups, as they may occasionally have Shiba Inu Husky mix puppies available for adoption.
It is important to ask for health insurance clearance and to see the puppies’ parents before you purchase a Shiba Inu Husky mix puppy. This will help ensure that you’re bringing home a healthy dog that has been well-cared for with a good temperament.
Health Problems
Generally, these mixed breeds are healthy dogs. Still, if not properly screened before crossing both parents, the puppies can inherit health problems from the Shiba Inu or Siberian Husky.
Some of the health problems that can be found in both parent breeds are:
Health Issues with Siberian Husky are (Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Zinc Deficiency, Corneal Dystrophy, Uveodermatologic Syndrome, Follicular Dysplasia, and Hypothyroidism).
Shiba Inus health issues are (Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Allergies, and Eye Problems).
When considering getting a Shibusky, you should find a reputable breeder who health tests both the Shiba Inu and Siberian Husky parents for any genetic health problems.
This will give you the best chance of getting a healthy puppy that will grow into a healthy adult dog.
Make sure you take your pup to the vet for regular checkups and that you keep up with their vaccinations and booster shots. Doing this will help your mixed breed dog live long, happy, and healthy.
Conclusion
If you’re still undecided on whether or not to get a Shiba Inu Husky mix, hopefully, this guide has helped make your decision easier.
We’ve included pictures of the dog throughout so that you can get an idea of what they look like and some personality traits associated with each breed.
Remember, these are only generalizations – every dog is different. Do research before bringing home your new furry friend, and be prepared for lots of love.
