Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix: What Are They Like?

When taking on a new dog, it’s essential to do your research and choose a canine companion that suits you, your family, and your lifestyle. This means looking at breed personality traits, physical attributes, size, and any unique requirements like extra grooming. However, these days there seems to be more and more emphasis on choosing a rare mix of breeds to make your furry family member extra special. So, what about a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix? What should you expect from one, and what type of home do they suit?

What do you call a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix?

It’s common for crossbreed dogs to have their own name these days. For instance, a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix becomes a Cockapoo, and a Jack Russell Pug mix becomes a Jug. So, what unique name does a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix get known as? Well, they tend to be known as ‘Shepherd Inu’s. 

What does a Shiba Inu German shepherd mix look like?

As with any mixed breed, predicting the offspring’s appearance is not an exact science. Therefore, there is lots of variation among Shepherd Inus. However, there are some physical traits that both Shiba Inus and German Shepherds have in common, which you’d therefore expect to be passed on. This means that you can expect Shepherd Inus to be muscular and have a double coat, long snout, and upright, angular ears. Since their colorings are similar, you might expect your Shepherd Inu to have red, black, tan, or cream markings. 

Shepherd Inus usually weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. They are around 19 to 22 inches tall, so they are considered medium-sized dogs. 

What traits does a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix have?

Both German Shepherds and Shiba Inus tend to bond well with their owners, becoming loyal and affectionate, with a protective streak. Although they are both confident and reasonably intelligent breeds, the Shiba Inu can be difficult to train due to stubbornness. Equally, without the right owner, training, and environment, a Shiba Inu can be prone to being aggressive. On the other hand, German Shepherds tend to be easier to train and a little more predictable, even though they are regularly used as guard dogs. Despite enjoying time with their family, Shepherd Inus are not particularly sociable. They may not cope well around strangers or other dogs unless properly trained and socialized. 

It’s easy to see how choosing a mixed breed like a Shepherd Inu is a bit like pot luck! Therefore, it’s worth doing your research and being fully prepared to deal with all possible challenges!

What type of home would a Shepherd Inu suit?

Shepherd Inus are not a good choice for first-time dog owners. Their stubborn nature and the potential tendency for aggression mean that they shouldn’t be homed with young children either. However, experienced dog owners, especially those who have owned either or both of the parent breeds before, could find themselves with a loyal and energetic companion. Training is very important, so the ideal owner would have the time and patience required for this. Although challenging, once a Shepherd Inu is adequately trained and socialized, they can better enjoy time outdoors around other people and their pets.

Another reason you might need lots of time as a Shepherd Inu owner is grooming. Shepherd Inus need regular brushing to keep their coat free from mats and dirt. That being said, Shepherd Inus aren’t a great choice for people who are very house proud since no amount of brushing will stop them from shedding hair in the house! Finally, a Shepherd Inu needs lots of exercise, so they’re a good option if you have an active, outdoor lifestyle. 

Are Shepherd Inus prone to any health conditions?

Being a mixed breed means that Shepherd Inus are less prone to the health conditions that might affect their purebred ancestors. However, although the risk is reduced, it’s not removed entirely. Therefore, Shepherd Inus may be more likely than other dogs to get hip dysplasia, arthritis, or degenerative myelopathy, which are conditions associated with German Shepherds. Shiba Inus are considered predisposed to eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, skin allergies, and luxating patellae (kneecaps). Before adopting a Shepherd Inu puppy, it’s a good idea to find out about any health conditions affecting the parents or close relatives.

Summary

A Shepherd Inu isn’t a dog for beginners! However, if you’ve got the time and passion to commit to training, exercising, and socializing this lovable crossbreed, you’ll get love and loyalty back as a reward.

FAQ

What is the best breed to mix with a German shepherd?

Many breeds have been successfully crossed with German Shepherds. Arguably one of the most popular is the Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are loyal, affectionate, and calm. They are very trainable and are usually good with other dogs and young children. This makes them an excellent choice for families.

What is the rarest German shepherd mix?

It’s hard to say which German Shepherd mix is the rarest. However, crosses with Shar Peis, Shiba Inus, Maltese, and Bichons are all quite unusual, potentially due to the size differences. 

What two breeds make a Shiba Inu?

A Shiba Inu is a purebred, meaning that it is not a combination of two breeds but a breed on its own. In fact, it’s one of Japan’s native dog breeds, alongside the Japanese Akita and the Kishu, amongst a few others.