Imo-Inu (American Eskimo & Shiba Inu Mix): Info, Pictures, Personality

The Shiba Inu mixed with the American Eskimo Dog created the gorgeous Imo-Inu. The Shiba Inu is a medium-sized energetic and good-natured dog, and the American Eskimo Dog (also called American Spitz) comes in three different sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and is playful and friendly. The Imo-Inu is a combination of these two devoted dogs and is social, friendly, and very smart.

Breed Overview

Imo-Inus are medium in size with erect triangular ears, a tapered muzzle, and a high tail that could be slightly curled. They have very thick double coats that are medium in length and straight and come in golden, black, red, and brown with occasional white and light tan markings.

Imo-Inu Characteristics

Imo-Inu Puppies

The Imo-Inu is a very energetic and healthy dog with a long lifespan for her size. They are easily trained due to their intelligence and loyalty and are friendly, sociable dogs. They are an excellent option for active families since they will create strong bonds with their human companions, especially with children.

Be ready to dedicate a lot of time and energy to being with your dog. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Early socialization and training are very important for your pup to get along with other dogs.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Imo-Inu 🧠

The Imo-Inu is a very intelligent dog that is loyal, friendly and has a streak of independence. They love playtime and do well in agility and obedience trials.

The Imo-Inu do best with families that spend lots of time with them as they are prone to separation anxiety. They love cuddling and enjoy spending time with their families, but they might be a bit shy around strangers.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Imo-Inu makes a fantastic family pet as they get along very well with children and love to play and spend lots of time with the entire family. As with any breed, children need to be taught to respect dogs and that they shouldn't be pulling tails or ears or playing roughly.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Imo-Inu gets along very well with other pets, particularly if she has been socialized while a puppy. They are very social dogs and will also play nicely with strange dogs at the dog park, but they have a high prey drive and might run after smaller animals. Only take off your Imo’s leash when she is in a safely enclosed space, so she doesn’t run away while chasing a squirrel.

Things to Know When Owning an Imo-Inu:

Food & Diet Requirements

Your Imo-Inu is a medium-sized and energetic dog, and how much and how often you feed your dog will depend on age, activity level, and size. Look for high-quality dry dog food and follow the feeding guidelines on the bag in order to determine the amount of food your dog needs every day. Always consult your dog’s vet if you have concerns about your dog’s weight and health.

Exercise 🐕

The Imo-Inu is a very energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise to keep her healthy and happy. They need an average of about an hour of exercise every day, but you must be careful to not allow them to overexert themselves in hot weather. If you live in an apartment, be sure to take your dog to enclosed off-leash parks or any grassy area.

Training 🦮

Training your Imo-Inu can be relatively easy as she is highly intelligent and devoted and will pick up the training easily. However, Imo-Inus tend to be a little stubborn at times, so being persistent and positive will go a long way. They tend to be precise dogs and will pick up tricks as well and enjoy performing for an audience. Always use positive reinforcement when training your Imo.

Grooming ✂️

The Imo-Inu sheds a fair amount but brushing 2 or 3 times a week should be sufficient. When their coat starts profusely shedding in the spring and fall, you will need to brush them every day, and they only need a bath about every 2 or 3 months with a good dog shampoo.

The Imo-Inu’s ears need to be cleaned about once a month, trim their nails every 3 to 4 weeks, and brush their teeth about 2 or 3 times a week.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Shiba Inu is prone to:

The American Eskimo Dog might suffer from:

Male vs. Female

Like most dog breeds, females tend to be smaller and lighter than males. The female Imo-Inu is 14 to 17 inches in height and weighs 20 to 30 pounds. Males are 17 to 20 inches in height and weigh 25 to 35 pounds.

Another significant difference between males and females is in their biology. If you elect to have surgery on your dog, spaying the female dog is a more difficult surgery than neutering the male dog. Spaying is a more expensive surgery and requires a longer recovery time for the female, which is something to keep in mind when shopping for a puppy.

Some believe that there are temperament differences between males and females. It has been said that females tend to be more affectionate and easier to train than males, but that is up for debate. What truly determines a dog’s personality and behavior is how she was trained and socialized as a puppy and how she is treated as an adult.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Imo-Inu

1. The Imo-Inu love cold weather.

They have thick coats of fur that suit cold weather. Be sure to have cold water readily available for the Imo-Inu in the hotter months.

2. The Imo-Inu does equally well in an apartment or a house.

They are small enough that they will do just fine in an apartment provided they are given lots of time outdoors for exercise.

3. Imo-Inus are shedders

Both of their parents are known shedders, so the Imo-Inu tend to shed an average to heavy amount. Particularly in the spring and fall.

Final Thoughts

The Imo-Inu is a beautiful and devoted dog that is a combination of two very friendly and energetic dogs, is easy to train, and loves being active.

Finding an Imo-Inu puppy might be a challenge, so you should start by talking to American Eskimo Dog (American Spitz) and Shiba Inu breeders. Attending dog shows and speaking to national and local dog clubs is another method that might help you find one of these puppies. However, it is likely you might have the most luck with posting your interest in an Imo-Inu on social media.

If you’re looking for a perfect companion for you and your family that will play with your children and also love to cuddle up with you on a cold winter’s night, the Imo-Inu might just be the perfect dog for you.

Related Reads:

• Siberian Shiba (Siberian Husky & Shiba Inu Mix)

• American Bullhuahua (American Bulldog & Chihuahua Mix)

Featured Image Credit: 1, 2.