Siberian Shiba (Siberian Husky & Shiba Inu Mix): Info, Pictures & More

Breed Overview

Are you in the market for a fluffy, fox-like designer dog that is full of energy? Than a Siberian Shiba may be the perfect designer pup for you! Also referred to as a Shiba Husky, the Siberian Shiba is the result of breeding the hard-working Siberian Husky with the fiercely independent Shiba Inu. The end result is a stunning pooch that excels at training and agility courses.

The Siberian Shiba is a recent dog breed, meaning that they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and do not have much of a history. This may be because the Shiba Inu, one of their parent breeds, was not very well-known or popular in the United States until the ‘50s. They were bred in Japan and were used to hunt small vermin, birds, bears, and boars. For such a little dog to take down big animals, they have to be pretty strong, and the Siberian Shiba inherits this trait.

Their other parent breed, the Siberian Husky, became popular for transporting people and goods across the vast, snowy terrains of Siberia. They were strong enough to pull sleds more than three times their weight and were also good with children and families. In the 20th century, an explorer came to America with these dogs, and it is here that they won many competitions for sledding, becoming very popular with Americans.

The Siberian Shiba is a trickster, using their intelligence at times for manipulation. It is for this reason that they are not suited for first-time dog owners. They will be hard to handle and have the ability to take over the house if you let them.

It’s important to note that this hybrid breed is not for everyone. If you’re interested in learning if a Siberian Shiba is right for your household, keep reading this thorough guide all about this distinctive designer dog!

Siberian Shiba Puppies

Siberian Shiba Characteristics

A fluffy and fanciful pup, the Siberian Shiba is not a purebred breed but a designer hybrid dog. Designer dogs are the result of mixing two purebred breeds to create a pup that embodies the best qualities of each parent. The result of breeding a Siberian Husky with a Shiba Inu, the Siberian Shiba is a jaunty little diva who has energy for days and days.

To ensure that you are receiving a happy and healthy Siberian Shiba puppy, it’s imperative to do your homework on a breeding facility before you buy. Increased demand for designer dog breeds has also resulted in an increase in puppy mills. These large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities are simply out to make a quick buck at the expense of the hundreds of puppies they sell.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that there are 10,000 puppy mills operating in America, with only a handful of them being USDA licensed. These facilities are responsible for selling more than 2.15 million puppies each year. While the drastically reduced costs of Siberian Shiba puppies may seem tempting, these dogs can be plagued by a plethora of health and behavioral problems.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Siberian Shiba

1. They're From an Ancient Lineage

Your Siberian Shiba’s parent breed, the Shiba Inu, is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and dates back to 300 AD Japan.

2. They’re Self Grooming

The Shiba Inu is extremely feline-esque and self-cleans, making grooming your Siberian Shiba a breeze!

3. They Have Natural Winter Wear

Hailing from the frigid frozen lands of Siberia, Siberian Huskies have a dense, double coat that keeps them nice and warm in all types of chilly climates.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Siberian Shiba 🧠

In order to fully understand a Siberian Shiba’s personality and smarts, it’s important to take a peek at the temperament and intelligence of the two parent breeds.

The Siberian Husky is a workaholic breed. They thrive when they always have a task to do. Super smart, this breed is independent and highly energetic. They are very tough to train, so first-time puppy owners should consider other types of breeds.

Alert, strong-willed, confident, and bold, the sassy Shibu Inu is an independent dog that is fiercely devoted to their family. Tending to be shy of strangers, this breed can develop a deep bond with one member of the household.

Your Siberian Shiba can inherit all or some of these traits.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Siberian Shiba does best with an active couple or a family with older children. Experienced dog owners should step to the front when deciding if they should buy this breed.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

If socialized from the start, a Siberian Shiba will certainly get along with all other furry members of your household.

Things to Know When Owning a Siberian Shiba

Here is everything you need to know to keep your Siberian Shiba healthy and happy.

Food & Diet Requirements

This compact canine should be fed 1 cup of protein-packed, grain-free, high-quality kibble divided up into two meals each day. If you're ever unsure about what or how much to feed your dog, it is best to seek advice from your vet.

Exercise 🐕

The Siberian Shiba is an extremely athletic and active dog that needs a ton of daily physical activity. The ideal amount for them is at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.

Additionally, your Siberian Shiba will need a lot of mental stimulation, as well to keep boredom and bad behavior at bay. Opt for puppy play puzzles or enrolling them in a weekly obedience or agility class.

Training 🦮

The Siberian Shiba is extremely intelligent. However, training one is no walk in the park. Intense and stubborn in nature, the Siberian Shiba requires an experienced owner that can provide them with firm and consistent training. Positive reinforcement methods work best for this pup.

Grooming ✂️

If your Siberian Shiba inherits the self-grooming tendencies from the Shiba Inu parent breed, you really don’t have to groom them at all! However, thanks to their dense and fluffy coat, we recommend thoroughly brushing your Siberian Shiba every week with a pin brush and de-shedding brush. Always clip their nails and clean their ears as needed.

Health Conditions ❤️

Overall, the Siberian Shiba is a hardy and healthy breed. However, they may inherit some genetic disorders through the parents, including glaucoma and cataracts. To avoid potential health concerns, always buy your pup from a quality breeder and take them to the vet regularly.

Male vs. Female

Male and female Siberian Shiba dogs tend to be relatively the same size and weight. There are no huge personality differences between the two genders.

Conclusion

If you’re an experienced dog owner who is looking for their next picturesque pet, consider buying a Siberian Shiba puppy. Sassy, sporty, and sweet, this designer dog has it all.

Due to their fierce independence and stubborn streaks, this dog is not ideal for everyone. Thoroughly consider all facets of this designer breed before buying.

Related Reads:

• Toy Foxy Russell (Toy Fox Terrier & Jack Russell Terrier Mix)

• Cocker Spaniel Mix

Featured Image: Angelina Lockowitz, Shutterstock (cropped)