Shiba Husky mix is a cross between two gorgeous dog breeds, a Shiba Inu and a Siberian Husky. The breeds are among two of the most popular worldwide. Both breeds have a unique appearance that forms a dog with a striking physique and eye-catching colors when bred collectively. Shiba Husky mix can also be called Shusky, Siberian Shiba, Shiba Inu Husky mix, and Inu Husky mix. While both parent breeds appear the same, they have different personalities when keenly observed. Although Shiba Husky mixes are adorable and affectionate, they aren’t suggested for everyone because of their extreme intensity and stubborn behavior.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Intelligent and good-looking
Can be challenging to train
Does well with children
Can become destructive if it is not exercised correctly
Does well in cold weather
Sheds a lot when blowing out
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Basic Information
Name: Shiba Inu Husky mix
Height: 13.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 20 to 60 pounds
Size: Medium
Color: Black and tan, red, cream, red sesame, agouti and white, sable and white, black and white, gray and white, and brown and white
Other names: Shusky, Siberian Shiba, Shiba Inu Husky mix, and Inu Husky mix
Lifespan: 11 to 13 years (approx)
Shiba Inu and Siberian Husky: A Comparison
Features
Shiba Inu
Siberian Husky
Image
Origin
Japan
Siberia
Height
13.5 to 16.5 inches
20 to 23 inches
Weight
17 to 23 pounds
35 to 60 pounds
Size
Small
Medium
Group
Non-Sporting
Working
Children Compatibility
Medium
High
Family Compatibility
Medium to High
High
Pets Compatibility
Medium
High
Barking Level
Medium to High
High
Shedding Level
Medium to High
Medium to High
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming Needs
Medium
Low to Medium
Overall Health
Medium
Medium to High
Energy
Medium to High
High
Exercise Needs
Medium
High
Trainability
Medium to High
Medium to High
Activities
Conformation, Agility, Hunting, Tracking
Agility, Dog Sledding, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Therapy
Complication in breeding
No
No
Litter Size
2 to 5 puppies
4 to 6 puppies
Lifespan
13 to 16 years
12 to 15 years
Other Names
Japanese Shiba Inu, Japanese Small Size Dog, Japanese Brushwood Dog, Shiba Ken
Chukcha, Husky
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Personality
A Shiba Inu Husky Mix is a well-proportioned, muscular, and compact dog weighing between 18 to 30 pounds with a maximum height of around 18 inches. The average lifespan of a Shiba Inu Husky Mix would be between 11 to 13 years.
These dogs have a fox/wolf-like appearance with erect ears and intense, intelligent eyes that vary in color. Shiba Inu Husky Mixes have a brush, sickle-shaped tail. They are double-coated and come in a variety of coat colors. However, the most common Shiba Inu Husky Mix coat color is black and white.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
Medium to High
Pet-Friendly
Medium
Strangers-Friendly
Medium to High
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Low to Medium
Good for Apartment Living
Low to Medium
Sensitivity Level
Medium
Tolerates being alone
Low to High
Cold Tolerance
Medium to High
Heat Tolerance
Medium to High
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Temperament
The mix of a Shiba Inu and a Husky can be a challenging one. Both breeds are exclusively prideful and solid dogs. Shiba Inu Husky Mixes take after their parents considering they are active dogs and enjoy running around a lot. In addition, they can also be reserved and may want to spend several moments for themselves.
Shiba Inu Husky Mixes are an assertive and sometimes aggressive mix breed of dogs. They are suggested for a person willing to move around and be bold with these strong-willed dogs. Mostly, these dogs aren’t recommended for novice pet owners. However, with proper training and loving care, Shiba Inu Husky Mix can be a cheerful and assertive dog breed. Do not hesitate to set boundaries and order your dog to stick to them. If you find your Shiba Inu Husky mix exhibiting any overprotective tendencies, you must correct them immediately with obedience training.
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Training
The Shiba Inu Husky mix can be challenging to train and is not suited to all dog owners, particularly novice owners. In addition, due to his guarding and possessive nature inherited from the Shiba Inu, early socialization is needed . This will help him to become confident around other dogs and animals and get used to sharing the toys and food in the family.
If Shiba Inu Husky mix inherits his Husky parents’ temperament, he can be too busy doing everything other than training. which will be challenging to train. On the other hand, if he inherits his Shiba parent’s temperament, he will be too independent and stubborn to take part in the training. So either way, you are in for a difficult time with a Shiba Inu Husky mix pup.
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
Low
Intelligence
Medium to High
Prey Drive
Medium
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite
Medium to High
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Medium to High
Wanderlust Ability
High
Attention/Social Needs
High
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Exercise Needs
The Shiba Inu Husky mix is a highly athletic and active dog that needs a load of daily physical activity. The ideal amount of time to vigorously exercise a Shiba Inu Husky mix is at least 90 minutes every day.
Additionally, your canine will need a lot of mental stimulation to keep boredom and destructive behavior in check. Plan for puppy play puzzles and weekly obedience or agility classes to turn your puppy into a healthy, well-mannered dog.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
High
Exercise Needs
High
Playfulness
Medium to High
Intensity
Medium
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Grooming
Grooming a Shiba Inu Husky mix can be a tough job. If your Shiba Inu Husky mix inherits the characteristics of his Shiba Inu parent, you don’t have to groom him mostly. However, if he inherits a Husky’s dense and fluffy coat, it is recommended to thoroughly brush your canine every week with a pin brush and de-shedding brush.
The Shiba Inu Husky mix will be a very clean dog who will cleanse his coat all the time. An occasional bath once every two months will be sufficient. Other grooming habits such as nail clipping or ear cleaning will be the same as any other dog.
Grooming Needs Overview
Amount of Shedding
Medium to High
Tendency to Drool
Low to Medium
Tendency to Snore
Medium
Easy to Groom
Medium to High
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Health
The Shiba Inu Husky mixes have their own health concerns despite the parents being relatively healthy breeds. However, timely vaccinations and regular checkups can help your dog live more years than the expected time.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Medium to High
Weight Gain Possibilities
Medium
Size
Medium
Some of the health issues that a Shiba Inu Husky mix is prone to are:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia is a painful, life-threatening condition caused when the bones of the rear legs don’t fit properly in the joints. Hip Dysplasia is primarily hereditary, but injuries, excessive weight gain, wrong exercises can cause hip dysplasia. Some dogs might exhibit symptoms, while some might not. Treatment ranges from medication to replacement of the hip through surgeries. Avoid breeding Shiba Inu Husky mixes with hip dysplasia parentage and undertake regular checkups to prevent this condition.
Patellar Luxation: It is also known as “slipped stifles,” a common problem in small/medium dog breeds that is caused when the patella, which has 3 parts-the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), and tibia (calf) — is not correctly bounded. This leads to lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, like a hop or a skip. This condition is caused by birth, although the actual misalignment or luxation does not always occur much later. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation leads to arthritis. There are 4 patellar luxation grades, ranging from phase I, an occasional luxation causing unstable lameness in the joint, to grade IV, where the turning of the tibia is heavy, and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives your dog a bow-legged appearance. Uphill grades of patellar luxation may require surgery.
Glaucoma: It is caused by increased pressure in the eye and is found in two forms: primary, which is hereditary, and secondary, which is caused by the decreased fluid in the eye. Symptoms include pain and loss of vision. Treatment includes surgery or eye drops.
Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow gradually. Cataracts may develop at any age and often don’t damage vision, although in some cases cause vision loss. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist certifies the breeding dogs after testing them free of hereditary eye disease before breeding. Usually, cataracts can be removed surgically with good results.
Allergies: Shiba Inu Husky mixes can be allergic to various substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your dog licks his paws or rubs his face a great deal, get him checked by your veterinarian.
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Diet and Nutrition
Since Shiba Inu Husky mixes are vibrant animals, they need a nutritional and energy-filled diet to fuel their bodies. Therefore, they need a raw or home-cooked meal consisting of whole foods and meat. Animal proteins such as fish and chicken are a must for Shiba Inu Husky mixes to keep their digestive tracts in good health. Whole foods are required to supply vitamins and minerals, so adding them will complement the entire meal. Whole foods such as corn, greens, wheat, or even oatmeal are great options.
Typically, your Shiba Inu Husky mix will eat 2 to 2 ½ cups of food every day, and as always, ensure to feed him age-appropriate food of exceptional quality. Furthermore, keep in mind that the Shiba Inu Husky mix craves treats, so be cautious about his food intake.
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Living Conditions
As Shiba Inu Husky mix is a medium-sized dog, any sized home would be sufficient, just as long as his exercise needs are met daily. However, he would be best suited to a home with older children with the possibility of him being very energetic and bouncy. The Shiba Inu Husky mix is possessive of toys and food. Still, as long as he is socialized well from a young age with other family pets, he could move on well with other family pets. Your Shiba Inu Husky mix can be an escape artist, so keeping him in a fenced yard is recommended.
Things to Remember Before Breeding
Crossing two pure breeds like Shiba Inu and Siberian Husky can have a terrifying effect on the offspring. In addition, mixed breeding may pass on the health issues of the parents to their puppies. So, when crossing a Shiba Inu and a Siberian Husky, check their lineage and health records from a responsible breeder to avoid ending up with a weak hybrid pet.
Shiba Inu Husky Mix Puppy Cost
On average, a Shiba Inu Husky mix puppy may cost approximately around $500 to $1000. The cost entirely depends on the sex of the puppy you chose, the location of the breeder, and the show record of the parent dogs.
Check for the puppy’s parents’ health clearances before buying. Also, it is suggested to visit the breeder’s place to view the puppy’s parent lively and estimate how your dog may look in the future.
