Shiba Inu Lab mix, also known as Shibador, is a mixed breed dog — a cross between Shiba Inu and Labrador Retriever. This medium-sized dog houses energy, intelligence, and affection traits, along with loyalty and courage inherited from both parents. Owing to their athleticism and smartness, the Shiba Inu Lab mix can be challenging.
Shibadors are best suited to families who can provide them with mental stimulation and plenty of exercise. However, owning a Shibador can be a pleasant and satisfying experience if you commit to their requirements.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Lab Mix Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Intelligent and good-looking
Challenging to train
Family-friendly
Become destructive if it is not exercised correctly
Breed Recognition: DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Shiba Inu and Labrador Retriever: A Comparison
Features
Shiba Inu
Labrador Retriever
Image
Origin
Japan
United Kingdom
Height
13.5 to 16.5 inches
Over 20 inches
Weight
17 to 23 pounds
40 to 70 Pounds
Size
Small
Medium
Group
Non-Sporting
Sporting dogs
Children Compatibility
Medium
High
Family Compatibility
Medium to High
High
Pets Compatibility
Medium
Medium to High
Barking Level
Medium to High
Low to Medium
Shedding Level
Medium to High
Low
Hypoallergenic
No
Yes
Grooming Needs
Medium
Low
Overall Health
Medium
Low to Medium
Energy
Medium to High
Medium to High
Exercise Needs
Medium
Medium to High
Trainability
Medium to High
Medium to High
Activities
Conformation, Agility, Hunting, Tracking
Agility, Conformation, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Obedience, Rally
Complication in breeding
No
No
Litter Size
2 to 5 puppies
6 puppies
Lifespan
13 to 16 years
10 to 15 years
Other Names
Japanese Shiba Inu, Japanese Small Size Dog, Japanese Brushwood Dog, Shiba Ken
Lab
Shiba Inu Lab Mix Personality
A Shiba Inu Lab Mix may act and look more like one parent than the other. However, they have medium-length fur and partly erect or floppy ears. At a glance, these designer breeds will retain a strong muscular body that often looks compact and well-rounded. Their muzzle is medium in length and can look slightly tapered. However, Shibador tends to have a fairly broad skull that may give it a wide appearance. Shiba Inu Labs have dark/purple spots on their tongues. This occurs due to extra pigmentation and is similar to man’s birthmarks.
Although Shibador’s face doesn’t retain the fox-like appearance, their eyes tend to resemble a Shiba Inu. Instead, their overall facial shape indicates a Lab culture. So, there’s a remarkable blending of characteristics that differs from puppy to puppy.
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 Lab Mix Temperament
Shibador inherits the character traits of Shiba Inu and Labrador Retrievers. They are affectionate, friendly, energetic, intelligent, and connect quickly with new families. They get along well with kids immediately and will be very careful and protective of them.
Early and proper socialization aids in handling detrimental habits that could develop. Like all dogs, Shibadors respond well to positive reinforcement. However, without proper attention and affection, they can become destructive because of boredom. Equip your Shibador with mental stimulation and sufficient exercise to prevent destructive behaviors.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix Training
Training Shibador is easy as they are intelligent, attentive, and eager to please. However, their prey drive can sometimes be high, so getting along with other pets and strangers might be challenging. Proper training and early socialization can limit them from being destructive toward strangers. When you train your Shibadors, they will notice your body language and learn everything spontaneously. For better results during training sessions, positively reinforce them while being friendly towards and nourishing them.
Shibadors are always eager to please their owners, which indicates they are great family dogs. Keep the training sessions short and exciting to limit their stubbornness while training. If they are correctly socialized, they tend to be a confident, loving, and friendly companion. Enrolling Shibadors in puppy training classes is highly recommended to prevent undesired behaviors. They might learn slowly, but once they have received a trick or command, they will remember it for a long time.
Here are a few dog interactive toys and products that you can use while training:
Shibador will need around 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily to keep them strong and happy.Engaging your Shibador’s mind with interactive dog toys is also recommended. These canines are very intelligent and need mental and physical stimulation and training. Neglecting their requirements is a recipe for disaster. A bored Shibador with excess energy levels will resort to breaking up your house, especially if they are left alone.
Here are a few puzzles and dog toys to keep your pet engaged:
Nina Ottosson Interactive Treat Puzzle Game Dog Toys
Shibadors tend to shed a lot throughout the year. So, these are unsuitable canines for people with allergies. Instead, groom your dog a few times weekly to keep its coat healthy and smooth. Then, bathe them when needed to reduce bacterial infection and decrease dander and allergens that might cause skin problems.
Wax may build up in Shibadors ears reasonably often. So, you should wipe their ears carefully using wet cotton balls or cotton buds in between baths. Other grooming necessities are nail trimming and teeth brushing.
Here are a few products and equipment to meet your Shiba Inu Lab mix grooming needs:
The Shiba Inu Lab Mix is predisposed to the same health issues the Shiba Inu and Labrador Retriever also face. Although most are healthy, some may suffer from a few health difficulties. Hence, it is necessary to have regular care and routine veterinary checkups.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are health ailments resulting in unstable canine joints. Still, these diseases are also easily curable with adequate exercise, a healthy diet, and proper relieving of stress. This condition is usually brought on by obesity, so it is vital to keep your dog’s weight on point.
Bloating: Bloating orGastric Dilatation is a dysfunction in the digestive system. As a result, the stomach twists, spins, and dilates, creating much pain for the affected canine.
Patellar Luxation is slipping the knee cap from the position in the affected dog’s legs. Some visible symptoms include the dog hitting to set the kneecap back in its place while training, walking, or running. This disorder can be remedied if the signs are mild or only one leg is affected.
Glaucoma: Canine glaucoma is a disease that harms the optic nerve in canines and results in pressure on the eye. About forty percent of dogs affected by this ailment become blind within the initial year.
Cataracts: This ailment may appear as early as five months old. In critical cases, it may progress into complete blindness. However, this condition can be healed through surgery.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Medium to High
Weight Gain Possibilities
Medium
Size
Medium
Shiba Inu Lab Mix Diet and Nutrition
Since the Shibadors are very active, strong, and athletic, they require at least three cups of food daily. This portion of nourishment gives them the fuel to match their energy levels. However, since they are predisposed to obesity, you never satiate your Shibador to maintain healthy weight levels. So, compensate for meals and treats accordingly.
Here are the foods and supplements to meet your Shiba Inu Lab’s nutrition needs:
As Shibador is a playful, active dog, it is highly recommended that you have the right, suitable environment for your dog to roam free and get sufficient exercise at the same time. Therefore, an ideal living condition would be a house, especially an open, fenced yard.
Adding a Shiba Inu Lab Mix to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Breeding a Shiba Inu Lab Mix
Ensure to adopt or buy a Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppy from a reliable breeder who ensures the pup’s and parents’ happiness and well-being. In addition, they should provide health clearance documents along with gene tests for a vaccinated puppy.
