The Shiba Inu is an affectionate and loving dog with their families, but tends to be more reserved around strangers. As long as they have been properly socialized, they will warm up once introduced. They get along well with children and other dogs, but their high prey drive means extra socialization with smaller pets in the household.

If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a Shiba Inu Mix. Meeting the mother in person can give you an idea of what her temperament is like and allows you to see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home.

Shiba Inu are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments as long as they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They are sensitive to heat and very cold temperatures. They also get bored easily and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Shiba Inu Mix. You still want to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed so that you are aware of any quirks they may potentially pass on.

Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, it’s not a guarantee. A mix could end up inheriting none, some, or all of the conditions common to their parent breeds; good breeding practices make a huge difference.

From the Shiba side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Shiba Inu Mix include sensitive skin, skin allergies, glaucoma, and hypothyroidism. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you’re asking about the history of the parents.

Although the Shiba Inu is an intelligent dog that can pick up on things quickly, they also tend to have a strong will and a stubborn streak. This can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle alone, so puppy training classes are recommended.

The other parent breed could make a Shiba Inu Mix easier or more difficult to train. Because of this, it’s a good idea to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. Even if you don’t need them, they can still be a good idea as there are other benefits of puppy training classes outside of training.

A Shiba Inu Mix can end up with a coat just like one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both of them. If they end up with the Shiba coat, they will shed moderately year-round. Daily brushing and a monthly or occasional bath are usually enough to keep a Shiba coat looking great.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Shiba Inu Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis, with careful cleanings when needed, help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed can help prevent dental diseases later in life.

Shiba Inu have a more moderate activity level, but will have a lot of energy when they play. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for this little dog. But, they will likely be up for more if you are.

If the other parent breed also sits in a moderate range, then you can expect a Shiba Inu Mix to also have moderate exercise needs. If the other parent breed is lower or higher energy, then you will need to be prepared for that potential range in a mix.

A fully-grown Shiba Inu usually stands 13-16 inches tall and weighs 20-30 pounds. The other breed can affect this, especially if they are the mother. It’s not a guarantee, but you can meet the mother in person to get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Shiba Inu Mix.

Shiba Inu generally live for 12-16 years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a Shiba Inu Mix.