The Shiba Inu is a dog that many people fall for at first sight.
The German Shepherd is a loyal, long-term family favorite.
So what can dog lovers really expect with a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix?
First we will look a the physical traits of this dog. This means the Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix size, coat type and other key physical features.
Then there is the personality and training needs of this dog. Do the behavioral problems of the Shiba Inu come out with his hybrid pup?
Finally, we will look at some of the pros and cons involved in finding Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix puppies for sale.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix
| Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Mixed Breed |
| Other Names: | German Inu, Shepherd Inu, Shiba Shepherd |
| Size: | Medium-sized dog |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 40 to 60 pounds |
| Average Height: | 19 to 22 inches |
| Lifespan: | 9 to 15 years |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, if given enough exercise and training to release their pent up energy |
| Ideal for: | Active Families with Older Children and Individuals Who Have the Time to Exercise them, Experienced Dog Owners |
| Coat: | Short to Medium Length Doable Coat, Straight Outer Coat, Thick and Plush Undercoat |
| Coat colors: | Tan, Red (with black markings) |
| Suitable for first time owners: | No |
| Trainability: | Difficult |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | High |
| Grooming Needs: | You need to brush your Shiba Shepherd at least 2 times per week to to reduce the amount of pet hair he sheds around your house |
| Energy Levels: | Moderate to High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, should not be left alone for more than 4 to 6 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2 to 3 cups of high quality dog food each day, divided into two or three meals |
| Maintenance: | High |
| Possible Health Issues: | Arthritis, Hip Dysplasia, Eye problems (Cataracts, Glaucoma, Patellar luxation), Allergies, Hemophilia, Epilepsy |
| Temperament: | Loyal, Intelligent, Active, Athletic, May be stubborn, Protective, Loving, Independent, Not friendly with strangers, High prey drive |
| Cat Friendly: | No, they have high prey drive (early socialization is must) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, but proper socialization is recommended |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, But best for families with order children (early socialization is must) |
| Barking Tendencies: | They may bark a lot if they take after the GSD parent, otherwise baking will be minimal only when necessary |
| Price: | $600 to $2000 |
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What Is a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix Called?
This is a pretty new mix in terms of so-called “designer” dogs.
It hasn’t been around quite long enough to develop a strong, individual name that is recognized by all breeders and owners. It is a long way from being regarded as a breed at all.
There are some guides and breeders that use the term Shepherd Inu. This isn’t ideal, as there are plenty of other shepherd dogs around.
Yet, this seems to be what we will stick. Just don’t be too surprised to find German Inus or Shiba Shepherds around too.
For clarity, we will use Shepherd Inu.
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The History of the German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix
Little is known about the history of the German Shepherd mixed with Shiba Inu, so it is important to study both parent breeds to better understand what you’re getting yourself into.
The History of the German Shepherd
As the name suggests, the German Shepherd breed has its roots in Germany, where it played a number of roles. One prominent role was herding sheep.
The breed owes its existence to a man named Captain Max von Stephanitz. His goal was to create a German dog breed that would excel at herding sheep.
He loved the dog because of its strength, intelligence and eagerness to please.
This dog breed has also been used as a farm dog and military and police dog. The breed played a major role during the First and Second World Wars.
The GSD can now be found around the world. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the early 1900s.
The History of the Shiba Inu
According to the American Kennel Club, the emergence of Shiba Inu dates back to Asia in 300 BC. People have constantly used Shiba Inus for hunting, but they are now commonly used as family pets.
Although they are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, Shiba Inus almost became extinct during the Second World War before being revived through strict breeding programs after the war.
Shibas made their way to the US in the 1950s and gained full AKC recognition in 1992.
So what does a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix look like? Do they look more like a German Shepherd or more of a Shiba Inu? Will your (shepherd Inu) inherit equal traits and characteristics from each parent breed?
Read on to find out more about the appearance of a German Shepherd and Shiba Inu Mix dog—including its size, coat, and coat colors.
The General Appearance of the German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix
The look of this dog can vary depending on the genetic leaning and the gender.
There are some pups that look a like their Inu parent, and others where the German Shepherd parentage is much clearer.
The face is usually somewhere between the two in terms of its shape and muzzle length. It isn’t as strong and broad as a GSD, but not quite as foxy as an Inu either.
They are sure to have large erect ears, as this is seen in both parents, as well as a long, curling tail behind the back. This is where the Shiba genes really shine through and add to the physical appeal of this dog.
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How Big Will a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix Get?
There is a clear size difference between the parent German Shepherd and the Shiba Inu. One is much smaller and more lean than the other.
The result with this breeding is a dog that falls somewhere in the middle of the two. It is a bit more muscular and larger than the Shiba Inu, but not as big and stocky as the GSD.
The Shepherd Inu weight is typically between 40 to 60 pounds, while the height is between 19 to 22 inches tall.
This means that they are strong, lean, medium sized dogs.
This lean, athletic build also leads to high energy levels, so a good exercise regimen is essential.
Coat and Coat Colors
The first thing that we need to remember with this coat is that there is no guarantee of the red and white coat that makes the Inu so popular.
There are many Shepherd Inu mix photos that showcase this bright, warm-colored coat.
However, there is also the chance of a darker coat with coloration and markings a little more like the GSD. There are also some dogs that are darker still, perhaps due to a black GSD parent.
The other thing to remember about this coat is that it is going to shed quite a lot. These dogs inherit a thick double coat that they will eventually blow out.
Be prepared for some regular brushing, seasonal deshedding and frequent vacuuming.
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Exercise Needs
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mixes have tons of energy. They enjoy long walks and playtime, which help to prevent boredom. Bored dogs can develop destructive behaviors.
German Shepherds need 2 hours of exercise each day, while Shiba Inu dogs require around 60 minutes of daily exercise.
Your Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix will need around 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise to remain happy and healthy. Make sure to divide their daily exercise into two equal sessions.
It is also advisable to engage your pup’s mind with interactive dog toys. German Shepherd Mixes need both physical activities and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy.
It is not a good idea to let them off-leash because of their strong prey drive. The Shepherd Inu would do well in a fenced-in yard with enough room to run and play around.
Dog parks can also be a great place to take your dog so he can socialize with other dogs and expend any excess energy.
It is not a good idea to keep a Shepherd Inu if you plan to be away from home for long periods of time.
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Temperament and Personality Traits
Like other cross-breeds, you need to consider the temperament of both parents to get a good idea of how your new Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppy will behave.
There is an assumption with the Shiba Inu that this is an adorable, sweet dog that is a constant source of fun and joy.
However, this is only true with those that are well trained and know their place in the pack. An obedient, socialized Shiba Inu has great potential with the right owner.
The problem is that a badly trained one becomes stubborn, bad with strangers and can exhibit a strong prey drive.
There is a the potential that some of these traits are diluted when breeding Inus with other dogs. However, the GSD also needs a strong hand and good training to become a big soft member of the family.
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Shepherd Inus are usually very loyal and affectionate dogs, but they can also be aloof and independent. Training and socializing your puppy as soon as you take them home will help ensure they get along well with people and other dogs.
Without proper affection and attention, Shepherd Inus can become destructive because of boredom. Give your German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors.
Behavior With Cats and Other Pets
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mixes are not friendly towards other household pets like cats. Therefore, they should be socialized early with cats and other dogs to avoid aggression.
Training
This is not the easiest mix breed to train. Many people agree that they need an experienced owner to get the best out of them.
This means a strong, consistent training regimen from an early age.
Housetraining can be quite difficult since they are often stubborn. However, that doesn’t mean that training your Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppy will be an impossible task. All you need to do is to start training them early so you can prevent behavioral issues in the future.
If you’re a first-time owner considering getting a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppy, then it is strongly recommended to seek out the services of a professional dog trainer.
Obedience and house breaking are obviously essential, but so are leash training and socialization. This is the best way to handle the problem of the prey drive, disobedience in public and any issues with strangers.
Teach him the basic commands like “COME!” “STOP!” “SIT!”. Try teaching him his name as well. If you haven’t picked a name for your German Inu yet, I would advise that you pick one that is short and easy for him to remember and identify with.
Avoid scolding or shouting at them. These pups don’t respond well to cruel training methods, so you should praise them regularly.
Those that struggle with training their new Shepherd Inu puppy can turn to an online guide, such as Doggy Dan the online dog trainer.
This is a great, accessible solution for many different dog training issues.
The step by step guides let owners handle the issues at their own pace. This is a great alternative to doggy obedience classes, where these wary dogs may not excel.
Grooming and Shedding
German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mixes tend to shed a lot throughout the year. Therefore, this is not the best breed for people with allergies.
Groom your German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix a few times each week to keep their coat smooth and healthy.
Bathing should be done as necessary. For everyday cleaning, consider using the best deodorizing wipes for dogs. This will help clean the dirt in your dog’s coat and skin, leaving him freshened up.
Another major concern is maintaining your dog’s oral health. You need to brush their teeth several times every week. Your vet can teach you how to brush your pet’s teeth the proper way. Also You should clip their toenails once a month to prevent them from getting too long
Finally, make sure to check the condition of their eyes, and if you are in any doubt about their overall health and wellbeing, be sure to consult your vet.
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Feeding and Diet
The dietary requirements for this mix will vary depending on their size, age and activity level. Larger dogs may require more food. That’s why it’s important to know the size and weight of your Shepherd Inu.
Your German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix will most likely do well eating between 2 to 3 cups of high quality dog food.
You can give your adorable mixed breed dog the best dry dog food for medium dogs and see if they enjoy eating it. If you find a formula they like, stick with it. However, make sure to speak to your vet before changing their diet.
Your mixed breed dog’s diet should also contain probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil. These supplements will help keep their joints, skin and coat healthy.
Your active Shepherd Inu will also need constant access to fresh water every day to ensure he doesn’t suffer from dehydration.
Common Health Issues of a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix
Shiba Inus are generally healthy dogs, with a few risks of eye problems – like cataracts and glaucoma – as well as patellar luxation.
Unfortunately, the German Shepherd Dog isn’t as fortunate. These dogs can have some serious joint issues, such as arthritis and dysplasia. There is a chance that this will pass down to the offspring of a Shiba and GSD mix.
The better news here is that the Shepherd Inu life expectancy is between 12 to 14 years.
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Where To Find A Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix For Sale
If you decide that you like that sound of this challenge to raise a Shepherd Inu puppy, the first step is to find a responsible breeder.
The problem with new mixes like this is that there are going to be people breeding the parent dogs with minimal experience.
You may have to travel a little further to find a reliable breeder with a strong line of Shiba x GSD pups.
It is worth the effort to find these breeders as you can be more sure of a healthy litter and dogs bred to the right standards.
Wherever you go, make sure to take the time to meet the puppies, owners and parents. This will give a better indication of the health of the pups, the genetic traits of the parents and the knowledge of the breeders.
Finding A Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix For Adoption
The alternative here is adopting Shepherd Inus.
This is a great way to find a full grown dog, for those that don’t like the idea, or the pressure, of raising and training one.
This is also a great way to save the life of a dog in need of a second chance. However, it is important to find out why this dog needs this second chance.
Were they subject to mistreatment, which led to any health or trust issues? Where they badly behaved and aggressive, because they never received the right training?
This issues could mean that this rescue dog is even more of a challenge. Still, it is a challenge with great rewards for the right person.
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Making Sure That The Dog is A True Shiba Shepherd Cross
The other potential issue with this adoption process, or with some less reliable breeders, is that you may not be 100% sure that this is a German Shepherd Dog crossed with a Shiba Inu.
This is the problem with this new cross, and the Shepherd Inu name. There could be other dogs in the mix.
One way to find out for sure is with a simple home testing kit, such as the Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test.
This kit provides helpful information on the breed heritage of the animal. This will prove the parentage of rescue dogs, or any pup that doesn’t look like a true Shiba/GSD cross as it grows up.
These DNA tests can also provide information on health risks, which could help you better tailor the animal’s health care plan.
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Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix Price
The cost of a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppy will vary depending on the location, age, size, coat, color and the breeder involved. Their cost may range from around $600 to $2000.
In addition to the price of a puppy, you need to factor in the costs of raising your dog. For example, your dog will need a comfortable spot to sleep. That means you should buy a large comfortable bed like the Furhaven Orthopedic dog bed where your dog will nap during the day and sleep at night.
To make training easier, you should also consider getting the MidWest Folding Crate for Large dogs.
We recommend this crate as it has a divider feature so it can suit your Shiba Inu German Shepherd as he grows. This implies that this crate will be the only one that your dog will ever need.
Your pups will also require a few food bowls and a water bowl for giving them fresh water.
Other essential requirements include:
- Treats for training
- Dog food
- Dog training pads
- Interactive dog toys and chew toys
- bedding
- Collar, harness, and leash
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can German Shepherd Shiba Inu Dogs Be Left Alone?
German Shepherd Shiba Inu dogs should not be left along for far too long. If you leave your Shepherd Inu alone for extended periods, they could develop separation anxiety and behavioral problems.
Consider hiring a dog walker, dog sitter, or requesting a friend to look after your dog while you’re away from home.
Do German Shepherd Shiba Inus Bark A Lot?
Yes and No. German Shepherds are known to bark a lot, while Shiba inu dogs do not bark much (they only bark when necessary). With proper training and socialization, you can control your dog’s barking tendencies.
How Long German Shepherd Shiba Inu Dog Mixes Live?
Considering the lifespans of both parent breeds, you can expect your German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix to live between 9 and 15 years. However, their life expectancy will depend on different factors, including diet, exercise, and health.
Are Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mixes Hard to Train?
Shepherd Inus are tough to train, and hence, not an ideal choice for all dog lovers, especially novice owners.
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Are Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive?
Although the Shiba Inu parent can sometimes get aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex, you can reduce this through socialization when they are still puppies. However, Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mixes are not more aggressive than other dog breeds. Socialization is very important for all dogs.
Are Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
Yes. Considered high-maintenance dogs, Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix dogs are best suited to experienced dog owners who will ensure they get proper training, enough exercise, and follow a good grooming routine.
Is A Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix Right For You?
There are some clear downsides with this mixed breed.
There is the sense that breeders thought that this was a great idea because of the popularity of the personality of the GSD and the look of the Inu.
The problem is that this Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix dog can inherit some of the bad behavioral traits of the Inu, as well as their good looks. There are also health issues from the GSD side.
This all means that this is a challenging dog to raise. This really is a dog best suited for experienced owners that know how to get the best from it.
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Other German Shepherd Mixes
Love German Shepherds but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular German Shepherd mix breed dogs.
1. German Shepherd Mastiff Mix
2. German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound Mix
4. German Shepherd Catahoula Mix
7. German Shepherd Greyhound Mix
8. German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
9. German Shepherd Samoyed Mix
11. German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix
12. German Shepherd Great Dane Mix
13. German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
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