What Is The Shiba Inu Husky Mix? All You Need To Know About This Breed
(Last Updated On: April 17, 2021)
Discovered only a few years back, the Shiba Inu Husky mix has become the new trend. There is not much of a surprise there, considering that this hybrid is a vibrating, energetic and adorable companion. But what many may not know is why people keep fussing over the Husky Inu breed.
In this article, I will outline the most important characteristics to know about the hybrid.
It is the by-product of breeding the Shiba Inu with the wolf-looking Siberian husky. When talking about a mix of two breeds, you need to consider the individual traits of both pets. That includes features such as appearance, temperament, feeding and training needs and health.
Appearance
If you’ve ever set your eyes upon one, you will understand why their popularity is significantly increasing by the year. The combination of strength and sheer adorableness make this hybrid a uniquely beautiful canine. Weighing between 18 and 30 pounds, this dog appears as quite muscular and imposing. The maximum height is around 18 inches, making the pet a well-proportioned addition to any family.
It has a cute fox appearance, whereas the Husky inside balances everything with a wolf-like resemblance. The usual pattern is a black and white combination, and these two colours help the canine stand out from the usual brown and gold patterns we are used to.
Temperament
As a general rule, huskies tend to be a bit clingy and needy in comparison to the Shiba Inu. This means that when put together, you have the perfect mix of attention-needing and independence.
Another important trait to be aware of is the intelligence of the Husky Inu. Since both breeds are known for their high IQ, the hybrid has a tendency of trying to dominate its owners.
If you tend to be a parent who is swayed by those big puppy eyes, you will be easily controlled. I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but the Husky Inu loves using manipulation to get what it wants.
You need to make sure training is done from a young age. Aggressiveness and possessiveness are common when it comes to this gorgeous hybrid. Food and toys are just two things which the Husky Inu thinks belong solely to him.
Exercise needed
Siberian Huskies are known for their high levels of energy. So the hybrid will need constant exercise and mental stimulation. This means that in addition to the two long walks per day, you’ll need to integrate lots of play time.
Grooming
If you’re not used to brushing your dog, get used to it! The Shiba Inu Husky mix sheds quite a bit of fur. You may wish to consider investing into a better quality vacuum, as you will need to collect fur quite often.
Baths may help with shedding, but don’t forget that some animals don’t enjoy water as much as others. Try to achieve a healthy balance of grooming-bathing.
Nutrition
All pets need a balanced and nutritious diet to supply all the vitamins their body needs. Some hybrid owners advocate raw or fresh homemade foods for their dog.
What you need to remember is that the Husky Inu is able to digest food efficiently. This is because Huskies are used to surviving in harsh temperatures with low amounts of food. This breed genetically inherits the ability to store fat so you won’t need to feed them more than twice per day.
If you don’t believe in these types of diets or calorie intakes, the best advice I can give you is to consult with your veterinarian.
Life expectancy
When it comes to this aspect, the Husky Inu is lucky. If health and diet are monitored, the hybrid can live between eleven and thirteen years. Needless to say that as a pup, the Husky Inu will be a force to be reckoned with, however with time this temperament will die down.
Health
Although the hybrid can suffer from common diseases such as cataracts and allergies, they generally tend to be very healthy. Diet and exercise can help ensure that his genetic makeup will be reinforced, however don’t underestimate the general health checks.
Ideal environment
The Shiba Inu Husky can display certain behavioral problems such as aggressiveness and possession. So this hybrid is not for everyone.
Although I don’t mean to discourage you, you need to understand that if you don’t train your pup, you won’t be able to trust him with your children. Moreover, you must be in a position in which you have a garden or a bigger sized home, as this is not a small sized dog.
You need to have enough time to attend to his psychological (attention and care) and physical needs (exercising, walking, playtime). If you fail to meet those conditions, then you should go for another breed.
To conclude, the Shiba Inu Husky mix is a unique breed. The hybrid distinguishes itself from other breeds you may come across, and they are the perfect mix of strength and cuteness.
But don’t let that fool you. The Shiba Inu Husky is a tricky and manipulative type of fluffy friend, which will try to assert its dominance, should you let him. You need to consider your living circumstances and expectations before choosing to either adopt or purchase a pet.
As an established writer in the Pet industry for the last 7 years and building a career at a couple of reputable Californian vets, Leigh has written countless pet articles to contribute to the industry's wealth of knowledge. She is dedicated to helping readers and enjoys nothing more than exploring the outdoors with her children and pets. Find out more.
