Recently there has been a new mixed breed dog that has been gaining in popularity. This is the new designer dog on the scene, the Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix. They are a mix of two very popular breeds; the well loved German Shepherd and the iconic and popular Shiba Inu. This is a very new breed, which is why it does not have an official name for now. Most people just refer to them as Shepherd Inus, taking one part from each of the parent dog names.
If you are one of those who have been bit by the new Shepherd Inu craze and are considering getting one, keep reading to get all the information you need in order to make an informed decision that is best for you, your family and your potential new Shepherd Inu.
A Brief overview of the Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix
| Height | 19 to 22 inches |
| Weight | Anywhere around 42 to 58 pounds or 18 to 27 kilograms |
| Temperament | Loyal, Energetic, Stubborn, Alert, Protective, Intolerant |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Grooming Needs | Medium |
| Health Issues | Some |
| Difficulty in Training | Medium to High |
| Best For | Experienced dog owners, energetic families, families with grown up kids |
| Not For | Novice dog owners, families with infants and toddlers, owners who don’t want to run around too much |
| Cost | $1200 to $2400 |
Shiba Inu German Shepherds are medium-sized dogs. They are extremely energetic dogs that are intelligent and loyal to their owners. They require lots of exercise and training. This breed can become great companions for experienced owners who are capable of providing this breed with lots of exercise, care, and proper training. While they are loyal dogs and protective of their family, they may not be the best fit for very small children. They are good with grown up kids though.
Origin of German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable breeds in America. Their origin can be traced back to Germany, where they were usually bred for the primary purpose of herding livestock, which is why they have the word “shepherd” in their name.
After industrialization and the occurrence of World War I, this breed was repurposed from a livestock herding dog to a military dog, due to its high athletic abilities, bravery, loyalty and intelligence
Due to Germany’s part in World War I, this breed was shunned by most people, as was anything that was associated with Germany. In some countries, it was referred to as the Alsatian. This negative connotation resulted in the German Shepherd almost becoming extinct.
After the end of the first world war, American soldiers ended up bringing German Shepherds back with them when they returned, which is what led to their immense popularity today and saved them from extinction.
Also Check: Blonde German Shepherd: Complete Guide
Origin of Shiba Inus
The Shiba Inu, also known as Doge or the Cryptocurrency Dog shot up in popularity thanks to a photograph featuring a Shiba Inu going viral in 2013 and was used as a meme online. That and the release of the new cryptocurrency called Dogecoin has ensured its popularity online.
However, the breed has existed since ancient times and were used frequently to retrieve the spoils from a hunt. However, Japan was bombed severely in World War 2, resulting in the deaths of many Shiba Inus. The ones that survived were often taken by distemper, a disease in dogs. A few of this breed survived due to living in the remote countryside. It was then brought back from the brink of extinction thanks to the breeding programs that were created by breeding enthusiasts.
Features of the German Shepherds and Shiba Inus
A Shepherd Inu can take after either of its parents, which is why it is important to know about the characteristics of both the German Shepherd as well as the Shiba Inu.
The German Shepherd is a large dog, being as tall as 22 to 26 inches and weighing between 50 to 90 pounds. They live for up to 13 years and are extremely loyal, courageous and intelligent dogs. They are extremely alert and can be wary of strangers but are loving and protective towards their owners and their family.
The Shiba Inu, on the other hand, is relatively small, with their typical height being between 13 to 17 inches and weighing between 17 to 23 pounds. They live for around 15 years. They are keen hunters with an excellent sense of smell and sight and are energetic dogs, requiring regular exercise. While they are intelligent and loyal, they are quite aloof in nature and can be stubborn and moody at times.
Features of a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix
Shepherd Inus, depending on which parent they tend to take after, can stand as tall as 22 inches and can weigh anywhere around 42 to 58 pounds. They are usually large and muscular dogs which maintain the body type of the German Shepherd. Their faces, on the other hand, usually look similar to a fox’s face, a characteristic taken from the Shiba Inu. They usually have double coats that are moderate to long in length.
They are energetic dogs that should not be left alone for long periods of time, which may lead to the dog exhibiting undesirable behavior. They are very loyal and protective towards their owners and their families, but tend to be wary of strangers. However, they do not crave too much attention and affection and are great for owners looking for independent dogs.
Shepherd Inu Coat Colors
The German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix has a double coat, with a straight and stiff medium length overcoat and a softer undercoat. The color of their coat is a mixture of two to three colors, or it may be a solid color. The coats can be Cream, Red, White, Black or Gray in color.
Pros and Cons
The Shepherd Inu is a complex breed. Here are the Pros and Cons at a glance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Loving | Needs a lot of exercise |
| Intelligent | Tends to shed a lot of fur |
| Quiet in Nature | Cannot be left alone for too long |
| Guards well | Not good with other pets |
| Protective | Not great for First time Dog owners |
| Loyal | Can be stubborn |
Also Read: great pyrenees german shepherd mix
What can You Expect from a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix
Temperament
These dogs are very active and require at least 70 to 80 minutes of exercise every day. It’s recommended that you take them for regular walks, jogs and runs or take them to a dog park (with a fence, this breed is notorious for running off) and taking them off the leash.
They are very intelligent and require a lot of intellectual stimulation. Getting some puzzle toys as well as playing with your Shepherd Inu is recommended.
They don’t bark unless necessary and only do so to alert you. This is great for owners who don’t want a dog that is too loud. That doesn’t mean they are bad at guarding though. They are extremely wary of strangers but are very loyal to their owners and their families. They may be fiercely territorial and will protect their belongings, family and turf aggressively. This might not make them the best fit for owners with other pets.
Training
When it comes to training, the Shepherd Inu breed is highly intelligent and more than capable of learning commands. However, whether it will do as it’s told is a whole separate question. Depending on which parent they take after, they tend to be quite stubborn and need training from an experienced dog trainer for the best results. However, special care must be taken to make sure that there isn’t excessive force or reprimanding takes place while training.
Grooming
While the Shiba Inu does not need trips to the groomer to maintain its fur, it can shed a lot, which is why it is recommended to brush them twice a week. While this will result in less hair around your home, it would be a folly to expect none.
You will also need to brush your Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix every alternate day. It is recommended to start this when it’s a pup, otherwise, it may have some trouble adjusting to it.
Its nails will have to be clipped every two to three months, depending on the amount of exercise it gets.
Living Space
The Shepherd Inu does not mind being in any type of home, as long as you give it the daily exercise that it needs. However, care must be taken so that the dog is not able to leave the home, as they are notorious escape artists who tend to wander off on their own and get lost. Make sure all spaces are well enclosed to avoid this.
Food
The Shepherd Inu is highly energetic and athletic, which is why it needs food that is packed with nutrients and power. When feeding your Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix, make sure that a huge chunk of their diet includes protein. However, make sure that you don’t overfeed them.
Should I get a Shiba Inu German Shepherd?
It depends. This breed is not recommended for everyone. If this is your first dog, this breed may not be suitable for you. They aren’t an easy breed to provide for. They also aren’t very emotional and don’t tend to show affection easily.
However, in case you are used to owning dogs, want a dog that is independent and silent and have the tolerance and empathy to train a Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix, they might make great companions for you. If you get a Shepherd Inu, keep in mind that you will need to exercise it frequently so that the dog doesn’t get bored and engage in undesirable behaviors.
Potential Health Concerns
The Shiba Inu German Shepherd breed can suffer from the same problems that its parents do. Some of the potential health concerns are listed below.
| Allergies | Cataracts |
| Gastric Dilation Volvulus | Hemophilia |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Degenerative Myelopathy |
| Hip Dysplasia | Panosteitis |
| Patellar Luxation | Congenital Heart Defect |
| Glaucoma | Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency |
The Problems With Designer Dogs
Designer dogs are very controversial. While they may result in new and unique breeds, the demand for them gives rise to puppy mills and unethical breeders, who breed these dogs in an inhumane manner. While some say that designer dogs may bring out the best in both breeds, it also has the potential of combining the problems that both the breeds face.
While we do not advocate for the breeding of designer dogs, we understand that this is a decision that everyone makes differently. We also realize that most people already have a designer dog and could benefit with the information provided. If you do get a designer dog, make sure that you get it from a reputable breeder. Getting it from an unqualified breeder may result in issues with the dog’s temperament and overall development.
Conclusion
The Shepherd Inu is a great breed to own if you can keep up with its exercise needs and want a dog that is independent. They are easy to groom and don’t require too much effort except for providing it with regular exercise and basic care. While they may be a bit difficult to train and are a bit stubborn and independent, they will love you to bits once they have bonded with you.
Discussion about this post