Height:
13 – 18 inches
Weight:
15 – 30 pounds
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Colors:
Black, Brown, Fawn, Gray, Pied, Red, White
Suitable for:
Experienced Owners, Active Couples
Temperament:
Smart, Cunning, Stubborn, Independent, Energetic
Are you in the market for a fluffy, fox-like designer dog that is full of energy? Than a Siberian Shiba may be the perfect designer pup for you! Also referred to as a Shiba Husky, the Siberian Shiba is the result of breeding the hard-working Siberian Husky with the fiercely independent Shiba Inu. The end result is a stunning pooch that excels at training and agility courses.
The Siberian Shiba is a recent dog breed, meaning that they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and do not have much of a history. This may be because the Shiba Inu, one of their parent breeds, was not very well-known or popular in the United States until the ‘50s. They were bred in Japan and were used to hunt small vermin, birds, bears, and boars. For such a little dog to take down big animals, they have to be pretty strong, and the Siberian Shiba inherits this trait.
Their other parent breed, the Siberian Husky, became popular for transporting people and goods across the vast, snowy terrains of Siberia. They were strong enough to pull sleds more than three times their weight and were also good with children and families. In the 20th century, an explorer came to America with these dogs, and it is here that they won many competitions for sledding, becoming very popular with Americans.
The Siberian Shiba is a trickster, using their intelligence at times for manipulation. It is for this reason that they are not suited for first-time dog owners. They will be hard to handle and have the ability to take over the house if you let them.
It’s important to note that this hybrid breed is not for everyone. If you’re interested in learning if a Siberian Shiba is right for your household, keep reading this thorough guide all about this distinctive designer dog!
Siberian Shiba Puppies – Before You Buy…
A fluffy and fanciful pup, the Siberian Shiba is not a purebred breed. She’s actually a designer hybrid dog. You may be asking yourself, “What is a designer dog? Is it just an overpriced mutt?” While this is a fair assumption, designer dogs are actually the result of mixing two purebred breeds to create a pup that embodies the best qualities from each parent.
The result of breeding a Siberian Husky with a Shiba Inu, the Siberian Shiba is a jaunty little diva who has energy for days and days.
What’s the Price of a Siberian Shiba Puppy?
The price of a Siberian Shiba designer dog puppy from a quality breeder will run you between $500 and $800.
However, keep in mind that this price is just for the puppy herself. You still have to buy everything your new Siberian Shiba puppy needs in order to thrive, including a crate and carrier, puppy food, toys, bedding, and a leash and collar.
Additionally, your new Siberian Shiba puppy will cost you an average of around $15,700 if she lives to be 13 years old. It’s important to know before buying a puppy. Are you ready for the commitment?
Finding a Reputable Breeder
To ensure that you are receiving a happy and healthy Siberian Shiba puppy, it’s imperative to do your homework on a breeding facility before you buy. An increased demand for designer dog breeds has also resulted in an increase in puppy mills. These large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities are simply out to make a quick buck at the expense of the hundreds of puppies they sell.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that there 10,000 puppy mills operating in America, with only a handful of them being USDA licensed. These facilities are responsible for selling more than 2.15 million puppies each year.
While the drastically reduced costs of Siberian Shiba puppies may seem tempting, these dogs can be plagued by a plethora of health and behavioral problems, including:
- Food aggression
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Sensitivity to light and/or surfaces
- Difficulty leash and house training
- Hoarding toys and/or food
- Erratic sleeping patterns
- Mites, matting, and mange
- Deafness and blindness
- Blood disorders including von Willebrand or amenia
- Eye issues such as retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and cataracts
- Respiratory concerns
- Ticks and fleas
- Intestinal parasites
- Missing teeth
- Gum disease
- Nail overgrowth
To avoid buying a puppy afflicted by so many problems, it is critical to know the telltale warning signs of a puppy mill breeder. These can include:
- Not being able to visit the breeder’s home or facility
- Selling the puppies before they are eight weeks of age
- Not being able to meet the puppies or their parents before you buy
- The seller not having any medical records of the parents or the puppies
- The breeder seemingly always having puppies for sale
- The seller not having you sign a contract
If you notice any of these characteristics, it’s in your best interest to turn and run. In order to find a responsible and reputable breeder in your area, you can ask pet wellness professionals, such as a vet or groomer, or visit local dog shows and talk with the owners there.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Siberian Shiba
1. She’s from an Ancient Lineage
Your Siberian Shiba’s parent breed, the Shiba Inu, is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and dates back to 300 AD Japan.
2. They’re Self Grooming
The Shiba Inu is extremely feline-esque and self-cleans, making grooming your Siberian Shiba a breeze!
3. They Have Natural Winter Wear
Hailing from the frigid frozen lands of Siberia, Siberian Huskies have a dense, double coat that keeps them nice and warm in all types of chilly climates.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Siberian Shiba
In order to fully understand a Siberian Shiba’s personality and smarts, it’s important to take a peek at the temperament and intelligence of her two parent breeds.
The Siberian Husky is a workaholic breed. They thrive when they always have a task to do. Super smart, this breed is independent and highly energetic. They are very tough to train, so first-time puppy owners should consider other types of breeds.
Alert, strong-willed, confident, and bold, the sassy Shibu Inu is an independent dog that is fiercely devoted to her family. Tending to be shy of strangers, this breed can develop a deep bond with one member of the household.
Your Siberian Shiba can inherit all or some of these traits.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The Siberian Shiba does best with an active couple or a family with older children. Experienced dog owners should step to the front when deciding if they should buy this breed.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
If socialized from the start, a Siberian Shiba will certainly get along with all other furry members of your household.
Things to Know When Owning a Siberian Shiba
Here is everything you need to know to keep your Siberian Shiba healthy and happy.
Food & Diet Requirements
This compact canine should be fed one cup of protein-packed, grain-free, high-quality kibble divided up into two meals each day. The cost to feed a Siberian Shiba ranges from $25 to $30 per month.
Exercise
The Siberian Shiba is an extremely athletic and active dog that needs a ton of daily physical activity. The ideal amount for her is at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.
Additionally, your Siberian Shiba will need a lot of mental stimulation as well to keep boredom and bad behavior at bay. Opt for puppy play puzzles or enrolling her in a weekly obedience or agility class.
Training
The Siberian Shiba is extremely intelligent. However, training one is no walk in the park. Intense and stubborn in nature, the Siberian Shiba requires an experienced owner that can provide her with firm and consistent training. Positive reinforcement methods work best for this pup.
Grooming ✂️
If your Siberian Shiba inherits the self-grooming tendencies from her Shiba Inu parent breed, you really don’t have to groom her at all! However, thanks to her dense and fluffy coat, we recommend thoroughly brushing your Siberian Shiba every week with a pin brush and de-shedding brush. Always clip her nails and clean her ears as needed.
Health Conditions
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Overall, the Siberian Shiba is a hardy and healthy breed. However, she may inherit some genetic disorders through her parents, including glaucoma and cataracts. To avoid potential health concerns, always buy your pup from a quality breeder and take her to the vet regularly.
Male vs Female
Male and female Siberian Shiba dogs tend to be relatively the same size and weight. There are no huge personality differences between the two genders.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re an experienced dog owner who is looking for their next picturesque pet, consider buying a Siberian Shiba puppy. Sassy, sporty, and sweet, this designer dog has it all!
Due to their fierce independence and stubborn streaks, this dog is not ideal for everyone. Thoroughly consider all facets of this designer breed before buying.
Related Reads:
- Toy Foxy Russell (Toy Fox Terrier & Jack Russell Terrier Mix)
- Cocker Spaniel Mix
- Auss-Tzu (Mini Australian Shepherd & Shih-Tzu Mix)
Featured Image: Angelina Lockowitz, Shutterstock (cropped)
