Imagine having designer dogs from the purebreds of Japanese and Mexican dogs. Are you having goosebumps thinking of the miniature hybrid dog? It supposes to be confident enough like Shiba Inu and playful like Chihuahua. Yeah, no doubt, I am talking about the Chihuahua Shiba Inu mix, the pocket dynamite.
The Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix has become a trendy dog nowadays. Because of their energetic and spunky personalities. This puppy undoubtedly has super adorable and entertaining traits from its parent breeds.
Finally, I am here to support you with Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix puppies. But do not consider breeding them two on your own or with someone inexperienced. I suggest getting the puppies from others or hiring a professional breeder.
Purpose and Popularity of Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
The Chihuahua and Shiba Inu are popular breeds compared to the designer dog Shiba Inu Chihuahua. According to the American Kennel Club, Chihuahua (37th) and Shiba Inu (42nd) are on the 2021 Most Popular Dog Breed Full Ranking List.
We lack enough resources and ownership record data on Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix. That’s why it’s hard to know the popularity of this specific designer dog. Yet owners with specific purposes, like those who feel affectionate towards small sizes, and want them to adapt with the family in a quick time, are recently getting interested in this Shiba Chi puppy.
Parent Breeds: Chihuahua and Shiba Inu
Here I would love to give you a brief idea about the parent dogs and their basic information. It’s understandable why people look forward to having Shiba Inu Chihuahua rather than having parent dogs.
Chihuahua
These breed dogs are more likely to have watchdog traits and are family dogs by birth. But a big family with kids is not a suitable family to have this breed. Because the Chihuahua Mix can’t tolerate many crowdy families as this dog has a low tolerance level.
It’s popular among people and researchers that this dog breed came from the Techichi breed in Mexico. Their aggressive nature comes from their miniature size to protect themselves from other big dogs.
Origin: Mexico
Lifespan: 14 – 16 years
Height: 5 – 8 inches
Weight: less than 10 lbs
Shiba Inu
Unlike Chihuahua, the Shiba Inu has been popular since 1992. The American Kennel Club first recognized this breed. This dog has more than 2000 years of history. The Shiba Inu Mix can get highly aggressive if we can’t socialize. That’s why it’s better to have it from birth.
Origin: Japan
Lifespan: 12- 16 years
Height: 14.5- 16.5 Inches
Weight: 17-23 lbs
Development of Chihuahua Shiba Mix
It is unknown the exact year when the Shiba Chi breed came to scenario first. But many say the first development of this breed happened in the United States in 1990. The main idea of developing this breed was to get the best traits from different purebred breeds. There were two main reasons to blend two miniature dogs. One is the affectionate nature of the Chihuahua. The independent as well as confident personality of the Shiba Inu is the other one.
Although Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as purebred, researching and developing this breed is becoming popular daily. Who doesn’t want a dog with affectionate nature, quick adaptability, and a tolerant and patient nature?
Physical Appearance of the Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix
Physical appearance depends on the dominant genes. They can inherit appearance and traits either from the parent breed. The coat type, coat color, ear shape, and eye shape come from the parent breeds. Let’s go through the different traits of their physical appearance.
Size and Weight
The size of the Chihuahua and Shiba Inu Mix falls between their coat sizes. On average, an adult Shiba Chi typically weighs between 8-12 pounds and is like other small dogs. But their size (10-12 inches) is a little larger than the typical small dogs,
● At eight weeks: The Shiba Inu Chihuahua puppies weigh between 1.5 and 3 pounds and have a height of 2-4 inches.
● At 24 weeks: The Shiba Chi puppies weigh 5-7 pounds. Also, their height rises between 6-8 inches.
● At 36 weeks: They weigh anywhere from 7-10 pounds, and their height can range from 8-10 inches.
● At 52 weeks: 8-12 pounds is a typical weight for Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix puppies. They get a height of around 10 to 12 inches. Anything around these values will ensure you an excellent healthy Shiba Chi dog.
Keep in mind this is a rough estimate, and I asked different people physically and in forums about the Shiba Chihuahua Mix designer breed. But no research has been done on this mixed breed yet.
Coat Type
The dog’s coat type defines the fur’s length, thickness, and texture. The coat can have different types like short and smooth, long and silky, double coat, wire hair, curly, etc. We see short and smooth coat types for Chihuahua dogs, which are usually shiny and pretty close to the skin like the other dog breeds, Bull terriers and Boxers.
In contrast, the Shiba Inu dogs have double coat type fur. It means their coat is made of two layers: a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, longer topcoat. We normally see double coats on Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix can have short and smooth fur or medium-long fur. If the dominant genes come from the Shiba Inu bloodline, a double coat type is seen on the designer dogs.
Color Type
The Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahua color can have color from one or both the parent breeds. So, this designer dog can have one solid color, a bi-color, or even a tri-color combination. So Shiba Chi dogs may have black, red, chocolate, and parti- colours. It depends on the bloodline. So, its coat color varies a lot.
Temperament of the Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix
It is relatively easy to socialize with the Shiba Chi dog earlier in life. Though this hybrid is aggressive from time to time, that is still manageable.
Active
In the early stage of their life. Both Shiba and Chis are active dogs, that’s why they require to be engaged with mental stimulation. So this nature remains in the Designer breed too. They like to play and explore. Mostly love outdoor activities like running in the park, hiking, etc.
Affectionate
Who doesn’t love to have a miniature dog that is very much friendly and affectionate? We don’t see it normally. That’s why nowadays, people love to have this loyal and loving family breed.
Independent
Though the Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mixes are very friendly, they keep charging without command when they need to take charge. So, Inu Chihuahua Mix temperament may vary but is not always constant.
Eager In Training
The Shiba Inu Chi dogs are intelligent because they learn to please their owner from the very early stage of their life. Even very much engaging in training and performing the tricks pretty quickie. So, a quick learner too.
Companion Dog
I guess you understand what I mean by a companion dog. This one likes their owners and the family’s company very much. Also, love to spend time with kids. But, like other breeding dogs, they need supervision. It would be best if you created a bridge between dogs and kids. Don’t simply leave the kids with them.
Other Pets
It’s necessary to gradually introduce your Chihuahua Shiba Inu to other pets gradually and carefully. It would be best if you gave them time to get along with each other. But like other miniature dogs, this Chihuahua Shiba may have a prey drive and chase anything.
Health Concerns of the Shiba Inu Mix with Chihuahua
Chihuahua and Shiba Inu are on the world’s list of healthiest dog breeds. It means these breeds face the least health problem. So naturally, we expect the designer dogs from these breeds will have no significant health issues and live their most extended lifespan.
These canines can easily live more than 15 years, facing minor health issues like patellar luxation, molera, heart murmur, cataracts, glaucoma, etc.
Patellar Luxation
It’s a condition in which the kneecap or knee joint slides out of place. So, it causes pain and lameness. The Shiba Inu Chihuahua may be prone to Patellar Luxation conditions. But frequent veterinary checkups and early treatments prevent any long-term knee damage. The dogs may have some symptoms, like locking their leg in, skipping or hopping while walking and difficulty climbing stairs are common symptoms of this problem.
Glaucoma
The Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is prone to eye problems like Glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal ulcers. So any untreated eye can mislead them towards total blindness, or they may need surgery. Look at their eyes and see if they have a cloudy cornea or blinking frequently.
Ear Infections
By genre, the Shiba Inu Chihuahua has floppy ears, and they trap moisture and bacteria. So ear infections may happen anytime if you don’t clean their ear regularly and dry it.
Obesity
It means a tendency to get weighty. The Shiba Chi is prone to obesity. It’s not a sickness, but if they don’t maintain a diet plan and don’t do any exercise, they will likely be suffering from obesity.
Overall, Chihuahua Shiba Inu may be a healthy breed, but health problems may occur anytime. It mostly depends on how the owner treats the dog. So, making a regular diagnosis to discover any problem is a primary stage.
Preventive Care
Like other dogs, this dog requires some actions to prevent health issues. Let’s know the preventive measures the Shiba Chi requires:
● Feeding a healthy and balanced diet is the primary thing pet owners should provide our pets. Avoid overfeeding Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix because it gains weight so fast.
● Do training and let it play with you every morning. Physical activities keep the miniature dog’s mind refreshed and fit.
● Dental problems are nasty for Shiba Inu Chi dogs. They are enthusiastic and try to bite every toy and bone at home and on the street. Clean their teeth at least once a week.
● Already know they have floppy ears that attract dust. Use specialized dog cleaners and dry the ears after the bath.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix Living Conditions
The Chihuahua Shiba Inu is well suited for a variety of living conditions. Like apartments, houses, and small yards. But we must keep a few things in mind.
Space: The designer breeds appts in any small living space and prefers most of the time indoors. But if your Shiba Chi loves to go outdoors occasionally, then make sure it can get out on its own.
Potty Place: No matter what is the size of the house, the Chihuahua Shiba Inu must need potty training from an early stage. Later they may grow up with mischievous behavior and stubbornness.
Hair: Chihuahua Shiba Inu Puppies may get super enthusiastic, leaving their hair all over the house. That’s why you must vacuum clean the house frequently; otherwise, anyone with an allergy problem may suffer.
Related: 5 Best Camera To Catch Dog Pooping In Yard of 2023
The aggressiveness of The Shiba Inu Chihuahua
We already talked about the aggressive behavior of the chihuahua breed. Also, the Shiba Inu is not naturally aggressive. Still, Shiba Inu gets aggressive from time to time just like the parent breeds, Shiba Chi has almost the same aggressiveness. Some situations are likely to influence the aggressiveness of Shiba Inu.
– Firstly, if you never took your dog to a crowded place before when it was a puppy, then there is a huge chance your Shiba Chi would feel fearful and panicked. It may show aggressiveness, then.
– As this designer dog will be a miniature dog, just like other miniatures, it will show aggressiveness in front of other dogs. Lack of training and socialization causes this aggression.
– Resource guarding is another thing Chihuahua Shiba Inu does to safeguard its toys, food, and bed. So touching his toys and food may trigger his aggressiveness.
Is Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix likely to Cause An Allergic Reaction in People?
No, this dog is not hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic breeds cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to dogs. But fortunately, Shiba Chi doesn’t cause dog allergies.
But it leaves much dander and hair on the bed, couch, and mat wherever it goes in the house. This can trigger allergic reactions in some people in the family.
Food Habit of Chihuahua Shiba Inu
As the dog is small in size, it requires a relatively small appetite. So having a Chihuahua Shiba Mix is not that costly. Although, there is one thing to be concerned about for this hybrid dog; it’s a picky eater. But sometimes you will understand what they like to eat by researching the food habits of the parent’s breed.
A balanced diet of high-quality food keeps the Shiba Chi dogs healthy and enthusiastic. But sometimes your dog may need variations in food, so ensure to give him protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Vitamins and fiber food accordingly.
Also Read: 7 Best Portable Dog Fence For Camping of 2023
FAQ
What is Shiba Inu Chi?
– It is the designer dog inherited by Shiba Inu (Japanese) and Chihuahua (Mexican). The reason behind having this breed is to have an affectionate and family-friendly miniature dog. However, Shiba Inu doesn’t show aggressiveness much, and Chihuahuas are prone to prey.
Is Shiba Chi a Good Apartment Dog?
– Yeah, Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix dogs are small in size; their height is almost 12-15 inches. Also, they are home dogs and don’t care if it’s in a small home or a yard if it gets toys and food in front of it. But for mental health, veterans suggest taking it out regularly.
What is the Expected Cost of Owning a Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix?
– On average, Shiba Inu Chihuahua dogs may require $500-$1500 to spend on them. The high-quality dry food may cost $20-$40 per month. Furthermore, grooming is vital for the dog’s coat and skin. It may cost $30 to $ 100 per grooming session. Also, there are veterinary care costs and vaccination costs. Omitting all of them may exclude more than thousands of dollars.
Takeaway:
Chihuahua Shiba Inu is a popular dog to have nowadays. Yet this dog has temperament issues when it goes into too much crowd. And acts stubborn sometimes. So best is first to keep your infants and kids away from this dog and introduce them to it slowly. But once the dog starts liking your kids, it will become friendly.
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