Akita Shiba Inu Mix
The Akita Shiba Inu Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Akita and the Shiba Inu. This is also known as the Shakita, Akiba, or the Shibakita. Note that anything mixed with the Akita might be better for a more experienced dog owner or handler. Is it more like the Akita or the Shiba Inu? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Akita Shiba Inu Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Akita Shiba Inu Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Akita Shiba Inu Mix puppies for sale.
If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.
Here are some pictures of the Akita Shiba Inu Mix
Akita Shiba Inu Mix History
All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Shiba Inu History:
The Shiba Inu is indigenous to Japan where it has existed for centuries and was originally used as a hunting dog on large game. They nearly went extinct during World War II. After the war, there were only three remaining lines of Shibas. An outbreak of distemper in 1952 threatened the breed as well. To save the dogs, a breeding program was begun that combined two different types of Shibas: one, a stocky, heavier boned dog found in mountainous areas and used for hunting and a leggier type found in other parts of Japan.
The breed was first imported into the United States in 1954, although no serious importation for breeding or showing was done until the late 1970s. The first litter was born in 1979.
Akita History:
The Akita is an Asian dog that hails from the mountains of Japan. Predecessors of the modern Akita were used for hunting bear, wild boar and deer in Japan as late as 1957. They would be used to flush out the bear and keep it at bay until the hunter could come and kill it. However, like virtually all ancient dog breeds they have morphed over the generations. From being dogs that hunted and protected to being killed and forced to fight for human entertainment.
Awesome videos of Akita Shiba Inu Mix puppies
Akita Shiba Inu Mix Size and Weight
Shiba Inu
Height: 15 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 23 - 28 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years
Standard Akita
Height: 26 - 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 70 - 130 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
Akita Shiba Inu Mix Personality
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed. Both of these parent breeds can be strong and powerful and have very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
Akita Shiba Inu Mix Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Dalmatian mixed with the Shiba Inu might be prone to Wobbler's syndrome, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), and cardiomyopathy, canine hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, von Willebrand's disease, demodicosis, and gastric torsion
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Akita Shiba Inu Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
This will be a more challenging dog to groom as both of the parent breeds have longer hair. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
Akita Shiba Inu Mix Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.