Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Shiba Inu Mix

The Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Shiba Inu Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie and the Shiba Inu. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Shetland Sheepdog is known for being alert, loyal, and active. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie 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 Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie 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 Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Shiba Inu Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Shiba Inu Mix puppies for sale.

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Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie 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. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie History

The Shetland Sheepdog also goes by the names Shetland Collie, Dwarf Scotch Shepherd, and of course the Sheltie. This cool dog comes from the Shetland Islands which are between Scotland and Norway. This is also where Shetland Ponies and Sheep originated. They were created by crossing the Border Collie with other smaller dogs. They are of course a herding dog and were bred to herd and protect sheep. It made its way to England and Scotland in the 19th century. Unfortunately, they started being bred with other breeds and it really started to taint what they had started as. Today, most Shelties here in the United States have descended from dogs that were imported from England between the two major World Wars. Today there are not a lot of these dogs on their native Shetland Islands.

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. It is also known as a Japanese Turf Dog, Japanese Brushwood Dog, or a Japanese Small Size Dog.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.

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Shiba Inu Mix Size and Weight

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie
Height: 13 - 16 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 14 - 27 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 13 years

Shiba Inu
Height: 15 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 23 - 28 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Shiba Inu Mix Personality

The Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie and the Shiba Inu are both loyal and affectionate. They are also very charming, so watch out! This dog will require a good training regimen as they can get excited. They are very loyal to their family. One of the best things you can do for any breed is to socialize it as much as possible. Please use positive reinforcement, it goes a long way! She should be rather affectionate and love being with you, she can also be stubborn so keep that in mind.

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie 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. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie mixed with the Shiba Inu might be prone to joint dysplasia, collie eye disease, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Shiba Inu Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. 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.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. 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.

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie 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. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in