Shiba Inu Husky Mix-Physical Look, Lifespan and Temperament

Shiba Inu Husky Mix

It’s fascinating to see the different types of combinations that breeders come up with, especially when they decided to mix a Shiba Inu and a Husky together.

Husky Inus, as they are called, are designer dogs that are starting to catch on in the many prominent countries because of their style and eclectic personality. They have many compatible physical traits, and have a strong personality that takes a special owner to work with.

They have many functional features, while still being able to provide you with some companionship and love. If there is any dog to continue learning about, it’s definitely the Husky Inu; so keep reading to learn if you are ready to handle one of these interesting pups.

Table Of Contents
  1. Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
  2. Lifespan
  3. Grooming Needs
  4. Temperament
  5. Exercise Needs
  6. Health Risks
  7. Feeding
  8. Are Shiba Inu Husky Mixes Protective?
  9. How Much Does A Shiba Inu Husky Mix Cost?
  10. Is A Shiba Inu Husky Mix Right For Me?
  11. Best Climate For Shiba Inu Husky Mixes
  12. The Attention A Shiba Inu Husky Mix Needs
  13. Compatibility with Kids
  14. Compatibility with Other Animals

Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)

Husky Inus are a seriously strong and surprisingly compact animal breed. They stand within 17 to 20 inches, with 18 inches being the average, and can weigh between 18 pounds on the low end, as a adolescent dog, to 40 pounds as a physically mature adult.

Their face is an even blend between the Shiba and the Husky; the mix has erect ears, like that of a fox, as well as strong eyes that can vary in color. Their fur is like that of  the Shiba Inu, which is a thick double-coated design, and they have a bushy tail that can appear curved.

Husky Inus tend to have black and white fur, as this is their default color pattern; however, they are prone to being different colors as well, depending on their parent’s dominant genetics.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a Shiba Inu Husky mix lands between 10 and 15 years. This is the typical lifespan of most dogs, and a pretty good length of time for a designer brand of dog as well.

What gives the Husky Inu the same time on this planet as any pure breed is the fact that both Huskies and Shiba Inus have pretty strong bodies, and are capable of withstanding different types of health risk that may occur within them.

In order to get the most bang for your buck with their lives, you want to consider what helps them live full and long lives.

Their diet is a component that plays a major factor into their lifespan, as well as their overall health; and daily activity is also a factor that will keep them barking and playing with you for the next decade or more!

Grooming Needs

Shiba Inus have a double coat of fur that sheds – a lot – twice per year; but did you know that a Husky sheds even more?! Therefore, with this special blend of dog, you can expect your Husky Inu to shed quite a bit.

With that being said, Husky Inus requires frequent brushing with long and thick bristles in order to capture any loose hairs that might me trapped within the fur, before it hits your breathing air. Husky Inus also requires a bath approximately 2 to 4 times per month.

This will help keep their skin and fur clean and healthy, reduce any skin-related health concerns, and ensure that they look, feel, and smell happy and well taken care of.

Temperament

The mix of a Shiba Inu and a Husky can definitely be a challenging one. Both Huskies and Shiba Inus exclusively are prideful and strong dogs, and require an even stronger and prideful owner to help properly train and raise them into fun and functional dogs.

Husky Inus take after their parents considering that they are active dogs, and enjoy moving around a lot. In addition, they can also be standoff-ish, and may want to spend several moments of the day to themselves.

They are an assertive – and sometimes aggressive – mix breed of dog, and is recommended for any person that is willing to move around, and be assertive with these strong-willed dogs. With proper training, and some loving care, Husky Inus are an upbeat and assertive breed of dog.

Exercise Needs

Exercise is a huge deal for Husky Inus! Both Huskies and Shiba Inus are very active dogs; and because of their strength, are capable of jumping up and down, even on to fences and gates – which are necessary if you would like to have one.

Allowing your Husky Inu to run around the backyard is a great place to start. About one hour of significant movement will allow you and your dog to not only have a bunch of fun, but will give the dog a greater opportunity to stay healthy.

In addition, creating more movement for these proficient dogs also decreases their health risks that may plague their hips and joints.

Another activity that does well with Husky Inus are jogs; but you’ll need a strong leash, because the energy of a Husky Inus can match that of a teenager in their prime!

Health Risks

Husky Inus tend to have similar health risks as most dogs. Health situations concerning cataracts, joint/hip dysplasia, glaucoma, allergy problems, and genetic diseases are unfortunately a part of the later years of the Husky Inu.

These issues are prominent if they are contracted; but there’s good news. Husky Inus are pretty healthy dogs for the most part! They have a strong body that does well with clearing out toxins that increase health risks, and also a genetically strong immune system that will assist in keeping your Husky Inu healthy.

However, although Husky Inus are born with a great immune system, it’s still important to make sure that they get plenty of exercise and a proper diet, in order to make sure that they retain as much of their innate genetic health as possible.

Feeding

Since Husky Inus are vibrant animals, they need a nutritional and energy-filled diet in order to fuel their bodies for all of the activity planned ahead. They require a raw or home-cooked meal that is comprised of whole foods and meat.

Animal protein is a big must for Husky Inus to keep their digestive tracts in good health; such as fish and chicken are a great start.

Whole foods are required to replenish their vitamins and minerals, so adding it to their diet will act as a compliment to the entire meal. Whole foods such as corn, greens, wheat, couscous, or even oatmeal are great choices.

Feeding them 1 to 2 cups once per day of these healthy foods is an optimal feeding schedule; however, twice per day is possible, as long as the meals are smaller.

Are Shiba Inu Husky Mixes Protective?

Shiba Inu Husky Mixes are a dominant designer breed of canine; between their innate degree to be assertive, plus their strong stature, Husky Inus are capable of providing a degree of protection.

What helps with this is their Shiba Inu side, which is more prone to being more aggressive towards foreigners that may seem like they are around for impure reasons. Now, their Husky side is more prone to provide some sort of protection.

They can become very attached to their caretaker, and seek their attention; and being a bit of a guard dog can definitely earn them some brownie points, and they know it, so they have no problem playing the roll.

In essence, the Husky Inu is a good dog that can, and most likely will, provide you with protection. Heck, they even do well as Police Dogs!

How Much Does A Shiba Inu Husky Mix Cost?

The cost of a Shiba Inu Husky Mix is within the range of 350 dollars and 1,000 dollars, on average; and can even go up as high as 2,000 dollars. The cost of this designer breed is based on several factors. One of those factors is whether the dog is a puppy or an adult.

If it’s a puppy, then the cost drops between 350 dollars and 500 dollars, since it’s a more intriguing number to help find the pups a new home.

And if the Shiba Inu Husky mix is an adult, its way more functional than a puppy, and has more self-control and self-regulation; therefore, less training is required, which increases the price to between 500 dollars and 1,000 dollars, depending on breeder.

In addition, the function of the dog can determine the price. If the dog is going to be bought and used as a guard or canine unit specialist with a protections service, then the cost will range between 1,200 and 2,000 dollars.

Is A Shiba Inu Husky Mix Right For Me?

The mix between a Shiba Inu and a Husky is not meant for everyone. Why; because of the level at which the Husky Inu operates. They are an assertive, protective, dominant, yet loving type of dog that will show affection when they are up for it, or when they are incentivised to.

And for the most part, as long as they receive their personal time of about 1 to 2 hours alone with you, they’ll be O.K. to go off and be with themselves; the question is: are you O.K. with accepting that?

Because if you are looking for a consistently affectionate dog that enjoys cuddling and snuggling all of the time, the Shiba Inu Husky mix is not for you.

But if you enjoy the companionship of playing around, being active and functionally attentive, while being capable of relaxing within neutral areas, plus being able to handle their rough-and-gruff attitude, then they may work out for you.

Best Climate For Shiba Inu Husky Mixes

Comparable enough, Shiba Inus and Huskies are both mountainous dogs, and are capable of withstanding the harshest and coldest areas that would cause frostbite for the average dog; and this is all because of the thickness of their layered coats.

However, keeping them in this climate too long could be detrimental without the proper provisions. And if the temperature is too hot, it will slow the Husky Inu down, and cause internal dehydration, which effects the skin and hair of the mix.

So the best climate for Shiba Inu Husky mixes would land between topical and cooler temperatures; meaning they will thrive within the temperatures of between 50 degrees and 74 degrees fahrenheit.

Within this climate their fur will keep their internal temperature regulated, without the potential of overheating from too much sunlight, while still being within a range to where a Human would be able to live and thrive as well without becoming a popsicle.

The Attention A Shiba Inu Husky Mix Needs

Husky Inus can go either way, or have a great blend, of wanting attention; therefore, they require attention from caretakers, but are also capable of giving it to themselves. This is because of their parents.

Huskies are known to crave attention, and can become a bit manipulative in order to get it; whereas the Shiba Inu brand is strong and dominant, and is more than capable of being alone and entertaining itself.

With those two breeds combined, it creates a dog that will be just fine with receiving attention, – and may want more while in the moment – but not needing too much of it to live on.

Try a nice pat or rub down to show let your Husky Inu know that you’re around and that you care; or take it for a nice walk and spend some quality time with it, as that will build a bond between the two of you.

Compatibility with Kids

A Husky Inu can do very well as a family dog, depending on the family.

Due to the dominance and “cat-like” personality of the Shiba Inu that can seem a bit standoffish, and the attention-seeking trait of the Husky, it can be a bit confusing trying to learn what the Husky Inu is trying to communicate.

Which means it’s up to the family to learn how to properly interpret the signs and cues of this breed, and adjust to them accordingly, while teaching the kids to do the same.

On the flipside, helping the kids train the dog to learn and abide to simple demands is also necessary to creating a fun, loving, and safe environment for the kids.

Compatibility with Other Animals

Although children can be quite quick to adjust to the attitude swings of a Shiba Inu Husky mix, it may seem like an obtainable challenge for other animals.

Although Husky Inus can make for a great companion due to their Husky side, the Shiba Inu part may make it harder to become friends with other animals.

In order for this to happen, proper social introduction will ease the initial interactions with other dogs, and cats.

After a few safe and understanding “conversations” between the animals, they’ll soon realize that it’s O.K. to have a little fun, which then creates the potential for a cool and fun interspecies friendship between other animals and Shiba Inu Husky mixed dogs.

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