So what is a Shiba Inu Labrador mix like? It’s an eclectic, strong, and pretty smart dog that can protect you, hang out with you, and show you the attention that you desire from it.
But what else is there to know about this cool mixture; how is it with kids? Is it safe? What are their needs? Let’s delve deeper into this topic so you can have the answers that you seek.
- Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
- Lifespan
- Grooming Needs
- Temperament
- Exercise Needs
- Health Risks
- Feeding
- Are Shiba Inu Labrador Mixes Protective?
- How Much Does A Shiba Inu Labrador Mix Cost?
- Is A Shiba Inu Labrador Mix Good For Me?
- Best Climate for Shiba Inu Labrador Mix
- The Attention That A Shiba Labrador Mix Needs
- Compatibility With Kids
- Compatibility With Other Animals
Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
Shiba Inu Labradors fit in the category of a medium-size dog, and usually stands anywhere between 13 inches and 23 inches tall. Their body tends to be muscular and strong, giving them the appearance of a stout and strong body.
The Shibador’s snout is a bit shorter than their Labrador parents, but longer than their Shiba Inu parent, and may even seem a bit clipped towards the end of their muzzle hairs.
Its face tends to take towards the Labrador parent, however, they do inherit their Shiba Inu donor’s notable eyes most of the time. Now, their fur coats can go either way, depending on which gene is stronger within the Shiba Inu Labrador mix.
They can either have short, dense and fluffy coats like the Shiba Inu, or they may have a short and dense double-coat, without the fluff, like the Labrador. They come in many different colors like gold, cream, black, or white, and it all depends on their parents.
Lifespan
The Shiba Inu Labrador mix is a hybrid that has the average lifespan of most dogs. In ideal health, this hybrid can stand to live between 12 and 16 years, same as their Shiba Inu parent.
There are several factors that go into how long they can live a healthy life. For instance, is the dog in good health? They are known to be prone to some health risks, and it’s best to keep an eye out for them.
Another example is their diet, which is required to have a great balance of proteins and minerals in order to keep them healthy.
Take into consideration their exercise level as well, knowing that a good workout is always a great way to shed pounds and stay in shape; and Shibadors know all too much about that!
Grooming Needs
As previously stated, the coats of the Shibador is based on which parent they took the most genetic makeup from; which could cause the Shiba Inu Labrador mix’s grooming needs to go either way.
When it comes to washing them, it’s the standard procedure of bathing your mixed dog about once per week, or once every other week. It’s best to use skin-safe products that will keep their upper and lower skin layers healthy.
When it comes to brushing, things take a turn. If the Shibador takes after the Labrador, be sure to have your brush handy, because you’ll need to due to the excessive-like shedding that Labradors go through.
But, if it takes from their Shiba Inu side, you’ll still need that brush, but not as often, considering that Shiba Inus only go through two major shedding cycles per year. Be sure to also check their mouth and teeth periodically to reduce bacterial build up.
Temperament
Most Shibadors are a product of both their Labrador and Shiba Inu parents. Shiba Inus are known for being more assertive and standoff-ish, and are great at hunting for prey due to their original upbringing.
While Labradors were used as retrievers of hunting prey, and are prone to being very accepting of praise and smiles.
A Shibador has the capacity to be a great balance of the two; they are fun and loving when given good praise for any task that they complete, and can also take some time to themselves when they want to be alone.
Shibadors are friendly when it comes to their caretakers, but can become quite assertive around other canines that they don’t know. Shibadors are truly a even blend of both their parents, and can vary in degree based on the traits that they present with.
Exercise Needs
Oh boy, it’s time to play, and Shiba Inu Labrador mixes do a great job at this. They tend to take more towards their Labrador side when it comes to this trait, and are prone to being pretty active.
They enjoy taking a stroll around the neighborhood, or playing some fetch in the park, because it gets their body moving. Since they like to move around so much, Shiba Inu Labrador mixes are almost required to have about 60 minutes of exercise per day, minimum.
This will allow them to move about and stretch their muscles and joints, which is imperative to keeping their health risks low, or manageable if they occur.
The best exercises for this breed of pup can range from simply jumping and galloping around in your backyard, to a full scale game for soccer or catch! Either way, Shibadors need exercise, and with their level of activity, will get it one way or another.
Health Risks
Speaking of health risks, unfortunately, this cute and fluffy breed of dog is prone to having several different health risks that are associated with their eyes, joints, and bones; and these risks are inherited from both the Labrador and the Shiba Inu.
A couple of specific health risks that occur within Shibadors can be concluded to the following:
- Hip/Joint Dysplasia
- Luxating Patellas
- Hypothyroidism
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
Obesity is not an inherited health risk; however, without a proper diet, Shiba Inu Lab mixes can be triggered to gain weight more than necessary due to their enormous appetites.
Although this sounds like a nightmare, with a proper diet and a good amount of exercise, many of these health risks won’t be a concern for you or the mixed pup.
Feeding
Feeding your Shibador won’t be much of an issue once you know how to feed them properly. Their diet consists mainly of animal-rich proteins since that is the type of protein that dogs are used to due to the fact that they are mostly carnivorous beings.
Meat from ducks, birds, or large woodland creatures like rabbits are a fine choice for them, once the animals are cleaned up. Shibadors also require a balance of minerals and vitamins that come from the Earth.
Nutrients from non-salty fruits and vegetables – like pineapples, and bananas – are an excellent choice.
They tend to eat once per day, – depending on the size of the meal – but no more than twice. The amount that they eat should surpass no more than ½ to 1 cup of dry food for mixed pups, and 1- 2 cups for adults, once again, depending on the size of the meal.
Are Shiba Inu Labrador Mixes Protective?
Indeed they are. In all honesty, this mix of dog has no choice but to be protective of their caregivers, considering the fact that it’s embedded in their DNA, and thus, their personality.
With respect to its parents, Shiba Inus are very protective over the ones that care for them, and are not afraid to be bold and aggressive with any challenger.
Labradors are not as aggressive, but will definitely stand up for their owners when necessary due to the fact that Labradors emotionally connect quickly to their caretakers.
Now by protective, I mean “guarding”; Shibadors are known to guard their caregivers, and retreat into a strong stance in order to intimidate their opponent, and keep their owner and family safe and sound.
How Much Does A Shiba Inu Labrador Mix Cost?
The cost of a Shiba Inu Labrador Mix honestly is adequate considering their parent breeds; also, it’s best to know that puppies are usually more affordable than adults.
A Shiba Inu Labrador Mix puppy can cost anywhere between 300 and 800 dollars, and depends on the breeder, location, and health of the puppy. Adult Shiba Inu Labrador mixes are more costly, ranging anywhere from 1,200 to 2,200 dollars.
This is because of the innate skills that they possess that could be very beneficial to you, in addition to their breeder and the overall health of the dog.
If the adult dog has some health issue, or isn’t up to the standard of other Shibadors, then the cost could drop a few hundred dollars; but you’ll still be pulling out your wallet if you want to purchase this eclectic breed of dog.
Is A Shiba Inu Labrador Mix Good For Me?
It depends on what you want from a dog. If you are looking for a friendly companion that will be kind, sweet, fun, playful, and hold little-to-know assertion in them, then no, a Shiba Inu Labrador mix is not the right dog for you.
However, if you are looking for a potential guard dog that can also be a great companion to you and your family – and don’t mind ongoing shedding – then yes, a Shiba Inu Labrador mix will be good for you!
These dogs are known to be protective and usually on high alert; but Shibadors also have the capacity to be loving, caring, and righteous when they are groomed, trained, and loved by a supportive and strong caregiver.
Best Climate for Shiba Inu Labrador Mix
Climate is a huge matter for Shiba Inu Labrador mixes.
Due to their Shiba Inu side, and the potentially thick double coat the Shibador would have inherited from the Shiba, they are not a big fan of temperatures that are too hot – which would be anywhere between 77 and 85 degrees.
Now Labradors do pretty well in hotter than usual climates, and are used tropical temperatures; but too much heat will still be a problem for the Shibador.
So with this information provided, the best climate for a Shiba Inu Labrador mix will range between cool and warm temperatures between 74 and 77 degrees. This is an optimal temperature for them to thrive under those fluffy double-layered coats.
The Attention That A Shiba Labrador Mix Needs
Shibadors are actually a pretty even-balanced dog, and require an adequate amount of attention, but when it’s due. Most Labrador dogs love attention!
They revel in the worship that they receive from their caretakers, and are very prone to wanting more and more whenever they can get it!
On the other hand, Shiba Inus are more likely to take to themselves most of the time, and interact with their caretakers when necessary, or when they simply want attention. With that being said, Shibadors require a basic-to-medium level of attention.
They are not looking for physical interaction 24/7, however, they do enjoy functional movements like playing, running, and even a little rumble-and-tumble play.
Compatibility With Kids
Shiba Labrador Mixes do fairly well with kids. If your child is about 7 or older, then their body size will be perfect for playing around with the Shibador, because they would virtually be the same size.
However, if you have a toddler or young child under 6, the size of the Shibador can be a bit challenging considering that the dog would be bigger than the child. Regardless of size, Shibadors can be quite curious when it comes to kids due to their youth spirits and smiles.
The dog will also be more prone to protect the kid, as well as play with them for a long time. In time, Shibadors do an adequate job at cultivating and maintaining a good relationship with kids.
Compatibility With Other Animals
Although the Shiba Inu breed has an assertive demeanor, Shibadors take a bit more towards their Labrador parts and tend to do O.K. with other animals; the most important part to remember is the fact that Shibadors still need to be socialized properly.
Their internal aggressiveness will always be a part of them, and will be difficult to get rid of; but their Labrador side dims it a bit, and makes socializing this mixed breed with other animals a little easier.
Shibadors have a decent capacity to learn to cordially with other dogs, and even cats; however, they still take pride in wanting their own space.
Socializing with other animals may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but with slow and efficient introduction, along with assisting with the inter-connection between the animals, a Shiba Inu Labrador mix can be quite compatible with other breeds.
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Mike is the Founder of Familylifeshare. Mike is well-knowledged in marriage, parenting, dogs, blogging and committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise with his readers. Know more about Mike from here.
