The Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix combines two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. The Shiba Inu is among the most popular breed in Japan with a long history in the country. The Pit Bull, while being misunderstood by many and wrongly feared, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Despite both breeds popularity, the mix of these two dogs is rare nowadays; so much so that it is thought this mixed breed came to be from an accidental mating.
A Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix takes the independent nature and hunt dog instincts of the Shiba Inu and the physical strength and goofy personality of the Pit Bull to make a unique and intense dog. Given the personality differences between a Shiba Inu (aloof and independent) and the Pit Bull (loving and goofy), it is hard to predict for all mixes how their personality will turn out. If you’re lucky, though, you could get mix where the characteristics balance each other out: an active dog who is very loving but knows how to give others their space.
If you are thinking that this unique, energetic, and cute (did we mention cute?) mixed breed is right for you, then keep reading. Below is all the information you need to know before buying a Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix. If you have questions about diet, exercise, or personality, then we have the answer for you.
- Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
- Lifespan
- Grooming Needs
- Temperament
- Exercise Needs
- Health Risks
- Feeding
- Are ShibaInu Pit Bull Mixes Protective?
- How Much Does a Shiba Inu Pit Bull Mix Cost?
- Is a ShibaInu Pit Bull Mix Right for Me?
- Best Climate for a Shiba Inu Pit Bull Mix
- The Attention a Shiba Inu Pit Bull Mix Needs
- Compatibility with Kids
- Compatibility with Other Animals
Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
A pure bred Shiba Inu is a shorter dog with longer hair. A pure bred Pit Bull is a taller, muscular dog with very short hair. The mix of these two breeds will produce a dog that is slightly shorter than the Pit Bull, usually between fifteen to eighteen inches tall at the shoulders, hair longer than a Pit Bull’s but not quite as long as a Shiba Inu’s, and with the musculature of a Pit Bull, usually weighing between twenty to forty-five pounds.
Both Shiba Inus and Pit Bulls have unique, perked up ears, a trait that the mix inherits as well. The eye shape of both breeds are pretty similar and will give the face of the Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix sharp facial features.
Picture a slim Pit Bull face covered in fluffy fur slightly shorter than the Shiba Inu’s. All in all, these characteristics make for a cute puppy who is sure to grow into a beautiful dog.
Lifespan
The lifespan of the Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix is around twelve to fourteen years. Both Shiba Inus and Pit Bulls are fairly healthy breeds and tend to have little to no health problems throughout their lives. Fortunately, this is a trait passed down to their mixed offspring.
Depending on health issues, your Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix will live a long and happy life. The best way to ensure this for your pet is to consult your veterinarian and assess your dog’s health and future risks.
Grooming Needs
The coat of the Shiba Inu Bull mix , as mentioned above, lands lengthwise halfway between the Shiba Inu and the Pit Bull. It does not have close cropped hair like the Pit Bull but its hair does not quite match the length of the Shiba Inu. Its coat will most likely shed only once or twice a year.
The Shiba Inu Pit Bull ’s grooming needs are not too extensive. Since it has short hair, a weekly brushing is all it takes to prevent and untangle knots and matting. Make sure the teeth on your brush or comb are not too long so you do not scratch your dog’s skin.
You can bathe a Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix as need be. Whenever your pet seems to be a bit dirty or smelly, use dog shampoo and give their coat a nice lather and they will be clean and fragrant in no time.
Temperament
The temperament of this mixed breed is still an object of curiosity for many dog breeders. Since this is a rare mix, there are not many examples to base an answer on. However, we do have the unique personalities of their genetic ancestors to use as a framework.
The Shiba Inu is known for being a rather independent and aloof dog. Its breeding provides it with the wherewithal to and want for more independent and alone time, a need/want it is willing to express to anyone who infringes upon it. Many people see this as aggressiveness. On the contrary, it is simply a trait of a dog who knows what it wants.
The Pit Bull is known for being a very jolly and goofy dog. Perhaps the most well-known trait of the Pit Bull is their wide, happy smile. They are very social and love to cuddle and play with anyone and everyone. With proper socialization in early years, Pit Bulls also prove to be some of the best family dogs out there.
If all is perfect, and these traits balanced each other out, then we could expect the Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix to be the best of both worlds: a dog who loves to play and cuddle but does not infringe too much on your personal space.
Imagine gentle cuddles that were not initiated by your dog jumping on your sofa and all over you as you try to relax. In terms of training, the Pit Bull’s need to please mixed with the Shiba Inu’s intelligence will make for a highly trainable dog who will easily follow commands.
Finally, like their unique genetic ancestors, the Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix will possess a knack for physical activity. To form a bond with and please your pet, you will need to play with it and engage in activities, or at least cuddle and pet it daily.
Exercise Needs
The Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix is an athletic dog. It inherits the muscles of the Pit Bull and the hunt dog instinct of the Shiba Inu. Although the Shiba Inu is not known to be particularly over-the-top energetic, your mix will have the rambunctious energy of the Pit Bull making it want to play and run around on a daily basis.
It is best to take your Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix for a walk, or at least run around a fenced in yard, daily, especially when it is younger. As your pet grows older, it won’t need daily exercise as much, though it is still a good idea to give it ample space outside to run and play.
Health Risks
Fortunately, Shiba Inus and Pit Bulls are both healthy breeds; both enjoying an average lifespan of between twelve and fourteen years. However, there are some common health problems you can expect your Shiba Inu mix to have.
Both Pit Bulls and Shiba Inus have a tendency to develop health issues with their eyes. This risk increases as they age, so be aware of this in your mix. Another thing these two breeds share in common is sensitivity to certain foods and seasonal allergies. Be aware of your pet’s specific food allergies and their tendency for allergies.
Joint problems are common in Pit Bulls, specifically hip dysplasia. However, Shiba Inus are known to have rather healthy joints. Ideally, the Shiba Inus strong joints will genetically overpower the Pit Bull’s tendency for injury.
However, this risk varies depending on the dog. The best way to gain a clear picture of your pet’s individual health risks is to talk with your veterinarian.
Feeding
Since both Shiba Inus and Pit Bulls are prone to food allergies, this makes the Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix just as susceptible. To avoid any problems, it is best to feed your mix a premium, grain-free dry dog food.
It is not recommended to feed this breed from the table as their food allergy can act up if they eat the wrong thing, though a treat every now and then won’t hurt.
It is recommended to feed your dog between one and one and a half cups of dog food per day. Scheduling is an important facet of feeding, so be sure to space out the meal times throughout the day. You can do half of the amount in the morning and half at night, a third of the amount each at breakfast, lunch and dinner times, or a quarter cup spread out six times throughout the day.
The best way to know when and how much to feed your Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix is to, again, consult your veterinarian. Each dog is different and will need slightly different care.
Are ShibaInu Pit Bull Mixes Protective?
Shiba Inus were bred to have the instinct of a hunt dog. Although they have become one of the most popular companion dogs today, their protective instinct still remains; one of the reasons they can come off as aloof to strangers. They are naturally wary of anything new or strange.
Balance that with the lovable and goofy friendliness of the pitbull, and you have a dog who knows how to make friends but still maintains that protective instinct. When your mix gets used to you and its new family, it will protect well. It will also still be amicable with strangers, though not as much as the average Pit Bull.
How Much Does a Shiba Inu Pit Bull Mix Cost?
Both the Pit Bull and Shiba Inu are quite popular dogs. The demand for these breeds has driven the price up to the higher end of the price range. Both breeds sell for between $800 and $2,300 USD. Given that the Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix is a rarer breed, the price for this mix is sure to be in the high end of this range, if not higher.
To ensure you are buying from a reputable breeder, do your research first. Check their website and reviews online. If they have many puppies for sale online, chances are they value quality over treatment and practice coercive breeding methods.
Is a ShibaInu Pit Bull Mix Right for Me?
The Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix is a special breed. It possesses the brawn and good looks of the Pit Bull and the quirky cuteness of the Shiba Inu, making for a dashingly beautiful pet. It contains the best of both personality worlds: a goofy friendly dog who protects what it loves. It also has minimal risk for health problems, apart from the inevitable that comes with old age.
The only downside seems to be the price tag. The rarity of this mixed breed makes its price tag rather large. If you can afford to, this dog is, in our opinion, worth the buy.
Best Climate for a Shiba Inu Pit Bull Mix
The Shiba Inu was bred to weather the cold climate and mountainous terrain of Northern Japan. The Pit Bull, with its short hair, first hailed from England and is more used to a temperate climate.
The Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix, inheriting a shorter coat, is best suited for a temperature more similar to that of England, or the Midwest of the U.S. Its shorter coat makes it more able to acclimatize to warmer climate, more so than its Shiba Inu predecessors, but nothing as cold as what those Northern Japanese dogs handle.
The Attention a Shiba Inu Pit Bull Mix Needs
The Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix is a very social dog. Although the Shiba Inu side of it is known for being aloof, the opposite can be said of its behavior towards people it knows. On the other hand, the Pit Bull is ready and more than willing to play with anyone it meets.
This makes for a dog who craves positive attention and interaction, especially from its owner. You should take time each day, at least half an hour, to play and engage in activities with your pet. At the very least, take time to pet and cuddle with it.
Compatibility with Kids
Pit Bulls, when properly socialized at a young age, are some of the best family dogs in the world. Their bad reputation comes from the poor and unfortunate treatment they often receive at birth.
Their original purpose as bull baiters in the past transitioned to their wide use in dog fighting and other violent sports. Anyone, when put in a similar scenario, would have problems relating with others. Dogs are no different.
The Shiba Inu Pit Bull, possessing the happy nature of the Pit Bull and the protective instinct of the Shiba Inu, makes a great companion for children. It will love to run and play with kids for as long as it can, more likely until it tires the little tyke out.
At the same time, you can rest assured that it will be keeping a watchful eye on your child, looking closely for anything strange which might be dangerous.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Shiba Inu Pit Bull mix’s compatability with other animals depends entirely on its socialization. If trained and taught to interact in the proper way with other animals, your pet can get along splendidly with any animal. It’s just a matter of investing the money and time into properly training your dog.
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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.
