Shiba Inu Chow Mix: Health, Care, and Feeding

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Funny photo of the Shiba Inu dog in a pilot suit at the airport
Credit: pexels.com, Funny photo of the Shiba Inu dog in a pilot suit at the airport

The Shiba Inu Chow Mix is a unique and lovable breed that requires special care and attention. They are prone to eye problems, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A weekly brushing session can help keep their coat healthy and prevent shedding.

Shiba Inu Chow Mixes can be quite energetic, but they also need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, whether it's a walk or a play session.

Their diet should consist of high-quality dog food that's tailored to their specific needs. Look for food that's rich in protein and low in carbs to keep them healthy and energized.

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Physical Characteristics

A Shiba Inu Chow mix is a sturdy, strong dog with a particularly thick double coat to contend with.

Their coat color can range between red, black, fawn, blue, and dark brown, making each dog unique in its own way.

Expand your knowledge: Shiba Inu Coat

Credit: youtube.com, Banshee A711439 11 Month Old Male Shiba Inu Chow Chow Mix

Expect a lot of shedding from your Shiba Inu Chow mix, as they will "blow" or lose their soft undercoats twice a year, requiring extra grooming and vacuuming.

Their coat length can vary between medium to medium-long, and can be particularly dense around their neck area, giving them a distinctive appearance.

A typical Shiba Inu Chow Mix weighs between 35 - 50 pounds and has a height between 14 - 17 inches, making them a compact and agile breed.

Some Shiba Inu Chow mixes may inherit the unique characteristic of a purple / black tongue, a trait found in Chow Chows, one of the ancient dog breeds that make up this mix.

Health and Care

The Shiba Inu Chow Mix is a relatively healthy dog, thanks to its ancient lineage and minimal tampering with breeding. Both the Shiba Inu and Chow Chow have few serious health issues as a whole.

The Shiba Chow's thick and plush coat requires consistent grooming care to prevent matting and tangling. Fleas can be a problem with this breed, so preventative flea treatment should always be used.

Credit: youtube.com, A5159861 Hailey Chow Chow/Shiba Inu

Health issues to be on the lookout for in Shiba Chow's include hip dysplasia, auto-immune diseases, entropion, glaucoma / cataracts, and skin melanoma.

To keep your Shiba Inu Chow Mix clean, be prepared to brush them a few times a week, as they are a more aggressive shedding dog due to the Chow Chow. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

A tired dog is a good dog, so plan on taking your Shiba Inu Chow Mix for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive.

Health

The health of your Shiba Inu Chow Mix is a top priority. Both the Shiba Inu and Chow Chow have few serious health issues, likely due to their ancient breeding history.

Regular grooming is a must for this breed, with a thick and plush coat that's prone to fleas. Preventative flea treatment is a good idea to keep them at bay.

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Woman with Shiba Inu in park
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You should be on the lookout for some potential health issues in your Shiba Chow, including hip dysplasia, auto-immune diseases, entropion, glaucoma / cataracts, and skin melanoma.

A reputable breeder should offer a health guarantee on their puppies, and be honest about any health problems in the breed. Health clearances can prove that a dog has been tested and cleared of certain conditions.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of in your Shiba Chow:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Auto-immune diseases
  • Entropion
  • Glaucoma / cataracts
  • Skin melanoma

Care

This dog will require regular brushing to manage their aggressive shedding, so be prepared to brush them a few times a week.

To keep your floors clean, invest in a good vacuum, as this dog will shed heavily. Give them baths as needed, but be careful not to dry out their skin.

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down and prevent destructive behavior. A tired dog is a happy dog, after all.

Woman Sitting and Hugging Shiba Inu Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Woman Sitting and Hugging Shiba Inu Dog

This dog is intelligent, but can be challenging to train due to their desire to take the alpha position. They'll need someone with a firm, strong hand to guide them.

Break training sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher and prevent frustration. Positive reinforcement is key, so be sure to praise them when they do well.

Proper socialization is crucial, so take them to the park and doggy daycare to expose them to many people and dogs.

Feeding and Cost

Feeding a Shiba Inu Chow Mix requires careful consideration, as they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Overfeeding can exacerbate these health problems.

Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight, so it's essential to monitor your Shiba Inu Chow Mix's diet closely. A mix like this one should be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.

Shiba Inu mixes can be available for adoption with low or zero adoption fees, making them a great option for those looking to bring a new furry friend into their family.

Feeding

Woman Taking Selfie with Shiba Inu
Credit: pexels.com, Woman Taking Selfie with Shiba Inu

Feeding your Shiba Inu Chow Chow Mix is crucial to prevent health problems. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight, so it's essential to keep an eye on their diet.

Overfeeding any dog can exacerbate health issues like elbow and hip dysplasia, which is a concern for this mix. A mix prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.

A balanced diet will help prevent weight gain and related health issues.

Cost

Shiba Inu mixes are available for adoption with low or zero adoption fees, making them a more affordable option.

Purposely bred "designer dogs" can cost the same or more as purebred Shiba Inus, mainly due to their popularity factor.

Many designer dog breeders breed for pure profit, resulting in puppies with a high cost and low health.

The majority of designer dogs are more for novelty than true need.

Credit: youtube.com, TOP 9 ALTERNATIVE FEED INGREDIENTS TO SAVE COST | STOP WASTING MONEY BUYING EXPENSIVE INGREDIENTS

Staying away from designer dog breeders and looking into rescue is a great way to find a new companion while also avoiding unnecessary suffering.

Unfortunately, overpopulation, puppy mills, and backyard breeders all contribute to this unnecessary suffering.

Shiba Inu mixes are often healthier than their purebred counterparts due to their diverse genetics.

Check this out: Shiba Inu Breeders in Tx

Characteristics

A Shiba Inu Chow mix is a dog that needs an experienced and confident owner. This dog breed is intelligent but needs firm handling to deal with its inherently stubborn nature.

They are serious dogs that don't particularly enjoy play. Some may not be especially keen to walking either.

Being an ancient dog breed mix, dominance and aggression can be a serious issue with this breed. In most cases, this dog would not be recommended for a multi-dog household or in a household with young children.

Regular exercise is a must, whether they like it or not. They may not be affectionate and cuddly, but their love and dedication to their family will be expressed on their own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chow chow and Shiba Inu related?

The Shiba Inu is related to ancient Asian breeds, including the Chow Chow, and shares a common ancestry with other Spitz-type dogs. While they share a common heritage, the Shiba Inu is a distinct breed with its own unique characteristics and history.

What is an Akita and Chow mix called?

The Akita and Chow mix is commonly known as a Chakita. This unique hybrid breed combines the characteristics of both parent breeds.

What is a Shiba Inu mixed with?

A Shiba Inu can be mixed with various breeds, including the Siberian Husky, Welsh Corgi, and German Shepherd, creating unique and intriguing hybrid dogs. Discover the characteristics and traits of these Shiba Inu mixes and learn what makes them special.

How big do Shiba Inu puppies get?

Shiba Inu puppies grow rapidly between 3-7 months, reaching their full height of 13.5-16.5 inches and adult weight of 17-23 pounds by around 1 year.

Natasha Daniel

Senior Copy Editor

Natasha Daniel is a detail-oriented and passionate copy editor with a keen eye for language and a love for animals. With a background in linguistics and a lifelong passion for dogs, Natasha has honed her skills in crafting engaging and accurate content for pet enthusiasts. As a seasoned editor, Natasha has had the pleasure of working on a diverse range of topics, including articles about the beloved Boston Terrier breed, the broader world of Terriers, and the unique characteristics of dog breeds originating in the United States.

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