Petchao.com is supported by readers, and when you buy something we recommend, we may get an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Read more here.
If you are eager to learn about Akita Shiba mix dogs, this article is for you. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about this new breed. Read on to find out all traits and facts about them!
What is Akita Shiba Inu mix?
Akita Shiba Inu mix is the dog that crosses between two national dog breeds of Japan, Akita and Shiba Inu.
The Akita is a large dog breed originating from the northern Japanese mountains. There are two different Akita dog types: Japanese Akita (Akita Inu) and American Akita.
The Shiba Inu is a small-to-medium hunting dog breed. They are the smallest of Japan’s six national dog breeds including the Shiba Inu, Kishu Ken, Hokkaido Ken, Shikoku Ken, Kai Ken, and Akita Inu.
Akita Shiba Inu mix size

A Shiba Inu mixed with an Akita will weigh between 30 and 45 pounds at maturity. But they may be slightly smaller or larger depending on their heritage.
Akita and Shiba Inu mix appearance
Both parents’ breeds come from the beautiful Spitz family and have a wolf-like beauty and intelligent, alert expression. So Akita and Shiba Inu mix have almond-shaped eyes, erect ears, thick and luxurious coats, a delightfully curling tail, and a strong body.
Shiba Inu Akita mix lifespan
These dogs will likely live a happy 10 to 12 years, sometimes longer. Three main factors affect the longevity of Shiba Inu Akita mix dogs includes:
- One is the genetic information they inherit from their parents.
- The second is events that happen to them during their life such as illnesses, injuries, and accidents.
- The third thing is their nutrition and lifestyle.
Fortunately, with the proper care, immense love, and a little luck, our furry friends could live into their teens and be with us for many years to come.
Akita Shiba Inu mix personality

If you want to adopt Akita Shiba Inu mix puppies into your house, you need to understand their personality.
Akita Shiba Inu mix will have traits from both parents: incredibly loyal, devoted to their owner, and not always friendly with strangers.
They prefer being the only dog in the house, carrying toys and household items around, and spending all day with you.
Their prey drive instincts are strong because both their parents were hunting dogs. If you’re planning to keep the Akita Shiba around other animals, you should be careful, introduce them gradually and give them time to get used to it.
Related post: 10 Surprise Facts About Akita Temperament
Akita mixed with Shiba health
The Akita mixed with Shiba dogs are prone to the same health issues as their parents including hip dysplasia and eye problems.
In order to spot any health issues in your Akita Shiba mix as soon as possible, it’s crucial to schedule regular veterinary checkups. Your veterinarian can help you establish a routine that keeps your dog healthy.
But the best way you can do to support their health is to spend time with them and offer them a healthy diet and adequate exercise.
Akita and Shiba Inu mix exercise

Akita and Shiba Inu mix is not a dog breed that requires little exercise due to their high energy and playfulness.
It means that you will need to give them exercise every day! They prefer fast walking, so spend at least 30 minutes per day doing that to keep them happy and healthy.
Because of their loyalty to you and your family, Akita Shibas can sometimes get too defensive, so it is best to keep them away from other people and animals, especially same-sex dogs.
This breed is best suited for people with large backyards and open spaces where they can run around as they get bored easily when stuck indoors.
Training & socializing

Akita Shiba mix is stubborn and independent. Training them is not easy, especially at the beginning. But with consistency and a positive training method, this is 100% possible.
Using high value and rewards to keep them motivated, convince your dog that it is always better to listen to you. Make sure training is fun enough. They need to learn to follow your commands consistently and accurately until it becomes their habit.
Due to their short attention spans, training should be divided into 10-minute segments throughout the day rather than being done in one long session.
In addition, socializing the Akita Shiba mix puppies from an early age is a must to help soften the edge of their wariness. A well-socialized dog tends to be less aggressive and more friendly.
Whatever your dog’s breed is, training is a must if you want to eliminate bad behavior and create the obedient, well-behaved dog of your dreams. You can choose suitable online classes from these 20 reputable SpiritDog Training courses to learn how to “successfully” train your canine using science-based positive methods, or grab the free guide below.
Akita Shiba Inu mix grooming

Those soft, luscious thick coats are a delight to cuddle, but they shed quite a bit. Regular brushing is required to stop excessive malting. To keep your dog clean and comfortable, you should bathe them once a month.
Brush their teeth at least once a week to maintain good dental health. Also, trim their nails once you hear the clicking sounds on the floor.
To prevent infection, don’t forget to check and clean your dog’s ears. A good rule of thumb is to check their ears once a week and clean them every 1 to 2 months.
List of dog grooming guides:
Nutrition & feeding

When it comes to their diet, you’ll need to provide them with meals that match their high energy as much as possible. Give your dog a balanced diet with dog-suitable foods. Avoid this!
You should choose high-quality foods that don’t have a bunch of fillers. It may be more expensive than other options but will give our furry friends all nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Also, their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years.
FAQs
What is a good mix for Shiba Inu?
The 7 popular Shiba Inu mix you’ll love:
- Shiba Inu Corgi mix
- Shiba Border Collie mix
- Shiba Inu Husky mix
- Shiba German Shepherd mix
- Shiba Chihuahua mix
- Shiba Golden Retriever mix
- Shiba Alaskan Malamute mix
Are Akitas related to Shiba Inu?

No, Akitas and Shibas are not related. Outside of their homeland Japan, they are often misunderstood as siblings, but they are two distinct breeds. One is ancient, and the other is relatively new.
You may like this article: Japanese Akita vs Shiba Inu Comparison (14 Facts)
Conclusion
Akita Shiba Inu mix is a cross between Akita and Shiba Inu breeds. They are loyal, independent, and devoted to their owners but wary of strangers. Their personality makes them excellent guard dogs and willing to protect you at any price.
And before you leave, check out our best new puppy resource for new dog parents below ⇓

Readers also liked: