Designer dogs like the Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix have become quite popular in the last ten years. Many love their affectionate, confident, and aloof nature.
It’s important to note that while designer dogs are considered cool, oftentimes, they’re bred by unreputable and unethical breeders or are the product of puppy mills.
Whether you’re thinking about getting a Shiba Chihuahua Mix or a Shiba Inu Lab Mix, you’ll want to learn more about them first and understand their common health issues, exercise and grooming requirements, dietary needs, and ideal living conditions. You’ll also want to find a responsible breeder. Fortunately, we’ve provided a list of ethical breeders you can reach out to later in this guide.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix: Breed overview
| Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix info | |
| Other Names | Shibachi, Shiba Chi, Shi Chi |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 8 – 12 pounds |
| Height | 9 – 12 inches |
| Coat Colors | Tan, White, Black, Red |
| Child Friendliness | Moderate |
| Canine Friendliness | Low – Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 – 18 years |
| Puppy Costs | $1,000 – $2,500 |
What is a Shiba Inu and Chihuahua Mix?
A Chihuahua Mix Shiba Inu is a cross between one of Japanâs beloved dogs, the Shiba Inu, and a national symbol of Mexico, the Chihuahua. The designer breed is sometimes referred to by its nickname Shiba Chi.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix: Parent breeds
The Shibachi is a mix of two very different breeds in terms of appearance and temperament. Being designer dogs, their looks and personality will vary from each dog. To know about how your Shiba Chi will turn out, it is useful to learn about each of his parentâs characteristics.
The Shiba Inu is a medium-sized, intelligent dog that is mainly bred to hunt and retrieve games. They have a high prey drive and exhibit great agility and athleticism. They have a thick double coat that is suitable for colder climates and presents with a wolf-like appearance.
The Chihuahua, on the other hand, is one of the smallest breeds of dogs. They are mainly bred to be lap dogs and companion animals. While being diminutive in size, they have quite a feisty personality that can bark at strangers ceaselessly. Chihuahuas have full and round eyes, large and upright ears, a rounded and domed skull, and a short and pointed muzzle.
Check out: Shiba Inu Poodle Mix (Poo Shi Complete Guide)
Shiba Inu history
The Shiba Inu is an ancient breed from Japan that was utilized to hunt and retrieve game birds or rabbits. Their number diminished greatly during the early part of the 20th century due to years of war, food shortages, and disease.
After the Second World War, initiatives were started by some breeders to revive their population by crossbreeding them with the surviving bloodlines of other Japanese dog breeds, namely, the Sanâin, the Shinshu, and the Mino.
RECOMMENDED: Shiba Inu & German Shepherd Mix (Complete Guide)
Chihuahua history
The Chihuahua descended from the ancient dog breed Techichi, which is a diminutive, mute breed kept as companion animals by the Toltec people of ancient Mexico during the 9th century.
The Techichi was believed to be later crossed with the hairless Xoloitzcuintli. The famous Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes, first wrote about the Chihuahua during the 16th century when he noticed quite a number of the Aztec people owning the breed.
It became known to dog lovers in the United States in the late 1800s and was finally registered in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.
You may like: Fat Chihuahua (How To Slim Down An Obese Chihuahua)
Shiba Inu vs Chihuahua
The main difference between Shiba Inu and Chihuahua is that Shiba Inu is a fairly active dog that needs lots of physical activity to keep them satisfied while Chihuahua is a small breed that is more of a lap dog that doesnât require much exercise.
Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahua physical appearance
Chihuahua Shiba Inu is a small mixed breed whose appearance will vary depending on whose parent has more dominant genes.
Typically, the fox-like appearance of the Shiba Inu will be muted by the short muzzle of the Chihuahua.
Their eyes are usually full and round, and their ears are erect and large. The body would resemble more a Shiba Inu which is slightly muscled and has a tail that is thick and long.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix size, height, and weight
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix breed size falls somewhere between the Shiba Inu and the Chihuahua. Being small dogs, the size of the male and the female does not differ much. The Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix puppies will reach their full size by one year of age.
Below is an estimate of their growth chart.
| Age | Weight | Height |
| 3 months | 3 – 5 pounds | 3 – 5 inches |
| 6 months | 5 – 7 pounds | 6 – 8 inches |
| 9 months | 7 – 10 pounds | 8 – 10 inches |
| 12 months | 8 – 12 pounds | 10 – 12 inches |
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix coat colors and types
Shiba Chihuahua has a double coat that can either be short or medium in length.
Coat colors can vary a lot since the Chihuahua comes in different colors that can be of one solid color or a combination of two. The distinctive white Urajiro marking on the Shiba Inu can be exhibited by some Shiba Chi particularly on the cheeks, sides of the mouth, ears, neck, and chest.
Possible coat colors for the Shiba Chi can be determined by listing the coat colors of his parents.
Shiba Inu
- Red.
- Black and Tan.
- Cream.
- Sesame.
RECOMMENDED: White Shiba Inu (Complete Guide)
Chihuahua
- Black.
- Chocolate.
- Red.
- Fawn.
- Cream.
- Blue.
- White.
Black Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix black will have predominantly black fur on his body that can have white markings on the face, chest, and feet.
Black and tan Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
Black and Tan Shiba Chi have black fur on the body with white markings on the cheeks, face, chest, and feet. Tan markings are found between the black and white areas, particularly on the eyebrows, side of the muzzle, and feet.
White Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix white have white or light-colored fur on the body. There could be very light tan markings on the body as well.
RELATED: White Chihuahua (Complete Guide)
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix personality
Shiba Inu Mix Chihuahua is a confident and independent breed that shows fierce loyalty to his family. He has a tendency to act like a big dog just like a Chihuahua and can cause quite a storm with his barking.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix temperament
Shiba Chis are affectionate and loyal to their family but can be aloof and sometimes aggressive to strangers. Adult supervision is advised when small children are playing with this breed to avoid any accidents.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix characteristics
Shiba Chi characteristics can vary since their parents have very different attitudes. Shiba Inu has a high prey drive and are prone to chase smaller animals while Chihuahuas are more satisfied being the center of attention within the family and as lap dogs.
You can expect your Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix to be confident and loyal, but moderately calm and independent.
Do Shiba Inu Mix with Chihuahua make a great family pet?
Yes, the Shiba Inu Mix with Chihuahua is a good family dog that will get along with most older children provided that the dog has been well socialized at a young age.
Shiba Inu Mixed with Chihuahua are playful just like the Chihuahuas and love the attention they get from the family. They usually form a strong bond with one member of the family but can possibly show great sociability with others as well.
Are Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix breeds yappy?
It is possible that your Shiba Chi can be yappy especially if they inherit more of the Chihuahua personality.
Chihuahuas have the reputation for barking endlessly with their high-pitched voice and snapping at people who they find threatening.
You may be interested in: Do Chihuahuas Bark A Lot? 8 Helpful Reasons
Shiba Inus, on the other hand, only bark when they hear something out of the ordinary. Most likely, your Shiba Chi mixed breed will have an even-tempered behavior when it comes to barking.
Shiba Chihuahua Mix training
The Shiba Chihuahua Mix should be trained early and with consistency. They have a tendency to be stubborn which both parents are known for.
You may also like: How to Crate Train A Puppy in 6 Steps
Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix exercise requirement
Moderate physical activity such as walking around the park is good enough for this mixed dog breed.
If you have a backyard and allow your canine friends to roam freely in your yard during the day, make sure it is fully fenced to avoid any escape and to keep your furry friends safe.
Some towns or counties may have zoning rules and regulations that prohibit the installation of physical fences. If you’re in this situation, you’ll want to invest in a wireless dog fence to keep your dogs safe.
Many owners actually prefer the invisible doggy fence because it is flexible and works in all types of terrains. So whether you live on a mountain, a hill, or a flat grassland, the wireless dog fence will help to keep your pups safe.
Dog owners love the invisible dog fence because they can still enjoy the beautiful and scenic mountain view, all the while keeping their K9 friends safe and sound.
Chihuahua and Shiba Inu Mix living conditions
Shiba Chi is suitable for small apartment living because of his size. He prefers being indoors most of the time and does not require strenuous activities to keep him happy. If your Shiba Inu and Chihuahua Mix do enjoy being outdoors for a few hours during the day, we highly recommend that you install an electronic dog door that will allow him to leave or enter the house on his own.
What’s great about the electronic dog door is that it is programmable so your pups can play outside and enjoy the sun and fresh air during the day while staying safe indoors at night.
His tolerance for warm or cold climates depends on whether he is double-coated or not. Chihuahua and Shiba Inu Mix that inherit the thick coat and medium-length coat of the Shiba Inu are more suitable for cooler climates, while short-haired and single-coated Shiba Chis will tolerate warmer regions better.
Shiba Inu and Chihuahua Mix grooming and cleaning
Fortunately, grooming and cleaning a Shiba Inu and Chihuahua Mix is fairly easy.
Brushing his coat about three times a week is good enough to avoid coat matting especially if he inherited the coat of his Shiba Inu parent. Brushing with either a slicker brush or a de-shedding brush can also help to distribute natural oil throughout your pup’s body.
When it comes to trimming his nails, you’ll want to trim his nails as soon as you see his nails starting to curl over his paws. You can either use a dog nail grinder or a clipper. Most owners and their dogs prefer the dog nail grinder because it features whisper-quiet motors and a precision diamond drum bit grinder.
Also, donât take for granted his oral health to avoid dental diseases or periodontal disease. It’s a good idea to brush his teeth using a dog toothpaste that contains an enzymatic formula with a non-foaming agent for fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums.
The non-foaming agent in the doggy toothpaste ensures that it is safe for your furry friends to swallow and without the need to rinse.
Lastly, you’ll want to bathe your Shiba Inu and Chihuahua Mix at least once a month or whenever their coat gets dirty and smelly from playing in the mud or after a long hike.
Remember to use a dog shampoo that not only cleanses the skin and coat but also keeps them moisturized, healthy, and smelling fresh.
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Hair Brushing | Three to four times a week. |
| Bathing | Once a month. |
| Nail Trimming | As needed. |
| Teeth Brushing | Three to four times a week. |
Do Shiba Chi shed?
Yes, Shiba Chi do shed. That’s because both the Shiba Inus and the Chihuahuas are moderate shedders, so it follows that a Shiba Chi offspring will also inherit this shedding of coat characteristic.
Is Chihuahua Shiba Mix hypoallergenic?
No, a Chihuahua Shiba Mix is not a hypoallergenic dog. Aside from being moderate shedders, their saliva and dander can also trigger allergic reactions in people that are sensitive to canine allergies.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua food and diet
You would not need to spend too much on food as a Shiba Inu Chihuahua only needs an average of ½ cup of food a day. When it comes to dog food, always opt for high-quality dog food that is AAFCO-approved (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
Read next: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix health issues
A Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is a healthy dog but he can still have some health issues later in his life. We all know how costly veterinary expenses are but if you’re aware of the symptoms in advance, this can lessen the chance of the disease from getting worse, and hopefully reduce the medical expenses.
One sure way to determine the inherited health issues is by performing an at-home dog DNA test. What’s great about the Embark Dog DNA test is that it features both breed identification in addition to health detection. So if you’re not certain of your pup’s exact breed percentage, this doggy DNA test will be very helpful.
Here are the five (5) health problems that a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix can inherit:
Dental Problems
A Chihuahua Shiba Inu is prone to periodontal diseases like loss of teeth and swollen gums. The common signs to look for are gum bleeding and hesitancy to eat.
Eye Problems
Two of the inheritable eye problems are cataracts and glaucoma. Both of these problems may lead to loss of vision.
Signs of cataracts include cloudy or graying eye lenses while for glaucoma, a bulging eye and watery eye discharge are the common signs.
Read also: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
Hypoglycemia
Chihuahuas are prone to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar which can also be a symptom of diabetes. Weakness and drowsiness are the usual symptoms.
Luxating Patella
A hereditary disease wherein the kneecap is dislocated, moving out of its normal position. The signs are limping and walking stiffly.
Molera
Molera happens when the small opening in a pupâs skull fails to fuse, though molera is not life-threatening it predisposes dogs to brain injury. Molera is commonly diagnosed among Chihuahuas.
RELATED: Chihuahua Health Issues (Complete Guide)
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix lifespan
On average, a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix can live for up to 12 to 18 years.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix breeder
Are you excited to own a Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix puppy? To find Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix puppies, you can either buy the Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix puppy from a breeder that has a good reputation and is trustworthy or get the pup from a local shelter.
A reputable breeder will allow you to interact with the puppies and their parents. Here’s what you should check for:
- Any signs of limping.
- Does the puppy’s skin have a
- ny bump or redness?
- Do the eyes and the ears have any discharge?
- Are the Shiba Inu Chihuahua puppy approaching you happily and wagging his tail with no apprehensions?
If you cannot visit the kennel, a reputable breeder always has CCTV cameras installed so buyers can observe how the pups behave remotely.
Read next: Chihuahua Pregnancy – Complete Guide (+ Detailed Care Tips)
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix puppies
When choosing a Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix puppy, always observe their temperament.
Are the puppies happy, active, and playful? If yes, then, those are clear signs of a healthy Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix puppy.
You’ll want to puppy-proof your house before bringing home a Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix puppy. It is a good idea to prepare his or her basic needs such as getting a nice and durable chew-proof dog bed, a collar, a retractable dog leash, and food and water bowls before the arrival of the puppies.
Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix price
The cost of buying a Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix is between $1,000 and $2,500.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix for adoption
If the price of a Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix is too costly, a great alternative is to adopt a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix.
You may want to check out Chihuahua Shiba Inu Mix Austin animal shelter such as the Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas – Austin Pet Shelter (petshelters.org/shelter/shiba_inu_rescue_of_texas_austin_tx).
You’ll want to submit an application so they can review and assess if you are fit to own a Shiba Inu mixed dog.
Places to find Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix puppies for sale
For puppies, you can try your luck at Keystone Puppies (keystonepuppies.com/puppy-breeds/shiba-inu-mix-puppies-for-sale). If you live near the breedersâ kennels, you are most welcome to visit them.
You may also want to try Shiba Inu Houston (puppieshouston.com) where they provide a one-year health guarantee against health problems like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.
Finding a healthy Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix for sale
Are you still searching for adult Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix for sale? Hill Country Chihuahuas (hillcountrychihuahuas.com) could probably have what you are looking for.
If they don’t have any adult Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix for sale, they may be able to give you names of trusted breeders that have adult Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix.
Shibachi: Pros and Cons
To better understand the good sides as well as the quirks of a Shibachi, here is a table that briefly summarizes what to expect from a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix dog.
| Pros | Cons |
| Loyal. | Moody. |
| Lightweight. | Not recommended for small kids. |
| Affectionate. | Not hypoallergenic. |
| Intelligent. | Stubborn. |
| Generally healthy. | May not act nicely toward strangers including house guests. |
| Can adapt well to an apartment setting. | Does not tolerate being left alone for long hours. |
Shiba Inu Mix
Shiba Inus are one of the popular dogs in the US. They have been bred with other purebred dog breeds to produce designer Shiba Inu Mixed dog breeds.
One of the purebred dogs that are mixed with a Shiba Inu is the Boston Terrier. Some breeders also go as far as crossing three (3) purebreds like a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Terrier Mix dog.
Let’s discuss this next.
Shiba Inu Chihuahua terrier Mix
A Shiba Inu Chihuahua terrier Mix is a mix of three (3) purebred dogs namely a Shiba Inu, a Chihuahua, and a Boston Terrier.
It is most likely that this mixed dog breed is an energetic dog that needs to have a moderate level of daily exercise. It is also possible that a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is not a good dog for those with younger kids at home.
Is the Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix right for me?
A Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is a loyal and confident canine companion. Although they may have a cheerful temperament, they donât particularly greet house visitors with welcoming wagging tails. Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix may not be as tolerant of rowdy children as well.
Thus, if you love inviting families and friends over to your home, you might as well get a friendlier and kid-tolerant canine companion.
Related Questions
Generally speaking, a Shiba Inu does not get along well with a Chihuahua or any dog breed for that matter. Shiba Inus are known to show aggressive behaviors towards other breeds but with early socialization, a Shiba Inu may just learn how to co-exist peacefully with a Chihuahua.
Yes, a Miniature Shiba Inu does exist. Miniature Shiba Inu is also referred to as Mame. They’re bred intentionally to be smaller by about 35% to 50%.
However, breeding this size of a Shiba Inu is frowned upon by responsible Shiba Inu dog breeders. The practice of producing Miniature Shiba Inus is done by unscrupulous dog breeders who starve the puppies so they wonât reach their normal sizes in adulthood.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://www.shibas.org/newstand/health.html
https://chihuahuaclubofamerica.org/health-committee-mission/cca-supported-health-research/
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
