If you love Shiba Inus and German Shepherds, you can now have the best of both worlds with the Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix. This designer breed is relatively new to the scene and they’re also known as Shiba Shepherd or German Shepherd Shiba Mix.
Before you go ahead and get a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix, you’ll want to know if this is the right canine companion for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Shiba Inu & German Shepherd Mix including their temperament, health issues, dietary needs, exercise requirements, and ideal living conditions.
Just like in our Shiba Inu Poodle Mix guide, we’ll list some breeders you can reach out to if you’re still interested in this hybrid breed after reading this. Let’s first start with a brief overview of the Shepherd Inu.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix: Breed overview
| Other Names | Shiba Shepherd, Shepherd Inu, German Shepherd Shiba Mix |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 40 – 60 pounds |
| Height | 19 – 22 inches |
| Coat Colors | Black, Tan, Red, Cream, White |
| Child Friendliness | Moderate |
| Canine Friendliness | Low to Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate to High |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 – 16 years |
| Puppy Costs | $1,200 – $2,400 |
What is a Shepherd Inu?
A Shepherd Inu is a designer breed that is a cross between a German Shepherd and the Shiba Inu.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix: Parent breeds
Being an offspring of two different breeds, the German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix would naturally have characteristics that is a mixture of both parents. While the German Shepherd and the Shiba Inu are bred to help hunters, they are very different in appearance and temperament.
The German Shepherd is a working dog that is used not only as a companion dog but also for police work, search-and-rescue, and service animals as well. Their intelligence and protective nature are the qualities that make this breed very popular.
Shiba Inus are also known for their independent, confident, and strong-willed attitude. Their fox-like appearance and beautiful coat are the reasons why they are well-loved in Japan and all around the world.
Shiba Inus are described as being more cat-like than dogs because of their aloofness and they like to keep themselves clean by licking their paws just like cats.
Shiba Inu history
The Shiba Inu was bred in Japan since ancient times and were utilized to hunt and retrieve birds, rabbits, and other game. Their population was reduced significantly during the latter part of the 19th century and continued to decline until the end of World War II due to disease, crossbreeding, and military conflicts.
After the war, breeders tried to revive the Shiba Inu by breeding together the three surviving bloodlines, namely, the San-in, Mino, and Shinshu.
This initiative became successful making it one of the more popular dog breeds in Japan.
Check out: Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix (Complete Guide)
German Shepherd history
The German Shepherd came about during the late 1800s when Max von Stephanitz, a former cavalry officer, crossbred some traditional working sheepdogs with a dog he bought at a local dog show named Horand von Grafrath. This brought about the ultimate breed of German sheepdog. Over the years, a standard was developed for what we now know as the German Shepherd.
Shiba Inu vs German Shepherd
In terms of temperament, German Shepherd vs Shiba Inu differs in that the former is easier to train and very obedient, while the latter has a more independent streak that can exhibit some stubbornness.
Shiba Inu Mix with German Shepherd physical appearance
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix typically has a fox-like appearance that is similar to their Shiba Inu parent. They have a lean body structure that shows athleticism, strength, and endurance.
They have a pointed snout and ears that are triangular and pricked up. Eyes can be triangular or oval. The tail is long and curls back towards the body.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix size, height, and weight
Shiba Inu and German Shepherd Mix are medium-sized dogs. Their height and weight fall somewhere between that of the German Shepherd and the Shiba Inu with the males being a little bit heavier and taller than the female Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix.
| Age | Weight (Males) | Weight (Females) | Height (Males) | Height (Females) |
| 3 months | 17 – 20 pounds | 17 – 20 pounds | 8 – 11 inches | 7 – 10 inches |
| 6 months | 20 – 35 pounds | 20 – 30 pounds | 11 – 17 inches | 10 – 15 inches |
| 9 months | 35 – 50 pounds | 30 – 40 pounds | 18 – 20 inches | 16 – 19 inches |
| 12 months | 50 – 60 pounds | 40 – 50 pounds | 20 – 22 inches | 20 – 21 inches |
German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix coat colors and types
German Shepherd and Shiba Inu Mix has a double coat with a stiff and straight overcoat that is typically medium in length, and an undercoat that is softer.
Coat colors can be a mixture of two or three colors, but they can also be of just one solid basic color.
Here is a list of German Shepherd coat colors:
- Black.
- Red.
- Sable.
- Gray.
- Tan.
Here is a list of Shiba Inu coat colors:
- Black and Tan.
- Red.
- Sesame.
- Cream.
Check out: White Shiba Inu (Complete Guide)
Here are some German Shepherd Shiba Inu coat colors:
- Black.
- Cream.
- Red.
- White.
- Gray.
- Sable.
White German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix
White Shiba Shepherd has a light-colored or all-white coat on his body with cream and white points not being very prominent. This color variation is most probably a product of a white German Shepherd and a Cream Shiba Inu.
Black Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix
Black Shiba Shepherd has a black coat that covers almost all of his body, especially on the back. There can be white and tan points around the face, ears, chest, feet, and underbelly.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix temperament
German Shepherd Mix with Shiba Inu is a smart breed with an independent and headstrong personality.
This mixed breed is a product of two active and intelligent dog breeds. Therefore, not giving them enough exercise could result in anxious and frustrating behaviors.
As working dogs, they would also do well when given a task to do, so mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
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Do Shiba German Shepherd Mix make great family pet?
German Shepherd Mixed with Shiba Inu is a great addition to any active household. He gets along well with children, but it is more ideal when he is with older kids.
That’s because a Shiba German Shepherd Mix may have a herding nature and smaller kids may be nipped when there is too much excitement during play. Therefore, adult supervision is always recommended.
The Shiba German Shepherd Mix can also get along well with other animals as long as they were properly socialized and trained at a young age.
It is important to point out that the German Shepherd Mixed with Shiba Inu can get possessive of their indestructible dog toys or food and other animals or pets in the home might get snapped at or snarled at by a Shepherd Inu.
It is also advisable to leash your Fido with a rope dog leash when you are taking him for a walk to avoid a German Shepherd Mixed with Shiba Inu from suddenly bolting or running when a smaller animal gets their attention.
The Shepherd Inu can also be a good guard dog. They are not very vocal, but they can bark when necessary to alert their owners of anything unusual.
Are Shiba Inu Shepherd Mix affectionate dogs?
Yes, Shiba Inu x German Shepherd can form a strong loving bond with the family and can show affection, but may have the tendency to be aloof and at times would want to be on their own.
Shiba Inu Mixed with German Shepherd training
Training should be commenced at an early age, preferably as early as 8 weeks old. They are intelligent but very stubborn.
Training them at a later age would prove to be difficult and an entrenched strong-willed personality can be challenging to control.
Using positive reinforcements, like training treats, will give them motivation and incentive to follow commands.
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Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix exercise requirement
Shiba Shepherds need at least an hour of daily exercise that is preferably split into two sessions. If you notice that your dog’s energy is still high after physical exertion, then it is alright to increase the time. The Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix are active dogs that need to burn off any excess energy to prevent anxiety.
Shiba Inu and German Shepherd Mix living conditions
Shiba Shepherds can adapt to any type of dwelling, be it a large house or a small apartment, just as long as they are exercised and trained properly. Toilet training a puppy may be challenging at first if you live in an apartment but it can be manageable.
RELATED: How to Crate Train A Puppy in 6 Steps
Since this breed has a double coat, cooler climates are more fitting for them. But, never leave them outside for too long when the temperature drops below zero. During the summer, it is best to exercise them during the early or late part of the day to prevent dehydration and overheating.
Many Shiba Inu and German Shepherd Mix owners will let their canine friends out during the day to roam freely in their backyard. If you allow your furry friends to do the same, make sure your backyard is fully fenced.
Some towns or counties have zoning laws that prohibit the installation of physical fences. If this is the case, a great alternative would be to install a wireless dog fence which will also keep your furry friends safe and contained. Many dog owners prefer an invisible doggy fence because it is flexible and adaptable to any type of terrain.
Whether you live on a hilly terrain or a mountainous terrain, you can now keep your furry friends safe while still being able to enjoy your beautiful and scenic mountain views.
But before you get a wireless dog fence, we highly recommend installing an electronic dog door especially if you let your canine companions leave or enter your house on their own.
Whether you work from home or at the office, your furry friends can now use the automatic doggy door to head outside to your backyard or patio on their own and enjoy some fresh air and sun without needing you to open or close the door behind them every time.
Shiba Shepherd Mix grooming and cleaning
Shiba Shepherds need to be brushed at least two times weekly to control their shedding. A slicker brush is a great tool to remove any loose hairs. But, during heavy shedding in the spring and fall months, a de-shedding brush like the Furminator is ideal. Brush their coat in the direction of the hair growth to prevent stretching and pulling hairs.
When it comes to bathing your Shiba Shepherd Mix, you’ll only need to do so once a month or every two months. Shampooing their coat and skin with dog shampoo is only necessary when he or she gets really dirty. It is not recommended that you bathe your Shiba Shepherds daily or frequently because doing so can and will strip their coat and skin of their natural oils.
Next, let’s not forget about their dental health and hygiene. One of the most common dental issues in dogs is periodontal disease. In fact, studies show that 80% of dogs over three years of age have dental disease. Some of the obvious signs of dental disease are often hidden and can be uncovered by the doggy owner during daily brushing or a visit to the vet.
Brushing your Shiba Shepherd Mix’s teeth every day seems unrealistic, especially if you have a busy schedule. Therefore, we highly recommend brushing your pup’s teeth at least 3 to 4 times a week. You’ll want to use a dog toothpaste that contains an enzymatic formula with a non-foaming agent.
Keep in mind that some of the common signs of dental problems in dogs include the following:
- Teeth discoloration.
- Gum inflammation.
- Bleeding gums.
- Bad breath.
- Visible tartar buildup.
The enzymatic formula in the doggy toothpaste helps to break down plaque, control tartar formation, and help promote healthy gum and teeth.
Lastly, you’ll also want to keep your Shiba Shepherd Mix’s nails short so they don’t affect your pup’s walking gait. For a less stressful experience while trimming your dog’s nails, try using a dog nail grinder that features a whisper-quiet motor with a precision diamond drum bit grinder.
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Brushing | 2 to 3 times a week. |
| Bathing | Once a month. |
| Teeth Brushing | 3 to 4 times a week. |
| Ear Cleaning | Check weekly. |
| Nail Trimming | As needed. |
Do German Shepherd Mix Shiba Inu shed?
Yes, the German Shepherd Mix Shiba Inu has a double coat that sheds throughout the year. The Shepherd Inu sheds the most during the fall and spring seasons when the undercoat falls off to prepare for the next season’s temperature.
Is Shepherd Inu hypoallergenic?
No, Shepherd Inu is not hypoallergenic. A Shepherd Inu requires daily brushing to prevent any loose hairs from spreading around the house. If you have a German Shepherd Mix Shiba Inu and find it annoying to see their hair all around your furniture, hardwood floor, and carpet, you’ll want to invest in a powerful yet lightweight and durable vacuum cleaner that can seamlessly vacuum from hardwood floor to carpet.
Shiba Inu German Shepard Mix food and diet
A Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix dietary requirements depend on his age and activity levels. Generally speaking, he should be fed with a high-quality dog food of about 1 ½ cups a day, divided into 3 servings.
Avoid buying cheap dog food because these contain fillers that can cause allergic reactions in your dog. Instead, choose the ones that are veterinary recommended containing 20% protein, carbohydrates, and the right amount of fats.
For as long as you are feeding your Fido high-quality dog food, there’s no need to supplement his diet, unless recommended by the vet.
Treats are acceptable but should only be given in moderation. Fruits like figs and veggies like unseasoned artichokes are some of the better dog treat choices. Avoid giving too many treats because a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix is prone to gain weight.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix health issues
The main purpose for developing designer dog breeds like a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix is to produce puppies that bear the good qualities of their two purebred parents, in terms of health, shedding issues, and temperament.
But, of course, no one can really control and predict nature, more so when it comes to health.
However, you can learn the health issues that your Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix inherited from his parents through a DNA home-testing kit. It is possible to screen about 150 gene-specific diseases through this test.
In case your Fido tests positive for any of the inheritable diseases, you can be vigilant of the initial symptoms and hopefully, save you a lot of veterinary expenses through early medical detection and intervention.
Listed below are nine (9) health issues you need to be aware of in Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix:
1. Hip Dysplasia
Quite common among German Shepherds, hip dysplasia is a condition wherein the ball and the socket in the hip area did not grow in sync, thereby causing lameness and muscle atrophy in dogs.
2. Elbow Dysplasia
Large dogs like a German Shepherd are more prone to suffer from this condition. Same as hip dysplasia, the 3 bones in the elbow joint failed to sync together resulting in improper weight distribution in joint areas. The signs to look for are hesitance to go for a walk and a stiff elbow joint.
3. Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV)
In layman’s terms, this is referred to as bloating that oftentimes occurs after a large meal or gulping a large volume of water. As a result, gas accumulates in the stomach which can cause stomach twisting.
4. Addison’s Disease
A disease that is caused by a hormonal imbalance due to the failure of the adrenal glands in producing the right levels of cortisol and aldosterone hormones. Increased thirst and urination are some of the signs you need to be vigilant about.
5. Cataracts
An inherited eye disorder happens when thin and grayish to cloudy film appear on the eye lens. Aside from genetics, diabetes can also cause this disease.
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6. Hemophilia
A blood clotting disorder that is commonly seen among German Shepherds, it happens when a wound fails to heal normally, causing excessive bleeding. The signs you need to be vigilant for are spontaneous bleeding and skin hematoma.
7. Bladder Stones
Quite common among German Shepherds, the cause of this health issue is the accumulation of minerals in the dog’s bladder. If you see your Fido having a hard time urinating, take him to the vet right away.
8. Allergies
Both the Shiba Inu and the German Shepherd are prone to skin allergies. It Is quite difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, but, if left untreated, skin allergies can cause hair loss and ear infections.
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9. Dental Health Problems
Again, both the parents of a Shibu Inu German Shepherd Mix are susceptible to dental issues like gum problems. Take time to inspect your dog’s mouth to check for swollen gums.
Shiba Inu & German Shepherd Mix lifespan
If a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix dog is well-cared for, he can live up to 12 to 16 years.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix breeder
A healthy puppy all begins with the dedication of a breeder that is ethical, responsible, and reputable. By this, it means that the Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix breeder will not just crossbreed two purebred dogs without considering the health factors.
An ethical dog breeder, in his effort to take care of the breed, will also conduct a DNA test to check for gene-specific diseases.
Not only that but a reputable breeder would give the female dog the much-needed time to rest in between her heat cycles to produce healthier puppies. What else are the qualities of a responsible dog breeder? Check out the list below:
- Welcomes buyers to his or her kennel.
- Puppies can freely roam around instead of being locked up in small cages.
- Puppies are clean and odor-free.
- Shows the health cards of the parents and the pups.
- Knowledgeable about the dog breed.
- Provides buyers with puppy insurance.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppy
German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix puppies are cute bundles of joy that are packed with energy and curiosity. Having said that, we do not recommend that you get the German Shepherd Shiba Inu puppy from a puppy store where puppies are placed in small cages, unable to move well which is contrary to a professional dog breeding facility where pups can freely run and play around.
We highly recommend that you always get your puppy from a responsible breeder. Shelters and rescue centers are also places to consider.
Before you bring home your German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix puppy, you have to keep in mind that your new pup has some basic needs like a good resting place. You’ll want to place a chew-proof dog bed in an area where the puppy can sleep without too much noise interruption.
We also recommended that you begin socializing your German Shepherd Shiba Inu puppy as soon as possible. Get him a dog harness and a leash so you’d be able to take him out for a short walk to meet new pets and people, too.
Also, it is natural for puppies to explore their surroundings. They sniff, chew, and munch on anything that catches their interest. As additional preparation, puppy-proofing your home goes a long way in preventing accidents to happen.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix price
For some dog lovers, a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix cost can be quite steep. The cost of getting one from a reputable breeder could be anywhere from $1,200 to $2,400. But, if you will look around, you might find a puppy or an adult dog from a shelter at a lower cost, roughly around $600.
Places to find Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppy for sale
There are few dog breeders who are producing Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppies. To find these puppies, we suggest that you talk to either German Shepherd or Shiba Inu dog breeders who can give you recommendations on where to find these mixed puppies.
We’ve listed below breeders who have established good names in producing German Shepherds and Shiba Inus. Hopefully, they can connect you with Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix breeders.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppy CA
Southampton Shibas (myshibas.com) located in Concord, California is an experienced Shiba Inu dog breeder and was awarded the AKC merit award in 1992. The breeder may know of someone who crossbreeds Shiba Inus with German Shepherds.
Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix puppy near me
Try your luck at Keystone Puppies (keystonepuppies.com) because they used to have a Shiba Inu German Shepherd puppy, hopefully, there’s an upcoming litter soon. Regardless of your location, the puppy of your choice can be shipped to you.
Finding a healthy Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix for sale
An adult German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix for sale is usually cheaper than puppies. It does not mean that they are unhealthy, rather the demand for pups is higher. We’ve found two (2) sites where you may have a chance to find an adult German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix for sale.
You can try Greenfield Puppies (greenfieldpuppies.com/shiba-inu-mix-puppies-for-sale) to see if there are breeders who currently have an adult Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix for sale.
What about Buckeye Puppies (buckeyepuppies.com)? They have a number of German Shepherd Mixes for sale. Reach out to them and inquire about German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix.
Shiba Inu & German Shepherd Mix: Pros and Cons
Are you still having second thoughts about getting a Shibu Inu & German Shepherd Mix? Why don’t you see for yourself the good and the not-so-good points of this designer dog breed in the table below?
| Pros | Cons |
| Protective. | Needs a good amount of daily exercise. |
| Loving. | Sheds a lot. |
| Intelligent. | Stubborn. |
| Relatively quiet, only barks when necessary. | Cannot be left alone for more than 6 hours. |
| Good guard dog. | May have some problems living with other pets in the house. |
| Great companion for older kids. | Not ideal for first-time dog owners. |
Is the Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix right for me?
If you are a seasoned dog owner who knows how to discipline an intelligent yet very stubborn dog, yes, a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix is the right canine companion for you.
Don’t forget that this dog loves to be physically active, so if you are sporty and love going on hikes, then, by all means, get a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix dog.
Related Questions
If you ever spotted a Shiba Inu and German Shepherd Mix, they will usually have a fox-like appearance that comes from their Shiba Inu parent. They will have a pointed muzzle with triangular or oval eyes. Their ears are also triangular in shape and pricked up. The Shiba Inu and German Shepherd Mix body is lean and their tail is long and curls back towards the body.
Male Shiba Shepherds are usually taller and heavier than female Shiba Shepherds. Male Shiba Shepherds can weigh as much as 60 pounds with a height of up to 22 inches. Female Shiba Shepherds will weigh up to 50 pounds with a height of up to only 21 inches.
Yes, it’s because a German Shepherd is a very intelligent dog breed that loves to please his owners. A German Shepherd is also known to be affectionate to his owners. On the one hand, a Shiba Inu may also be smart but has very independent and stubborn streaks. Thus, if you combine a hard-to-train and aloof Shiba Inu with a highly intelligent German Shepherd, you get a smart dog that is loving and can get along well with families with older kids.
The modern-day Shiba Inu is a product of three dogs and not two dogs. These are the San-in Shiba, a Mino Shiba, and a Shinsho Shiba. The Japanese bred all these three lines of dogs to preserve the breed that almost became extinct due to war and diseases.
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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/health.html
https://www.biomedcentral.com/about/press-centre/science-press-releases/28-07-17
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.
