Crossing dog breeds can be a real gamble sometimes. It’s natural to wonder what a specific dog would look like if it were mixed with another breed. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you mixed a Shiba Inu with a darling little Corgi?

One thing is for sure, these teddy bear-like dogs will certainly steal your heart with their adorable expressions! However, their personalities and overall care might not be for everyone. In this article, we aim to explore each parent breed and what you can expect from a combination of the two.

Breed Overview

The short-legged, perky-eared Corgi is certainly a happy little whipper snapper. The powerful, swift Shiba Inu is a perfect companion for blustery winters and avid exercise fanatics.

When you combine the two, you get a dog that is full of personality, but also full of spunk. The Shiba Inu Corgi mix are not for the faint of heart and could be a challenge to train. Therefore, we highly recommend this hybrid combination for experienced dog owners only. We will explain why.

Shiba Inu Corgi Mix Characteristics

Shiba Inu Corgi Mix Puppies

When you have a Shiba Inu Corgi mix puppy, you can certainly expect a dog that is quick on their toes. They will be extremely playful and love bouncing around the yard and house with zeal and excitement.

These little dogs will love to learn and are highly trainable, despite their potential for stubbornness. You will likely not find any reputable person breeding these dogs together. If you see someone who is claiming to intentionally breed this hybrid, steer clear. It is likely the product of backyard breeding or a puppy mill.

Instead, you can snatch up one of these cuties from an accidental litter or from a rescue or shelter. One problem with the Shiba Inu Corgi mix is it often that these dogs will be completely unregulated. It’s hard to pin down each parent’s genetics and temperament.

Shiba Inu Corgi Origin & History

The Corgi and the Shiba Inu come from very different places on the map. The chipper little Corgi comes from the United Kingdom, whereas the Shiba Inu hails from Asia.

Specifically, the Shiba Inu originated in Japan roughly 2,300 years ago. It was used for hunting small game including ground birds. This little muscular dog was known for its confidence.

There are two types of Corgi. One is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the other is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They were originally bred in Wales and used to herd livestock and perform various tasks on farms.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Shiba Inu Corgi Mix

Temper can really vary with these dogs. The Shiba tends to be extremely excitable, adventurous, and potentially even hyper sometimes. Active and highly alert, these dogs will certainly keep you on your toes. The Corgi is a spunky dog that can be a bit energetic as well.

Anyone who owns a Shiba Inu or Shiba Inu mix should be well aware of the quirks and eccentricities that come along with them. These dogs are very bubbly and full of life, but they can also be a little temperamental.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Shiba Inu Corgi mix can make a very good addition to a growing family, permitted they are socialized early. These dogs are best suited for older children as they have high activity levels and personality traits of the Corgi.

Even though Corgis are not aggressive towards children, they might nip at their heels to keep them in line, the same as they would for livestock since they were bred as herding dogs.

Even though they might not be the best for very small children, they are very fun loving, boisterous and active, making them amazing playmates and great first-time dogs for kiddos. We recommend these dogs for children older than six.

Because of their activity levels, they might not make the best additions to more relaxed households. They do require quite extensive exercise and might not be the best option for seniors or people with disabilities.

Luckily, these dogs tend to meet strangers with a wagging tail. So, if you have a lot of company or plan to go on many adventures, they will be highly agreeable with many unfamiliar faces.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Corgi Shiba Inu mix can get along with pets decently well if they are well socialized from an early age. However, they can have high prey drives due to their original breed purpose and should never be trusted around smaller pets. These dogs can get along quite well with other canines, so they can make very fun additions to dog parks and other social outings. However, if they aren’t socialized properly, they might take on bossy or pushy behaviors toward other dogs, which can be problematic for less tolerant breeds.

Things to Know When Owning a Shiba Inu Corgi Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

It is very important that you give your Shiba Inu Corgi a very high quality, protein rich recipe. However, it’s very important not to overfeed them from a very early age. Both parent breeds are prone to weight gain, which can lead to obesity and many other health issues.

As far as the type of dog food, there are no real restrictions, as both parent breeds are not really known for having a lot of food allergies. However, you should always feed a nutritious diet that’s less likely to cause allergies in dogs.

Wet canned food and dry kibble are still viable options that litter the shelves of supermarkets and pet shops. However, many pet parents are switching to more species-specific diets to keep their pets healthier for longer. Some examples of this include fresh, raw, and homemade diets. We highly recommend checking with your veterinarian before you make any dietary selection, as your vet knows best!

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Exercise 🐕

The Shiba Inu Corgi mix will certainly need their fair share of exercise! They will require a few walks, and prefer a large fenced-in backyard where they can burn off steam. Exercise is incredibly important for the overall health of this breed, so remember that they are not the type of animal that should be pent up in the house.

Instead, you should ensure that they get the appropriate amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation to avoid unwanted behaviors. If the dog does not get the right amount of exercise, it can cause behaviors to develop out of frustration, such as destructive tendencies, and even unnecessary aggression.

While aggression really isn’t a hallmark of either breed, Shiba Inus are more prone to these nervous behaviors than Corgis.

Training 🦮

Training this breed combination is certainly doable, but it might be complicated for novice owners. These dogs will require a firm hand and consistent training so that they don’t regress or take longer than average to learn the ropes.

It’s not that this dog is unintelligent by any stretch. In fact, some could say the opposite is true; it is their intelligence that can make them quite challenging for some people to handle.

These dogs can outsmart you at every turn, so it’s good to be prepared beforehand. If you want your dog to be mannerly and even tempered, you can always elect that they go to behavioral training with a professional.

If you elect a dog trainer, it can teach your dog proper manners and help them learn commands. Professional training can also strengthen your relationship and bond with your dog by helping you work together for a common goal.

Grooming ✂️

If you have a Shiba Inu Corgi mix, they’re definitely going to require daily brushing. Both parent breeds have thick double coats that shed profusely year-round. In the winter and summer months, they will blow their coat, creating even more of a furry mess! You can pull out hair by the handfuls, and you certainly will.

Despite needing regular brushing, these dogs don’t require extensive haircuts or any type of high maintenance. You can bathe these dogs every 4 to 6 weeks and make sure that they are tangle-free, and all is well!

Corgis aren’t necessarily prone to skin allergies, but Shiba Inus can be—so, it’s always best to buy hypoallergenic products anyway just to be on the safe side. When you are taking care of your dog’s bathing needs, it is a good time to keep up with other hygiene-related tasks such as teeth brushing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Shiba Inu and Corgi differ and various genetic health issues. Because this dog is technically a mixed breed, they can take on potential genetic defects of either side.

Therefore, if you buy this hybrid, it’s good to know what the potential issues are so that you can get ahead of them. Most people take their dogs to the vet annually to perform routine checkups.

During your puppies first year of life, they will be at the vet more frequently getting routine vaccinations, microchipping, and spay and neuter surgery. Afterward, you can trim down these visits as needed or whenever you require parasite prevention or checkups.

If your dog starts to develop any type of peculiar symptoms, it’s always best to get into the vet so that you can get the proper blood work or testing to ensure that there’s nothing more serious going on or to treat anything that arises.

Male vs Female

When it comes to Shiba Inus, these dogs are larger than their Corgi counterparts. Because of the size variation, the puppies can differ in appearance and in structure. It is hard to tell the sex by the size alone.

In normal cases, males of both breeds slightly outweigh the females. However, it’s just not the case with this particular hybrid.

Personality really isn’t defined by sex, so if you are thinking that a male or female might be better based on certain characteristics, it’s really hard to tell.

When it comes to sexual maturity, both males and females reach this stage between 4 and 6 months of age. Females will go into heat cycles while males will become sexually mature and can have behavioral traits that reflect that.

It’s always best to get your dog fixed before they reach this age to avoid any poor behaviors associated with hormones or unintentional pregnancy.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Shiba Inu Corgi Mix

1. Shiba Inus were deemed the National Monument of Japan.

The Shiba Inu was declared the National Monument of Japan under the Cultural Proprieties Act in 1936. Today, they remain one of the most popular dogs in Japan.

2. Corgis are known for their happy-go-lucky personalities.

Corgis are known for being extremely chipper, happy dogs. Their little smiling faces and perky ears speak volumes about their overall temperament.

3. The Shib Inu Corgi mix can have quite interesting tails.

The Shiba Inu has a curly, poofy tail. The Corgi can have a long, curved tail or a little tiny stub. So, the Shiba Inu Corgi mix can have a variety of different tail possibilities depending on the parents.

Final Thoughts

So what do you think about the Shiba Inu Corgi mix? This dog is certainly one that will require extensive training and lots of exercise, but that can be a really great quality for many pet parents. If you are an active person who doesn’t mind fluffs of fur around your home, this can certainly be an exciting choice.

If you have children, they can certainly keep up with them in terms of energy, but early socialization is key. If you are adopting a Shiba Inu Corgi from a rescue or shelter, it is important to make sure that they are compatible with your existing pets and your children.

Always make sure to do meet and greets and take proactive steps to ensure everyone is compatible.

Featured Image Credit: Yu Han Huang, Shutterstock