How long does a Akita Shiba Inu Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Akita (10–13 years) and the Shiba Inu (13–16 years).

Is a Akita Shiba Inu Mix easy to train?

Trainability is low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Akita Shiba Inu Mix

A Akita Shiba Inu mix is a cross between a Akita and a Shiba Inu. Most grow into large dogs of 45–75 lb and live 12–14 years.

Akita, a purebred dog — AkitaPhoto: TsutsuiKennel, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Shiba Inu, a purebred dog — Shiba InuPhoto: Roberto Vasarri, Public domain, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight45–75 lbcan be 17–130 lb

Height19–22 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–14 years

SizeLarge

How big does a Akita Shiba Inu Mix get?

Akita70–130 lb

The mix45–75 lb

Shiba Inu17–23 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Akita Shiba Inu Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 19–22 inches at the shoulder, against 24–28 in for the Akita and 13.5–16.5 in for the Shiba Inu. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Moderate

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Low to very high

The Akita rates very high and the Shiba Inu low; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Akita is usually described as courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal. The Shiba Inu as alert, active, attentive. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Akita vs Shiba Inu vs the mix

Trait	Akita	Akita Shiba Inu Mix	Shiba Inu
Weight	70–130 lb	45–75 lb	17–23 lb
Height	24–28 in	19–22 in	13.5–16.5 in
Lifespan	10–13 yr	12–14 yr	13–16 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	moderate
Energy	high	high	moderate
Group	Working	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the Akita Shiba Inu Mix

How big does a Akita Shiba Inu Mix get?: Most grow to 45–75 pounds and 19–22 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 17–130 pounds.
How long does a Akita Shiba Inu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Akita (10–13 years) and the Shiba Inu (13–16 years).
Does a Akita Shiba Inu Mix shed?: Shedding is moderate. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Akita Shiba Inu Mix easy to train?: Trainability is low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Akita mixes

Other Shiba Inu mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.