How long does a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–13 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Shiba Inu (13–16 years).

Is a German Shepherd 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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German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix

A German Shepherd Shiba Inu mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Shiba Inu. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 35–55 lb and live 10–13 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, 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.

Weight35–55 lbcan be 17–90 lb

Height18–21 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–13 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix35–55 lb

Shiba Inu17–23 lb

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

Height runs 18–21 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd 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

High

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

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Low to very high

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

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. 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.

German Shepherd vs Shiba Inu vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix	Shiba Inu
Weight	50–90 lb	35–55 lb	17–23 lb
Height	22–26 in	18–21 in	13.5–16.5 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	10–13 yr	13–16 yr
Shedding	high	high	moderate
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix get?: Most grow to 35–55 pounds and 18–21 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 17–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–13 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Shiba Inu (13–16 years).
Does a German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix shed?: Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd mixes

Other Shiba Inu mixes

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