How long does a Lab Shiba Inu Mix live?

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

Is a Lab 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.

Home › Labrador Retriever › Lab Shiba Inu Mix

Lab Shiba Inu Mix

A Lab Shiba Inu mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Shiba Inu. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 35–50 lb and live 12–14 years.

Labrador Retriever, a purebred dog — Labrador RetrieverPhoto: SixtyWeb, CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.

Weight35–50 lbcan be 17–80 lb

Height18–20 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–14 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Lab Shiba Inu Mix get?

Labrador Retriever55–80 lb

The mix35–50 lb

Shiba Inu17–23 lb

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

Height runs 18–20 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24.5 in for the Labrador Retriever 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 to very 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is usually described as friendly, active, outgoing. 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.

Lab vs Shiba Inu vs the mix

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Lab Shiba Inu Mix	Shiba Inu
Weight	55–80 lb	35–50 lb	17–23 lb
Height	21.5–24.5 in	18–20 in	13.5–16.5 in
Lifespan	10–12 yr	12–14 yr	13–16 yr
Shedding	high	high	moderate
Energy	very high	moderate to very high	moderate
Group	Sporting	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the Lab Shiba Inu Mix

How big does a Lab Shiba Inu Mix get?: Most grow to 35–50 pounds and 18–20 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 17–80 pounds.
How long does a Lab Shiba Inu Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Labrador Retriever (10–12 years) and the Shiba Inu (13–16 years).
Does a Lab 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 Lab 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 Lab mixes

Other Shiba Inu mixes

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