Few dogs are perhaps as cute and cuddly as the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix. This small dog mix brings love and affection to the table, along with a pretty and ever-so-smooshy face. The Pom-Shi is the most adorable dog mix and is perfect for people living in smaller dwellings.
Unfortunately, the Pom-Shi also fits the definition of a “small, yappy-type dog”, so if you live in a shared space with noise restrictions, then (at least initially), the Pom-Shi tends to be a bit of a barker, owing to its Pomeranian genetics, whereas the Shiba Inu is rather aloof and a much quieter breed of dog.
Really, it’s a toss-up between which type of Pom-Shi you’ll get! Either way, both breeds tend to be quite friendly as they warm to you, so you can expect a loveable house pet either way.
Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix – At a Glance
| Height: | 6-12 inches tall |
| Weight: | 7-15 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13-16 years |
| Coat Colors: | Reddish-brown, white, cream or tan colouring. |
| Temperament: | Aloof, docile, excitable, energetic, playful. |
| Suitable For: | Families with or without kids, couples, elderly. |
What does a Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix look like?
The Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix is a short dog with two coats, standing roughly 6-12 inches at shoulder height. The dog inherits short legs and a long snout, along with pointy ears from its Pomeranian parents. With a Labrador-esque nose and huge eyes, they’re sure to be a firm favourite of adorable dog seekers everywhere!
The history of the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix
The history of the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix is hard to come by as they are designer dogs. However, we can surmise that the dog was almost exclusively bred in the United States – as almost all designer dog breeds are these days. Throughout their history, both breeds began as hunting and herding dogs, despite their short stature. Nowadays, though, they’re beloved family pets.
Shiba Inu history
This Japanese dog was originally bred in the early 20th century in rural Japan, to hunt and flush out smaller game, like rabbits and birds. The Shiba Inu is one of a number of Japanese dogs that were crossbred with Western imports during the Second World War and beyond, after surviving near extinction following food shortages and a distemper epidemic that swept Japan.
The first Shiba was brought to the United States in 1954, by an American armed services family. It would only be in 1979 that the first Shiba litter was recorded in the U.S, and would later gain AKC recognition in 1992.
Despite their short history as a recognized breed in the country, Shibas are surprisingly popular among American families – ranking 42nd most popular dog in the country in 2021, according to the AKC rankings.
Who are Shiba Inus a good dog for?
Due to its small size, the Shiba Inu is a popular dog for almost any living situation! They tend to be docile and have a laissez-faire attitude towards others – both human and canine. This friendliness and general aloofness make them a good fit for most family units.
How did Shiba Inus come about?
Shibas were first brought to the United States in 1954 by a member of the United States military and their family. Prior to that, they had lived and been bred in rural Japan as hunting dogs for small game.
When did first cross-breed shiba Inus?
Crossbreeding of the Shiba Inu first occurred in Japan in the mid-Twentieth Century, as western dogs were crossbred with the Shiba, having been brought over during the Second World War.
However, in the Western context, crossbreeding the Shiba Inu likely began sometime in the 1990s and early 2000s, when crossbreeding of all dogs was hugely popular across the United States.
Some popular Shiba crosses include:
- Shiba Inu Corgi Mix (Corgi Inu)
- Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix (Shepherd Inu)
- Shiba Inu Husky Mix (Husky Inu)
- Shiba Inu Border Collie Mix (Shiba Collie)
- Shiba Inu Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Inu)
Pomeranian history
The history of the Pomeranian is long and storied as a descendent of the ice dog family known as Spitz, from the tundras of Iceland. The modern Pomeranian is much smaller than the Spitz dog, as they were traditionally meant to pull sledges and herd caribou. Pomeranians made appearances in American kennel clubs as far back as 1892.
Fun fact: Two Pomeranian dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic!
Pomeranians are some of the most popular dogs in the United States, ranking 24th most popular dog in the country in 2021, according to the American Kennel Club rankings.
Who are Pomeranians a good dog for?
Due to their small size, Pomeranians routinely find themselves in homes as domesticated pets – a far cry from their Icelandic origins! However, genealogically, these animals are fairly active dogs that require a decent amount of exercise. They can also be yappy and are very loving and loyal. However, they make great dogs for most people in most living conditions, as they don’t require a lot of space!
How did Pomeranians come about?
Pomeranians were first bred in Iceland as herding and hunting dogs, but arrived in the United States sometime after 1875, though their exact history is difficult to pin down.
When did we first cross-breed Pomeranians?
Crossbreeding Poms as a hybrid dog is a relatively obscure and new phenomenon – with the Pom-Shi actually being one of the most popular crosses for the Pomeranian, another popular cross is with a Labrador, which first came to be around 1980 in the United States.
Other popular crossbreeds of Pomeranians happened in the 1990s and early 2000s. These included:
- Corgi Pomeranian Mix (Corgi Pom)
- Pomeranian Pitbull Mix (Pom Pit)
- Pomeranian Dachshund Mix (Pom-Dach)
- Pomeranian Poodle Mix (Pomapoo)
- Pomeranian Yorkie Mix (Yoranian)
What is the temperament of the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix?
In general, the temperaments of the Shiba Inu and Pomeranian are completely different – one is aloof and relaxed, and the other can be hyperactive and yappy! So, you may get either one, or the other temperaments, or a mix of both. Be sure you can handle either outcome before adopting a Shiba Inu/Pomeranian!
Are Shiba Inu Pomeranian mixes friendly?
Yes! One good thing about either breed and their mix is that they’re very friendly dogs. They’re not very aggressive and therefore will offer you love and affection almost always. They’re also very good with children, other dogs and strangers.
Are Shiba Inu Pomeranian mixes easy to train?
Traditionally, both dogs were bred as hunting dogs and thus they respond well to commands. Despite the hyperactive nature of the Pomeranian, the Pom-Shi is generally quite easy to train.
How much can Shiba Inu Pomeranian mixes weigh?
They don’t tend to weigh that much! Coming in anywhere from 7-15 lbs.
How tall can Shiba Inu Pomeranian mixes get?
These dogs will generally stay pretty short – standing between 6 and 12 inches tall.
Similar sized breeds
There are many smaller-sized breeds that are similar in size to both the Pomeranian and Shiba Inu, these include the Finnish Spitz, Samoyed, and the Akita.
Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix look like
Does a Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix shed?
Yes! As a double-coated dog, you can expect moderate to heavy shedding throughout the year with this mix, along with a ‘blowout’ twice a year, as they prepare for the changing of the seasons from Winter to Spring, and Autumn to Winter. Make sure you have a good brush!
How much exercise does a Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix need?
The Pom-Shi requires a moderate level of exercise, including at least 30 to 45 minutes of walking each day, or a 20-minute period of intense exercise, in an area like an off-leash dog park.
How long does a Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix live?
The lifespan of the Shiba Inu is between 12-15 years, while the Pomeranian is between 12-16 years. Therefore we can assume the life expectancy of the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix is anywhere between 13-16 years.
Like with any dog, there are a number of factors that will determine the number of years your specific Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix lives like diet and exercise.
What health conditions could the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix have?
How can you find a Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix for sale?
While you can probably buy a Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix puppy for sale, we strongly advise that you check with your local shelter/kennel first, to see if any Pom-Shi has found its way into the adoption cycle. We prefer adopting a dog over buying from a puppy mill.
How much does a Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix cost?
Pom-Shis can range in price from $250 – $1200 USD. If you’re going down the purchasing route, make sure you do adequate research on the type of dog you’re buying. Any breeder worth their salt should have records of the mix’s parents for you to observe and then make your decision.
Is the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix the right breed for you?
If you’re looking to adopt a small dog with an infinitely squeezable face, an adoring personality and an aloof demeanour, then the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix might just be the dog you’ve been looking for!