Shiba Poo Puppies For Sale

An independent breed meets a biddable one

The Shiba Poo crosses a Shiba Inu with a Poodle, and it is one of the more interesting pairings we see, because the two parents have almost opposite working relationships with people.

The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese spitz, the smallest of the country’s native hunting breeds, developed to work brush and hill country largely on its own initiative. It is famously self-possessed, fastidiously clean, and not especially interested in doing something just because you asked.

The Poodle is a water retriever bred to take direction all day and to enjoy it. Among the most trainable breeds there is.

A Shiba Poo can land anywhere between those two poles. Some are quick, biddable and doodle-like. Some are quietly, immovably their own dog. Most are somewhere in between, and the individual puppy tells you far more than the breed name.

Training a dog with Shiba in it

Work with the temperament rather than against it. Reward-based training is not a stylistic preference here; independent spitz breeds tend to disengage entirely under pressure, and a dog that has disengaged learns nothing.

Make the behaviour you want more rewarding than the alternative. Keep sessions short. Use food, and use access to things the dog wants — the door opening, the lead going on — as payment for cooperation. Do not repeat a cue five times; ask once, help the dog succeed, pay well.

Recall deserves special mention. A Shiba-influenced dog off-lead in an unfenced space is a genuine risk. Build recall on a long line, in low-distraction settings first, and be conservative about where you trust it. Secure fencing is the sensible default.

Coat and shedding

This is where the variation is most visible. A Shiba coat is a harsh, dense double coat that sheds heavily and seasonally. A Poodle coat is curled and holds its hair. A Shiba Poo may have either or, more often, something in between: a wavier coat that still carries an undercoat.

Ask what our staff are seeing on the individual puppy. A more Shiba-leaning coat wants an undercoat rake and regular de-shedding sessions, especially in spring and autumn. A more Poodle-leaning coat wants combing to the skin and a groomer every couple of months. Neither is difficult; they are just different jobs.

Shibas are notably clean dogs and many Shiba Poos inherit that, which is a small daily pleasure of the cross.

Exercise and living arrangements

Moderate to high. Both parents are working breeds with stamina. A good walk plus something to think about — scent games, training, a puzzle feeder — suits them better than one long trudge.

They tend to be reserved rather than effusive with strangers, so broad, calm socialisation through the first six months is important.

Come and meet one

Given how much this cross varies, meeting the puppy is not optional — it is the whole exercise. See what is on the floor, read about our breeders, and visit us in Clermont or Goodlettsville. Ask about the warranty and financing, or call (855) 488-8250.