Shiba Inu Malamute Mix – Facts and Information

Friendly, mildly goofy, and full of floof.  

Commonly referred to as the Shiba Malamute, this mixed breed tends to get the best of both breeds, making it a great family pet if socialized correctly. 

Today we are going to look at the personality, physical characteristics, and health profile of this mixed breed. That way, you can determine if a Shiba Inu Malamute mix is right for your home.

Shiba Inu Malamute Mix - Temperament

Stubborn. And more stubborn.

 You shouldn’t consider this breed of dog if you are unfamiliar with training and obedience. 

Being that both the Shiba Inu and Malamute breeds are known for their independent minds, this mixed breed may have a tendency to be tough-headed.

Furthermore, while a Shiba Inu Malamute puppy will grow up to be extremely loyal to their pack, they are going to need to be socialized early on to accept strangers.

You'll also have to be careful around other family pets, particularly cats, rabbits, and other small creatures.

The Shiba Malamute has a very high prey drive. Be careful when walking this mixed breed without a leash, as they might have then tendency to bolt at the first sign of movement. 

Both Shiba Inu and Alaskan Malamutes are quieter dogs, minus the occasional Shiba Scream that you see on Instagram Reels and TikTok.

Due to that, Shiba Malamutes are less likely to bark to communicate. They may whine or paw at the floor. The most you can expect is a slight howl.

This mix should not be considered a guard dog, especially if the temperament runs more in the direction of the Alaskan Malamute parent - Malamutes tend to be friendly with anyone they meet.

Physical Characteristics of a Shiba Inu Malamute Mix

A Shiba Inu Malamute mix is going to be quite a bit larger than the standard Shiba Inu, because the Malamute breed is considerably larger.

Since there is no telling how the genes of the parent dogs will reflect in their offspring, however, most Shiba Malamute pups are between 17-50 pounds and stand between 13.5-22.5 inches tall. 

A feature that is shared between the Shiba Inu and Alaskan Malamute breeds is a tall that curls inward toward the spine.

The fluffiness of the tail will be greater on a Shiba Inu Malamute mix than on a purebred Shiba. The face of the mixed breed tends to be wider and less triangular, with more fluff around the head. 

Ears can be either normal Shiba Inu size or slightly larger, depending on how large Shiba Inu Malamute mix grows.

Overall, the shape of both breeds is similar in structure, therefore the body type of the Shiba Inu Malamute mix will look like a larger, fluffier version of a Shiba Inu.

Shiba Inu Malamute mixes often have the following colors: 

• Black and White
• Black and Tan 
• Cream 
• Red Sesame 
• Red 
• Orange and White 
• Silver 
• Black 
• Sable and White 

Be prepared for plenty of grooming with the Shiba Malamute. Both Malamutes and Shiba Inu dogs have thick, luxurious undercoats that tend to blow during the hotter months.

A Shiba Inu Malamute mix is no different. In fact, you can expect the coat of this mixed breed to be so thick that weekly grooming may be necessary. 

Due to the thickness of the coat, hot and humid climates are not recommended for this mixed breed.

Health of a Shiba Inu Malamute Mix

It is estimated that Shiba Malamutes will live around 15-16 years. Although both breeds are considered very healthy and resilient, they can suffer from health conditions that lead to reduced quality of life. 

Shiba Inu Malamute mixes may have the potential to develop the following health conditions: 

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Chondrodysplasia
• Thrombopathia 
• Hypothyroidism 
• von Willebrand’s disease 
• Inherited polyneuropathy 
• Blindness and other eye disorders
• Patellar luxation
• Allergies
• Separation anxiety

If adopting, be sure to ask for any paperwork from past vet visits. If there is no medical history, inquire about the health conditions of the parents. It is best to know what any hereditary conditions may be, so you can get your new friend tested sooner than later. 

Ensure that your Shiba Inu Malamute mix is eating high quality dog food that is suitable for their size and activity level.

Also, keep in mind that adequate exercise is the key to excellent pet health. Walk your dog when possible and keep up with routine vet visits.

Exercise and Play

Being that both parent breeds are energetic (especially Malamutes) and need to be regularly exercised, you should never assume that a Shiba Inu Malamute dog isn’t going to shred your home out of boredom.

In other words, you should have an enclosed yard or well-placed run set up in your yard to let your furry companion blow off some steam.

Again, keep in mind some distinct behaviors of both parent dog breeds. Alaskan Malamutes love to dig, and that’s something that can’t be bred out of them. Any Malamute mixes tend to display the same need to dig.

Any fencing you have around your yard is going to need to extend fully into the ground to dissuade escape. 

A Shiba Inu Malamute mix is going to love spending time outdoors, so if your family likes hikes, swimming, and running - it's likely your pooch will as well!

Conclusion

Hoping to bring a Shiba Inu Malamute mix home? These dogs are going to be larger, fluffier, and a bit more stubborn than a purebred Shiba Inu. 

The best household for this kind of dog is one with an active family who has time to spend with their companion.

Shiba Inu Malamute mixes need routine exercise and discipline, but if those needs are met, they will be loyal, loving, and friendly companions for everyone in the household.