Appearance of the Shi-Beagle
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| The Shi-Beagle is a hybrid of Shiba and Beagle. It can adopt the appearance of either or both of its parent breeds. As a result, it can measure from 33 to 43 centimeters and weigh from 8 to 13.5 kilos. Its coat may be short, dense and water-repellent, or short, fine, thick and corded, with white and tan or brown, tricolor or white, tan, red or black coloring. Eyes may be brown or hazel and round, or triangular and dark; muzzle of medium length and either square or rounded, with a black nose and scissor bite. Ears may be widely spaced and drooping or triangular and erect. The tail is set high and can be carried straight or curled over the back. Its paws are thickly padded and can be round and firm or compact and feline. |
Temperament of the Shi-Beagle
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| Your Shi-Beagle hybrid dog may inherit temperament and personality traits from either or both of its parent breeds. He may be affectionate, friendly, gentle, aggressive, independent, alert, intelligent, energetic, lively, loyal, affectionate, gentle, outgoing and territorial. He will need appropriate socialization from an early age to get along with children, strangers, the family cat and other dogs. He has inherited a strong tendency to chase and roam on both sides of the organic mix, so it will be important to keep him on a leash when exercising outside the house or fenced area. He has inherited huge amounts of stamina and endurance from both sides of the organic mix, so don't be surprised if he wants to play for hours on end. He's also a frequent barker, or howler Shiba, a trait contributed by both sides. Barking can sound like a scream, a trait that's quite unique to the Shiba parent. Because he receives an incredible amount of independence as well as intelligence from both parental breeds, he will be moderately difficult to train. Be patient with him and start with the most basic commands, then develop them. Using positive training and encouragement methods will help in this area. |
Needs and activities of the Shi-Beagle
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| Your Shi-Beagle hybrid is an active breed, but on the Shiba side, it receives a trait that allows it to be happy when left alone, which can limit the destructive behaviors that can develop and annoy and frustrate most owners. His size allows him to adapt well to life in an apartment or condominium, bearing in mind that he will need daily walks for exercise. He needs to be exercised at least 1 to 2 hours a day, which can be achieved through daily walks or jogs, play in a dog park or fenced area, interactive games such as fetch, Frisbee, flyball, agility and obedience training. He can also adapt easily to life in a family home with or without a fenced yard, in a rural or urban environment, in any climate, provided he has appropriate protection against extreme temperatures. He has a strong tendency to hunt and roam, which makes it necessary to keep him on a leash when outside the house, fenced garden or other secure enclosure, unless of course part of your exercise program involves chasing him around the neighborhood, street or woods in search of a small animal or enticing scent that has caught his eye. |
Maintenance of the Shi-Beagle
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| Your Shi-Beagle hybrid falls into the moderate maintenance and shedding category. His coat is not hypoallergenic, but should be brushed at least two or three times a week, as he has inherited a constant shedding habit from his Shiba parent. He should only be bathed when dirty or smelly, as frequent bathing can dry out the vital natural oils needed to keep his coat healthy and water-repellent. His ears should be checked weekly and cleaned if necessary, using a cotton ball and an approved canine ear cleaner. Don't forget to check his nails while you're looking at his ears, too, and trim them if necessary, unless he manages to maintain them with his normal daily exercise. Brushing his teeth two or three times a week at home will help prevent the development of periodontal disease and the tooth loss that goes with it. This is an active dog that needs a good dose of daily exercise. As a general rule, it falls into the category of dogs that don't drool or smell bad. |
English (United Kingdom)