How Much Does an Akita Cost? (2024 Price Guide)

Last Updated on January 14, 2023 by Evan

Akitas are known for being one of the more expensive purebreds. How much does one cost?

Beyond the cost of an Akita puppy, there are additional expenses associated with owning one.

This guide is here to provide an overview of the cost associated with owning an Akita. If this is something of interest to you, then please keep reading.

What is the Typical Price for an Akita Puppy?

When you decide to bring home an Akita pup, you should brace yourself for the high price tag. A reputable breeder could charge anywhere between $800 to $2,000. If the pup comes from a champion bloodline, be prepared to pay up to four times more.

It isn’t just the reputation of rareness and luxury that drives Akitas’ high prices. In Asia, where they were first bred, only wealthy people can afford them. This history has led to the dog acquiring a status symbol mentality for many years since then.

However, as Akitas become increasingly popular in Western countries, more local breeders are now willing to start breeding this breed of dogs. This means that in the future we might see a decrease in Akita prices due to increased competition among breeders.

Is an Akita too pricey for you? This adorable video might make you reconsider:

What Determines the Price of an Akita Puppy?

Purchasing an Akita puppy is no small investment. Akitas are typically priced a few thousand bucks and up, depending on the specific factors present in their sale.

These factors can range from their age to the breeder’s reputation, to health guarantees and more.

It’s important to know what those different factors mean so you can make the best decision possible. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to pick out your perfect pup – one that suits both your budget and lifestyle.

But money isn’t everything – there’s also the time commitment of taking care of a new pup! Along with routine trips to the vet, training an Akita requires total dedication. Plus, owners have to be vigilant about potential medical issues that could arise over time.

However, these little furry friends offer companionship and unconditional love that pays off in spades in the long run – making it an invaluable experience for many owners around the world.

Several factors can influence the price of an Akita puppy, including:

• Age: If you want to save money on an Akita, you may get an older or senior dog instead of a puppy. However, this means you will sacrifice the experience of raising a puppy and miss out on the joys and satisfaction that come with it.
• Appearance: Akitas come in various colors such as black, fawn, red, white, and brindle. More rarer colors such as the silver fawn Akita usually cost more, as do longer haired Akitas.
• Bloodline: If you don’t plan to enter dog shows, it’s wiser to get a regular Akita instead of an Akita from a champion lineage, as it is often much more expensive.
• Breeder’s Reputation: Reputable Akita breeders may charge a little more for their puppies, but the higher price often comes with health insurance and other assurances.
• Registration Papers: If having official registrations documents is important to you, be prepared to pay more for your Akita puppy, as Akitas with paperwork from the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC) and other registries are usually priced higher.
• Health Screenings: Even though breeders may charge more for puppies in perfect health, it is still advisable to look for an Akita puppy with a health guarantee.
• Training and Socialization: Purchasing a house-trained Akita puppy can be expensive. It is recommended for people who lack the time to properly train and socialize their Akita.

Apart from the factors mentioned above, other things that influence the price of Akita puppies include their gender and size.

What is the Price of Adopting an Akita from a Rescue Organization?

Adopting an Akita from animal shelters or rescue organizations is a great way to add one to your family. Not only can adoption fees save you money, but it will also mean saving the dog’s life. Adoption fees on Akitas usually cost around $100 to $500 and are usually fixed prices.

The cost may depend on the age of the dog; however puppies tend to be more expensive as rescues and shelters have spent money on their vaccinations, neutering/spaying, and microchipping. For older dogs, these expenses do not need to be accounted for in the adoption fee.

Sometimes gender can affect adoption fees based on differences between male and female Akitas. These could often depend on availability as well with purebred Akitas being scarce at rescues and shelters so don’t give up if you’ve been searching for a while. With enough patience, you’ll find the perfect companion!

What is the Initial Cost of Owning an Akita?

The cost of getting a new Akita puppy should not be taken lightly. Before you undertake owning an Akita, there are many facets that need to be understood and prepared for.

Firstly, there are the initial expenses to consider such as food bowls, dog beds, grooming tools, and of course dog food. This is only the beginning! Additionally, it’s important to remember that veterinarian visits regularly occur, neutering or spaying is required (and can be expensive), and then there’s the general welfare costs related to training programs and health checkups.

Make sure you’re prepared to take on this responsibility – with all the necessary budgeting – before committing to an Akita puppy. Only when you understand what you’re getting into will you know if it is right for you.

Below is the cost breakdown for an Akita’s start-up expenses:

• Food and Treats: Invest in high-quality kibble and treats for your Akita, which can cost between $100 and $120. Try out different brands to see which is best for your pup.
• Food and Water Bowls: For a good pair of stainless-steel bowls for your Akita, be prepared to spend between $15 and $35. They are sturdier and easier to clean than plastic ones.
• Bed: Invest in a high-quality dog bed for your Akita that is between $50 and $200 to ensure the right kind of cushioning.
• Crate: Investing in a dog crate for your Akita is essential, even if you don’t plan to keep them caged. It can be used as a safe haven and it encourages proper training, while prices range from $60 to $500 depending on the size.
• Leashes and Collars: Get a leash and collar for your Akita that fits correctly, is made of materials that won’t corrode, and is priced between $15 and $50.
• Toys: Invest in quality chew toys for your Akita pup; they cost an average of $30-$50 and make great boredom and anxiety reducers.
• Grooming Essentials: For Akitas, grooming is easy – just comb your pup’s coat once or twice a week. To do so properly, expect to pay between $40 and $180 for the right set of grooming tools.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Initial medical expenses for an Akita puppy, such as deworming and flea and tick treatment, can cost between $50 to $200.
• Initial Vet Visits: It is a good idea to have an initial vet check-up for puppies, though it is not required. The cost of these visits typically range from $100 to $300.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: The cost of initial vaccine shots for an Akita puppy is usually around $75 to $200, though it may vary depending on the breeder. If the puppy you are looking to purchase or adopt has not had their initial vaccinations, you will need to pay for these.
• Neutering or Spaying: An Akita puppy is usually unaltered, so you will have to spend money on neutering and spaying later, which can cost between $50 and $500.
• Dog License: A dog license is essential for an Akita puppy. This paperwork serves as a legal record of your dog’s identity and makes it easier to locate you if your pet bites someone. A dog license usually costs between $10 and $20.
• Microchip: For around $40 to $60, you can have your dog microchipped at a vet clinic. Microchipping is a safe and effective way to help reunite you with your dog if they ever get lost.
• Miscellaneous Supplies: You will need to buy additional supplies for your Akita such as carpet cleaners, poop bags, scoopers, potty inducers and more. These items cost between $15 and $30.

This is a list of the initial costs for owning an Akita puppy:

The estimated cost of getting an Akita puppy is around $650 to $2,445. Even if you already have some things like food, toys, and accessories – this cost may still be significant.

But there’s good news too! Some breeders bundle their puppies with freebies like food and toys, so look out for those deals.

Another great way to save money would be buying second-hand items from shops or neighbors who are looking to sell off their pet’s items. You might even find what you need on classified or online marketplaces like eBay.

Buying items in bulk can be a great way of saving money as well – especially when it comes to pet food and supplies that don’t expire quickly.

Don’t forget to stay alert for deals, discounts and offers too – knowing when they come along can really help you get the best value for your money.

What are the Yearly Expenses of Having an Akita?

Budgeting effectively for an Akita will make all the difference. One of the most important parts of budgeting is knowing if you can afford the yearly expenses.

Yearly expenses can include pet food, grooming services, pet insurance, vaccines and more. It’s important to prepare a budget that covers all these costs or you may struggle to pay your bills down the line.

For bigger items like vet visits or surgery, plan ahead and save up to cover any potential costs. Additionally, look into pet insurance so you don’t have to worry about unforeseen expenses down the road.

Have emergency funds available in case of any furry medical emergencies — it’s better to err on the side of caution than be unprepared for unexpected costs.

Overall, staying prepared is key when it comes to managing finances for your Akita’s health, comfort and happiness in life!

Below is a summary of the annual expenses for an Akita:

When you own an Akita, you’ll have the same recurring costs as any other large breed dog. But you may need to budget more for frequent trips to the groomer — up to $500 per year! Plus, your Akita will need regular check-ups every eight weeks, costing around $400 each year.

Pet insurance is another expense that might be tempting to skip, but it’s still a good investment. Pet insurance fees range from $800 to $1,500 each year and could save you from costly emergency fees later on.

Just remember that prices can vary depending on where you live, and your Akita can expect a long life of at least 10 to 13 years with you! To keep them healthy and happy it’s important to financially plan for their longterm care.

Other Possible Costs

Apart from the basic costs of an Akita Inu, there may be other expenses you need to consider depending on your requirements. Decide accordingly if these are necessary or not.

Here is a list of additional expenses for an Akita Inu:

Pet Daycare: If you’re often on the road for business or just need to take a vacation, you can leave your Akita Inu in the care of expert pet handlers at a pet daycare. This usually costs around $20 to $30 per day.

Kennel Club Registration: A registration fee of $80 to $200 will enable your Akita Inu to participate in American Kennel Club dog shows and competitions, as well as having their lineage accurately documented.

Emergency Medical Treatments: Medical emergencies are sometimes unavoidable and they often come at a high price. An emergency treatment for an Akita Inu typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000.

Grooming Services: Groom your Akita regularly to keep it clean and healthy – this is especially important for long-haired Akitas. Professional Akita grooming services usually cost between $30 and $80.

It is recommended to set aside an emergency fund for your Akita, as emergency medical treatment is a necessary expense. Save up little by little regularly to build up your emergency fund.

Where to Buy and Adopt Akita Puppies

Now that we know the costs associated with owning an Akita, let’s look at where to find one.

It’s now easy to locate Akitas, with plenty of responsible breeders and rescue organizations that can provide you with this lovable canine.

Here are a few reliable breeders where you can get an Akita Inu puppy:

• Arctic Akitas – Arctic Akitas is a home-based kennel in Alaska with over four acres of land. They provide Akita puppies with a spacious and healthy environment to grow up in, making them some of the healthiest around!
• Tablerock Akitas – If you’re in South Oregon, Tablerock Akitas is the breeder to visit. This family-run kennel follows their own HEART (Health, Education, Accountability, Responsibility, Tradition) breeding program to ensure their dogs are healthy and bred ethically.
• American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – Browse the AKC Marketplace regularly to find trusted, excellent Akita Inu breeders.

If you want to adopt an Akita, here are some rescue organizations to consider:

• Midwest Akita Rescue Society (MARS) – If you are in Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansan or Kentucky, contact MARS – a non-profit organization that rescues and rehomes Akitas and Akita mixes.
• TikiHut Akita Rescue Association – Akita Rescue of Northern California, with hundreds of volunteers, is the best place to find healthy Akitas for adoption near the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Big East Akita Rescue (BEAR) – Contact BEAR Akita rescue if you are looking to adopt Akitas from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. They are a hands-on rescue who prioritize fostering abused and abandoned Akitas in these states so reach out to them to see if they have available Akitas for adoption.

You can also connect with other Akita owners through social media groups.

There are plenty of people willing to lend a helping hand with your search. Give it a try and you’ll be amazed at how helpful online communities can be!

How to Save Money as an Akita Owner

Owning an Akita involves a financial commitment. It’s true, this endearing guardian of Japan makes for a great pet, yet this does not mean that money can’t be saved. There are always ways to cut costs.

With that in mind, let’s look at some ways to save money as an Akita Inu owner:

• Invest in high-quality essentials. Invest in quality items for your Akita as this will save you money in the long run. Remember, your Akita puppy will be with you for 10 to 12 years, so its things should last just as long. Skimping on essentials now will only cost you more later.
• Make homemade dog food. To save money and provide a healthy diet for your Akita, cook them homemade dog food with white meat and vegetables. Avoid serving wet food too often as it can get expensive.
• Visit the vet regularly. Taking your Akita puppy to the vet for regular check-ups is always a good preventive measure. Doing so will enable you to spot common health issues early, saving you from potential emergency medical fees in the future.
• Groom your dog at home. Learn how to groom your Akita yourself by taking advantage of the many available video tutorials online.

Now that you’re armed with these 4 essential tips, you can start saving money as an Akita Inu owner. Of course, there are more ways to be cost-effective; it’s up to you to explore them!

Final Thoughts

The Akita Inu is a solid investment into owning a furry companion. Although the upfront costs may be expensive, the running cost of owning an Akita Inu can actually be less than average.

That said, if you’re looking for an Akita Inu and want to save some money, then the best way to get one is from your local rescue or shelter. This way, you not only save on upfront costs but also have the added satisfaction of helping out past companions in need.

At the end of the day it’s important to remember that with proper due diligence and care, an Akita Inu can provide years of comfort and joy for you and all your family members. So take time, do your research and prepare for your next pooch before taking the plunge!