Akitas are beautiful, regal dogs; however, the expensive Akita price can be prohibitive for many people. When purchased from a high-quality breeder, Akita puppies generally cost thousands of dollars each.
In this article, we will delve into every aspect of the Akita price.
We will share tips about how to save some money (adoption and rescue!) as well as what kind of funding you need to set aside for potential medical issues with this breed.
Is an Akita a Good Match for You?
Before we explore the components of the Akita price, let’s spend some time getting to know the Akita dog breed.
Akitas are stunning, imposing dogs from Japan.
They are incredibly loyal to their owners. They are intelligent and they are independent thinkers.
However, the Akita temperament is not the right fit for everyone.
Akitas are massive, powerful dogs. They are not usually a good choice for beginners.
They are working dogs, and they thrive when they have a job to do. They make excellent watchdogs.
Akitas can be aloof and protective, so proper socialization and training is an absolute must with this breed.
Due to their size and strength, they do best with active, experienced owners who can provide them with plenty of space, exercise, training, and socialization.
The Price of a Purebred Akita Puppy from a Reputable Breeder
If you purchase an Akita puppy from a good breeder, you should be prepared to spend a hefty sum of money.
The average cost of an Akita puppy from a high-quality breeder is between $1000 and $5000.
The price goes up for special characteristics, bloodlines, or Japanese Akitas that are imported from Japan.
How to Find a Good Akita Breeder
When you are shopping for puppies, be careful to avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills.
Sadly, there are many unscrupulous breeders who are simply trying to make money off of this exotic breed.
Follow the tips in this article to find an ethical breeder and avoid getting scammed.
You can start your search by contacting the Akita Club of America for a list of recommended breeders.
The Akita Club maintains a list of breeders that adhere to a code of ethics. The code requires breeders to have their breeding dogs tested for hereditary faults. It also prohibits breeders from doing business with puppy dealers or pet shops.
Once you have a breeder recommendation, you should still do your own investigating.
Visiting the Breeder
Ask the breeder for an appointment to view the property. A good breeder will welcome your visit and will probably use the time to ask questions and make sure you will be a good Akita owner.
During your visit, you should be able to view the breeding dogs and their medical records.
If a breeder denies your request for a visit or wants to do business by phone or the internet, this is a major red flag. Proceed with caution or look elsewhere for an Akita puppy.
Never purchase any kind of puppies online or through a pet store. It is worth the extra time, money and energy to make sure that your puppy comes from a good place.
The Price of an Akita from a Rescue Group or Animal Shelter
If you have your heart set on an Akita, but you cannot afford to (or do not want to) shell out thousands of dollars for a puppy, you can find an equally wonderful companion through a local animal shelter, humane society or rescue group.
Adopting a pet is a great option for many people. There are thousands of homeless animals in this country that need loving homes.
Adoption fees generally range between $75 and $300 depending on the group. As a bonus, this fee usually includes basic vetting such as spay/neuter, vaccines and microchipping.
Can You Find an Akita in an Animal Shelter?
Although Akitas are not extremely prevalent in American animal shelters, they definitely find their way into shelters from time to time.
Ask your local shelter if you can fill out an application and be notified when Akitas become available.
Akita Rescue Groups
You can also contact breed-specific rescue groups that specialize in rescuing Akitas. Check out the Akita Rescue webpage for a list of some of the Akita Rescue groups in the country.
You can also search for adoptable Akitas using resources such as Facebook, Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com, and Getyourpet.com.
Adoption makes a lot of sense financially, and it is also rewarding to provide a home for an animal that needs a second chance.
Can You Afford Akita Care?
After you pay the initial fee and take your pet home, there are still many expenses to come.
In this section, we will explore the cost of caring for an Akita on a daily basis for the whole life of your Akita.
The Cost of Feeding an Akita
Akitas are big, athletic dogs that require a lot of calories.
You will want to find a high-quality dog food to keep your Akita in good shape.
Avoid cheap commercial dog foods that include filler ingredients such as corn or animal by-products.
High-quality dog food can be pretty pricey. Prepare to spend about $40 to $50 on dog food per month for your full-grown Akita.
The Cost of Training an Akita
Obedience classes are a big investment, but they are worth every penny.
Akitas can easily weigh over 100 lbs.
If you own a dog of this size, it is crucial that you put the time into proper training and socialization.
Even if you plan to do most of the training yourself, a group class offers vital socialization that is impossible to get any other way.
The cost of a group class is usually between $75 and $200 depending on the obedience school. This price usually gets you at least 4 or 5 sessions with the group.
If you need to work on more serious issues such as separation anxiety or aggression, you will want to hire a private trainer.
Private training is more expensive, but you get more individual attention.
The cost is generally between $80 and $150 per session.
Make sure you find a trainer that uses positive, force-free training methods.
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
For help with training your dog, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.
The Cost of Akita Grooming
Akitas have thick coats that require a lot of brushing, combing, and grooming.
Luckily, you can do most of the grooming yourself at home.
Akitas are not hypoallergenic and they shed a lot!
If you are not ok with some dog fur in your house, this is not the breed for you!
You will want to invest in a good brush, comb and vacuum cleaner.
Some owners choose to bring their Akitas to a professional groomer for baths and haircuts.
If you choose to do this, the price could be anywhere between $50 and $150 depending on the services.
As with all dogs, you will also need to trim your Akitas nails every few weeks. If you are not comfortable doing this at home, you can pay a professional about $10-$25 to do it for you.
Other Akita Expenses
Akitas are very intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation. Stock up on enrichment items such as Kongs, food puzzles, interactive toys, and work-to-eat bowls. You can find a wide selection at your local pet supply store or online.
If you work long hours, you may need to hire a dog walker or bring your Akita to doggie daycare during the day.
If you end up getting a puppy, a crate is an excellent investment! It will keep your furniture and shoe collection safe while your puppy goes through the dreaded teething phase.
Akita Medical Costs
Veterinary care is very important but can be very expensive.
Annual Medical Care
Find a veterinarian that you trust and bring your Akita for a visit at least once per year.
This annual checkup will cost anywhere from $100 to $250 depending on the clinic.
An annual checkup should include yearly shots such as the rabies vaccine and vaccinations for distemper, parvo, and bordetella (kennel cough).
It should also include a physical exam, fecal test, deworming and heartworm test.
Make sure you keep your Akita up to date on heartworm prevention at all times. There are many brands on the market, so talk with your vet about the different price options for heartworm prevention, flea prevention, and tick prevention.
Akita Health Issues
Like all breeds, Akitas are prone to certain medical conditions.
For example, Akitas are prone to eye issues. They are also susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis.
They can also suffer from a scary medical emergency called bloat that requires immediate surgical correction.
The cost of an emergency surgery will almost certainly exceed $1000 so make sure to set aside some funding for unexpected veterinary bills.
Helpful Dog Health Resource:
Note: Our Health is #1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Help your friend make it to 14 yrs+ without pain and suffering.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Akita Price
Akitas are one of the most expensive breeds to acquire from a high-quality breeder.
However, rescue is an excellent option for many people.
Before you bring home an Akita, talk with other Akita owners as well as your veterinarian to make sure that you are prepared for the lifelong expenses of this beautiful breed.
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.
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