How Much Does an Akita Cost? (2024 Updated)

The topic of Akita price is something to take a closer look at, especially if you’re looking to add an Akita to your family. If this is something you’re interested in, you’re on the right page!

When it comes to Akitas, it’s no secret that they come with a steep price tag. However, their upfront price is only one of the many things that make up the expenses of owning an Akita.

To help you learn more about the costs of owning an Akita, this article will dive deep into the ins and outs of Akita price. Here, we’ll discuss the factors affecting the Akita price, some money-saving tips, and more.

How Much Does an Akita Puppy Cost?

Depending on the breeder’s reputation, age, and rarity of coat color, an Akita puppy can cost anywhere between $800 and $2,000. If you’re looking to bring home one from a champion line, expect to pay even more. Some Akita dogs from premium bloodlines can cost upwards of $3,000.

It is possible to snag an Akita for much less, especially if you acquire one from backyard breeders or puppy mills. However, this is highly discouraged, as dogs from these sources are often sickly and do not come with guarantees.

When looking for an Akita puppy, make sure to find a reputable breeder. A good breeder will be able to provide health certifications, bloodline records, and other supporting documents.

Here’s a closer look at how much an Akita puppy costs, depending on the breeder’s expertise:

Amateur Breeders

The normal Akita price from novice breeders is between $700 and $1,200. Puppies from these breeders can fit most homes; however, these dogs rarely come with health guarantees.

Moreover, Akitas from Amateur breeders are not guaranteed to be free from genetic health issues. This is because most amateur breeders do not test their breeding stock.

Professional Breeders

Professional Akita breeders tend to charge more for their dogs. Their typical selling price ranges from $1,200 to $2,000. Given this hefty price tag, you are getting more perks along with your puppy purchase.

Some perks included in your purchase include free accessories, health certifications, vaccines, and more. 

Champion Bloodline

If you’re willing to shell out between $2,000 and $3,000, sometimes even more, for an Akita puppy, get one that comes from a champion bloodline. 

Champion Akita puppies are usually sold only by AKC-recognized breeders, who have been in the business for decades. Make sure to look for records that prove a dog’s champion lineage before bringing it home.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Akita From a Shelter?

Adopting an Akita is a great option, especially if you’re working with a tight budget or you just want to save a dog’s life. Adoption fees for rescued Akitas from shelters and rescue organizations range from $150 to $500.

This cost is primarily determined by the dog’s age and location. Adoption fees usually cover the expenses incurred by the Akita during its stay in the shelter. It may also serve as a donation for nonprofit rescue organizations.

If you’ve decided to take the adoption route, you must still take appropriate safety measures. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable rescue, and be sure that you know exactly what you are getting into. 

Keep in mind that some rescued dogs have aggression issues due to being mistreated by their previous owners. It is also possible for rescued dogs to have underlying health conditions.

Nonetheless, this is not to sway you away from adopting an Akita. Given the popularity of the breed and the thousands of Akita rescues in the country, you are sure to find a healthy, adoptable Akita if you look around.

Watch this video to see what a day in the life with an Akita looks like:

First-Time Expenses of Akita Ownership

Aside from the actual price of an Akita puppy, there are other things associated with owning an Akita for the first time. This section will talk about these different expenses.

Here are some of the first-time expenses you need to consider before bringing home an Akita:

• Food and Treats: It’s crucial to provide your Akita puppy with the right food and dog treats to provide it with the nourishment it needs. Costs for high-quality dog food and treats range from $80 to $100.
• Bowls: You will need two bowls for your Akita, one for food and another for water. Depending on the type of bowl purchased, you can expect to spend around $15 to $40.
• Toys: Toys are essential for keeping your Akita physically and mentally engaged. Make sure to carefully choose toys that will withstand rough play and biting without breaking quickly. Budget between $30 and $100 for a set of good toys.
• Beds: An Akita needs a comfortable bed to sleep in. Depending on the type and size of bed you choose, expect to spend around $50 to $300.
• Collars and Leashes: A strong collar with a secure closure is essential for an Akita. High-quality collars and leashes typically range from $15 to $50, depending on the length and style.
• Crates and Carriers: An Akita needs a secure crate to itself for times when you’re not around. Likewise, it also needs a carrier should you decide to transport your Akita. Crates and carriers cost around $60 to $500, depending on the size and type.
• Grooming Essentials: Grooming necessities for your Akita, such as dog shampoo, conditioner, hair brushes, toothbrushes, nail clippers, eye and ear cleansers, and others, could be purchased for around $50 to $250
• Initial Vet Visits: Depending on your area, the cost of initial vet visits could range from $100 to $500. This will include a physical exam, necessary vaccinations, and tests for parasites.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: An Akita puppy will need an initial set of vaccine shots, which may cost around $50 to $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Fleas, ticks, and worms can cause your Akita serious health issues. Depending on the medications your dog needs, expect to spend between $40 and $300 for supplies.
• Neutering or Spaying: It is important to spay or neuter your Akita to keep them healthy and prevent unwanted pregnancies. The cost of this procedure is between $50 and $500, depending on the vet clinic.
• Microchipping: Microchipping your Akita is an important safety measure that can help identify your pet in case it gets lost. The cost of microchipping ranges from $40 to $60. 
• Dog License: Depending on the area you live in, it could be a requirement for all pet owners to obtain a dog license for their pets. The cost of this can range from $10 to $20. 
• Other Essentials: Other Essentials: You will also need to purchase other items such as a harness, pet insurance, and more. These items can cost anywhere from $30 to $80. 

Here’s the summary of all the initial expenses that you need to prepare for your Akita puppy:

It’s crucial to keep in mind that in contrast to smaller breeds, Akitas can get fairly large and need more space than most other dog breeds.

To make sure your Akita receives enough exercise and stimulation, additional costs for fencing or kennel runs may be necessary if you live in a tiny apartment or have a small yard.

Overall, having an Akita involves a lot of high upfront costs. After these costs, however, the recurring expenses associated with owning an Akita are much lower.

Annual Cost of Owning an Akita 

The recurring cost of owning an Akita varies significantly based on many factors. However, on average, you should expect to spend anywhere between $2,850 and $6,250 yearly. 

Here is a summary of the annual costs of owning and raising an Akita:

Based on the table above, the annual cost of owning an Akita is on par with the costs of owning other large dog breeds. 

However, it is important to note that these prices are estimates only. Your actual spending may vary depending on the kind of food you feed your dog, the prices in your area, and other factors. 

It is also possible that some of the listed items in the table above will not require yearly replacement. For instance, beds and crates usually last longer than a year, especially if they are made using high-quality materials.

However, some of the expenses above, such as routine veterinary care, grooming fees, and pet insurance, are something that you really need to set a budget for.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

It’s important to remember that there may be unforeseen expenses throughout the course of your Akita ownership. That said, you should stay one step ahead of these expenses by setting aside money for them.

Here are some potential expenses to consider should you decide to own an Akita:

• Grooming: Akitas have short coats that don’t require a lot of maintenance, but they still need to be brushed and bathed from time to time. Also, they could require professional grooming sessions once in a while to have their nails cut or their ears cleaned. Professional grooming can range from $20 to $100 per session.
• Training: This is helpful to guarantee that your pet behaves appropriately, as this breed is known for being highly independent and stubborn. Training can be especially useful for first-time owners. Expect to spend between $50 and $200 per hour on professional dog training.
• Daycare or Boarding: When you are away and unable to take your Akita with you, look into daycare services for dogs. Prices for these services can range from $25 to 100 per day, depending on the provider. 
• Dog Walking: You’ll need to account for dog walking expenses if you work all day and don’t have a family member who can take your dog out for a pee break throughout the day. A professional dog walker would often charge $15 for a 30-minute walk.
• Insurance: Pet owners should anticipate paying between $40 and $80 per month for a decent accident and illness pet insurance plan.

When making a budget for an Akita, it’s crucial to account for all of these extra expenses. This way, you can ensure that you are financially prepared should the need arise.

A client of mine who got a Labrador puppy had issues with his three-year-old male Akita in terms of welcoming the new puppy into their home, especially in the yard, which the Akita has rightfully claimed as his territory.

Due to this, my client had to employ the services of a professional trainer, which is something that he did not plan for, and he learned his lesson of ensuring that his puppies undergo early socialization even if they initially are in a single-pet household.

Best Places to Find Akita Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Akitas are popular dogs, so finding one should not be an extremely difficult task. However, it is important to steer away from untrusted sources or puppy mills. 

To get you started with your search, here are some reputable breeders where you may find Akita puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is an online platform backed by the American Kennel Club. This platform hosts reputable breeders who are guaranteed by AKC officials themselves. You’ll also find a directory of Akita breeders on this platform.
• TableRock Akitas – TableRock Akitas are located at the center of Southern Oregon. They are an AKC-registered kennel run by a small family. They take pride in the health and disposition of their Akita puppies, which they raise in their own home.
• Excel Shu-Ku Akitas – This breeder is an AKC Breeder of Merit. They are also members of the Akita Club of America and the Garden State Akita Club. With over 35 years of breeding experience, Excel Shu-Ku Akitas is undoubtedly one of the best sources to find Akitas for sale. 

Meanwhile, if you’re leaning towards adopting instead of buying an Akita, you’ll be glad to know that there are many reputable shelters to choose from.

Consider the choices below if you’re looking to adopt an Akita:

• Akita Club Of America Rescue (ACAR) – The Akita Club of America Rescue is a nonprofit organization run by an all-volunteer board and staff. You can also reach out to them on Facebook.
• Namaste Akita Rescue Alliance – This is a San Francisco-based nonprofit charity devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of Akita dogs. You can view some testimonials and praises about their work on their social media accounts.
• Big East Akita Rescue – B.E.A.R. is a nonprofit organization that rescues Akitas directly and is entirely staffed by volunteers. Their main headquarters is located in New Jersey, but they have foster homes all over the country. 
• Adopt a Pet – At its core, Adopt a Pet is a platform hosting adoptable dogs from rescues and shelters around the country. Their goal is to give every homeless pet a chance to find a forever home. They provide free advertising assistance to more than 15,000 animal shelters.

Hopefully, using the sources above, you will be able to find your next companion. Just keep in mind some of the important pointers in acquiring a new puppy, and you’re all set.

Money-Saving Tips for Akita Owners 

Beautiful Akitas need a lot of exercise, grooming, and medical attention, all of which add up rapidly. Fortunately, there are simple methods to cut costs without sacrificing your dog’s quality of life.

Here are some money-saving tips for Akita owners:

• Browse around for the best prices on pet supplies: Get the best offers on food, toys, treats, and other necessities for your Akita by visiting multiple stores and websites. Even discount codes and coupons might be accessible. Quality should never be compromised, but you may still purchase high-quality goods at a reasonable price.
• Consider preparing your Akita’s meals at home: Many pet owners discover that doing so helps them save money over time. To decide if this is the best choice for your Akita, do some research and speak with a vet.
• Give pet insurance some thought: It can help with the expenditures associated with unexpected medical expenses or injuries. It’s crucial to compare plans and providers before choosing one, so do your research.
• Brush and groom your Akita at home: Using tools created especially for this breed, many pet owners prefer to groom their Akita at home. You can save money and time by doing this.

At the end of the day, Akitas are wonderful dogs that are sure to fill our lives with joy. Hence, it’s critical to ensure their adequate care. With these suggestions in mind, you can guarantee that your Akita is living its best life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Have Two Akitas?

Akitas can be very territorial and possessive of their space, which could lead to fighting if both are the same gender.

That said, it is not advised to have two Akitas of the same sex. Even if they seem to get along well, wait at least 6 to 12 months before leaving someone of the other sex alone in the house.

Are Akitas Good First Pets?

Akitas are not recommended for novice pet owners due to their high maintenance requirements.

Because of their independence, Akitas can be challenging to teach. They require an experienced and patient handler who is committed to training, socializing, and providing adequate exercise.

Akita puppies are full of energy, so they require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.

What Is the Rarest Akita Color?

Red fawn, brindle, white, and sesame are the four Akita Inu color varieties recognized by the Japan Kennel Club. Meanwhile, sesame is the rarest color, and red fawn is the most common.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Akitas need a lot of attention, care, and affection, so it’s important to consider the cost associated with owning an Akita before getting one. 

Owning an Akita can cost you between $3,000 and $10,000 in the initial year, considering the breeder classification, health condition, coat color variety, and other factors.

However, with some research and money-saving tips, you can provide your Akita pup with everything it needs without breaking the bank! 

So, if you’re ready to welcome an Akita pup into your home, get ready for a life-long and enriching companionship of luck.

Did you find this article helpful in deciding whether or not Akita is the right pet for you? Let us know your thoughts about the topic of Akita price by leaving a comment below!