According to the American Kennel Club, the average cost of raising a dog in the United States is around $23,410. This includes expenses like dog food, supplies, vet costs and more.
Of course, some breeds can cost more than others, especially if those breeds are in demand. And that is where the Shiba Inu comes in. If you’re looking to get your hands on this gorgeous and one-of-a-kind purebred, you’re probably wondering about Shiba Inu price.
Since the Shiba Inu has risen in popularity over the past decade, it’s not unreasonable to assume that this canine could be costly.
So, what is the average Shiba Inu price from puppyhood to seniorhood? That’s what we’re here to find out. Join us today as we discover what the true Shiba Inu price really is and if it’s all worth it in the end.
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What Is A Shiba Inu?
A Shiba Inu is a purebred dog of Japanese heritage.
The Shiba Inu is an ancient hunting dog hailing from Japan, with his origins tracing back all the way to 300 bc. Rugged but beautiful, the tenacious Shiba Inu is considered Japanese’s most popular purebred.
However, the breed is still relatively new to the United States, having only been introduced to us around 60 years ago. Still, the Shiba Inu has managed to build a quick fanbase in that time and currently sits at number 44 out of 197 on the American Kennel Club’s list of America’s Most Popular dog breeds. While this is great news for the Shiba Inu, it can also mean a higher cost when it comes to the Shiba Inu price.
But in order to understand Shiba Inu price, we must first understand what goes into breeding a Shiba Inu dog.
Keep reading.
The Costs Behind Breeding A Healthy Shiba Inu
Breeding a Shiba Inu dog can be pricey, especially when done properly.
For reputable breeders, breeding a Shiba Inu dog can be costly. On average, most breeders spend between $1,609 to $8,245 to breed just one litter.
Depending on the quality of the breeder, the quality of the parent breeds, and any miscellaneous or unforeseen expenses that may arise during the dog’s pregnancy and whelping of the puppies, these prices can vary.
Breeding costs include everything from acquiring a license to raising a healthy female Shiba Inu for breeding. There are also stud fees which vary depending on the quality of the male dog, and fees related to ensuring the female is healthy throughout her pregnancy.
In most cases, the birth of Shiba Inu puppies can be done naturally and with little assistance from medical professionals. This reduces veterinary fees for potential C-sections unless there is an emergency or health issue with the mother or puppies in the process.
On average, most Shiba Inu females give birth to around two to five puppies, which isn’t very many puppies when you consider the average cost of breeding.
Once the puppies are born, the Shiba Inu breeder must then raise these puppies for the next seven to eight weeks before selling them to good homes.
The cost of raising a litter of Shiba Inu puppies can also vary, but is generally around $355 to $2,400. This price includes deworming, DHLPP shots, puppy food and puppy supplies, and miscellaneous medical expenses for puppies with special needs.
Once puppies have reached the weaning age, which is generally between seven and eight weeks, breeders may then sell their puppies and hope to make a profit.
Hence the reason why the Shiba Inu puppy price is considered so high. With that in mind, let’s talk more about the average Shiba Inu price when going through a breeder and why it’s important not to cut corners.
How Much Does A Breeder Charge On Average For A Shiba Inu Puppy?
Depending on the breeder you go through, Shiba Inu puppies can cost over $3,000.
Once upon a time, you could buy a Shiba Inu puppy from a reputable breeder for no more than $1,000. However, with a rise in popularity comes a rise in Shiba Inu price. Today, the average Shiba Inu puppy costs buyers between $1,200 and $3,000.
This should be no surprise considering how much it costs to breed a Shiba Inu, but if you’re still considering looking for alternatives to the average Shiba Inu price, it’s best not to try and cut corners.
Going through backyard breeders, unqualified online sellers, or breeders promising Shiba Inu puppies at a bargain price could be selling you puppies with serious health issues. This could wind up costing you much more in the way of the Shiba Inu price down the road, with hidden medical fees being some of the most costly fees dog owners pay.
To avoid this, we recommend going through a reputable breeder to buy a Shiba Inu puppy off the top. While the Shiba Inu price may be more initially, you’ll likely be saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars down the road in medical expenses.
So, how do you know if you’re going through a reputable breeder? The Shiba Inu is a purebred dog, and most reputable breeders should be able to provide you with paperwork proving their dogs’ pedigrees.
Reputable breeders will also be able to provide you with a certificate of health proving their puppies have been health screened and cleared of any serious health issues.
Another one of the benefits of going through a breeder to buy your Shiba Inu puppy is that you may have the chance to meet your puppy’s parent dogs. Doing so can give you a better idea as to what your Shiba Inu puppy will grow up to look and behave like.
We should also point out that just because you spend a premium price for a Shiba Inu doesn’t guarantee your Shiba Inu will be healthy throughout his lifetime.
With that said, you should be just as wary of going through breeders who charge too much for a Shiba Inu as you would be when going through breeders who are charging much less than average.
We should note here that there are circumstances where a Shiba Inu price can vary not only depending on the breeder, but also depending on gender, coat color, and your geographic location.
Usually, the female Shiba Inu price is higher than the male Shiba Inu price. This is because of the female Shiba Inu’s breeding potential. If you buy a show quality female Shiba Inu dog, you can expect her price to certainly be higher than that of her male siblings.
Coat color can also contribute to Shiba Inu price, with the more “rare” Shiba Inu colors going for a bit more.
Shiba Inu dogs come in a variety of colors, including black and tan, cream, black sesame, red sesame, and red and sesame.
The rarest coloring of a Shiba Inu, according to many breeders, is the black sesame Shiba Inu. That said, most breeders do not raise the Shiba Inu price based on coat color and generally do so based only on the quality of the Shiba Inu parent dogs and the gender of the Shiba Inu puppy.
How Much Does It Cost To Obtain A Shiba Inu Through A Rescue?
Going through a rescue can be much more cost effective than going through a breeder.
If you are looking for ways to cut costs when it comes to the Shiba Inu price, we suggest looking into a rescue or shelter in your area. On average, adopting a Shiba Inu from a local shelter can cost between $350 and $550.
Depending on the shelter you go through, you may be able to get a Shiba Inu that has already been spayed or neutered, which can save you even more money down the road.
Many shelters will have also had their Shiba Inu dogs undergo behavioral testing and many will come with a free initial vet exam to ensure their health.
There are plenty of benefits of going through a rescue that go far beyond Shiba Inu price, including the potential for you to get the dog of your dreams tempearamentally and physically. Rescuing adult Shiba Inus who are over two years of age is often ideal for those wanting to forgo the puppy stage.
Many dogs who are over two years of age may have also undergone basic training and will likely have their adult coats and temperaments set.
If you do opt to go through a shelter to obtain your Shiba Inu, be sure to ask plenty of questions of the shelter and describe the type of Shiba Inu you are looking for.
If you have children, be sure to disclose this to the shelter so you can ensure you get a dog who will do best with your family and fit into your home and lifestyle.
Of course, there are costs associated with the Shiba Inu price that go far beyond just buying a Shiba Inu from a breeder or adopting one from a shelter.
With that being said, it’s time to discuss the lifetime costs of raising a healthy and happy Shiba Inu dog.
Shiba Inu Price – Raising A Shiba Inu
Raising a Shiba Inu properly means investing in bedding, toys, grooming, diet and more.
Becoming a dog parent means taking on quite a bit of responsibility. Just like children, Shiba Inu dogs require consistent care, attention, time, love and a good financial commitment. This means that your Shiba Inu price is going to go far beyond simply buying your Shiba Inu from a breeder or adopting him from a shelter.
According to the American Kennel Club, there are yearly expenses associated with the average Shiba Inu price, and these expenses can wind up costing you a good chunk of change by the end of your Shiba Inu’s lifespan.
With that noted, remember that Shiba Inu dogs live to be between 12 and 15 years, so any annual expense should be considered and calculated when preparing for a Shiba Inu price overall.
The first year of Shiba Inu ownership is usually the most expensive, as dog owners spend a lot more upfront preparing for their puppy or rescue dog.
Experts have found that a Shiba Inu price in the first year is most costly for owners, with the average cost falling around $3,625. The following years of raising a Shiba Inu are less expensive, averaging around $1,080 a year or $90 per month.
Let’s now break the Shiba Inu price down and take a look at how much it might cost you to raise a Shiba Inu dog.
Basic Shiba Inu Dog Supplies Cost Around $500 Annually
Basic dog supplies are typically purchased in your dog’s first year, which can be a contributing factor to the initial Shiba Inu price. However, you are likely to buy several of the below basic dog supplies throughout your dog’s lifetime.
These supplies include but are not limited to:
Quality Dog Food And Healthy Training Treats Cost Between $250 – $700 Per Year
A healthy diet is imperative to your Shiba Inu’s overall health. Dog food and treats will contribute to your annual Shiba Inu price, and it’s very important that you look for the healthiest dog food possible when it comes to your Shiba Inu.
The best dog food for a Shiba Inu dog is going to be a dog food that is specified for his age, weight and activity level. Be sure your Shiba Inu’s food contains real meat protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fatty acids and contains a good source of water.
Treats should also be high quality, as they will play a big role in your Shiba Inu’s overall mental health and happiness during training. Look for quality training treats that contain quality ingredients.
Both treats and dog food should be free of any additives, fillers, by-products, dyes, corn, wheat, soy or gluten.
Shiba Inu Grooming Supplies Cost Around $30 – $500 Per Year
Grooming a Shiba Inu can be extensive, mostly because of the amount that these dogs shed. Like many double-coated dog breeds, the Shiba Inu sheds year-round and sheds most heavily during shedding season.
That said, they do not need routine trims or hair cuts, and brushing and bathing is generally enough to keep them looking their best. Still, you should prepare to invest in quality grooming supplies and include these supplies within your Shiba Inu price list.
The most common grooming supplies for a Shiba Inu are listed below.
Shiba Inu Bedding Can Cost Around $50 – $200
Bedding is incredibly important to ensuring your Shiba Inu feels comfortable and has his own place in the home. A good dog bed can also help reduce joint problems as your Shiba Inu ages, meaning you can count a quality dog bed in your Shiba Inu price list as preventive care.
Remember to invest in the below items when it comes to bedding:
- A Quality Dog Bed
- Quality Dog Blankets
- Washable Dog Bed Covers
A Good Shiba Inu Crate Costs Between $50 and $200
Not all Shiba Inu dogs will require a crate, but if you do choose to crate train your Shiba Inu, you’ll want to invest in a quality dog crate. Crate training, when done properly can help reduce stress and anxiety and keep your Shiba Inu safe while you are gone during the day.
Along with a crate, you should also prepare to add the following to your overall Shiba Inu price list:
- Crate Cover
- Crate Pad
- Crate Divider
Shiba Ina Toys Are About $50 – $100 Per Year
All dogs should have a toy box with lots of toys to help keep them engaged and happy throughout the day. Mental stimulation can help reduce a number of health and behavioral issues, so it’s important not to skimp on quality toys for your intelligent and active Shiba Inu.
Go for age appropriate toys that are made specifically for dogs and that can help keep them active both mentally and physically, like those listed below:
- Chew Toys
- Puzzle Toys
- Stuffy Toys
The Basic Medical Expenses For Shiba Inu Dogs Costs Around $330 – $725 A Year
When it comes to considering your overall Shiba Inu price, we can’t forget medical expenses. It’s important to consider medical expenses before you take on the responsibility of raising any dog, as dogs rely solely on you to provide them with the care they need.
Experts suggest that first year medical expenses for a Shiba Inu are most expensive, costing owners around $595. After that, annual wellness exams and medical expenses we suggest you include in your Shiba Inu price are around $530.
You should also prepare to have your Shiba Inu spayed or neutered, which can cost between $50 to $300. This is a one time fee, of course.
Other medical expenses for a Shiba Inu include:
- Microchipping (a one time fee)
- Spaying or Neutering (a one time fee)
- Vaccinations
- Parasite Prevention
- Professional Dental Cleanings
- Yearly Wellness Exams For adult Shiba Inu Dogs under 7 Years Old
- Twice-Yearly Wellness Exams for senior Shiba Inu Dogs Over 7 Years Old
Remember, all of these above Shiba Inu price estimates can and will vary depending on your location and the veterinarian you choose to go through. You should also keep in mind that there are other, hidden expenses that come with owning a Shiba Inu you should be aware of.
Keep reading.
The Hidden Costs Of Owning and Raising A Shiba Inu Dog
Vet costs and medical expenses are some of the more unpredictable costs of owning a Shiba Inu.
Along with ensuring your Shiba Inu maintains a healthy diet, is properly groomed and exercised, and along with making sure your Shiba Inu keeps up with his routine veterinary visits, you should also consider the other costs that are associated with being a dog owner.
These costs include travel expenses, pet rental fees, pet care, training resources, veterinary specialists for unforeseen medical needs and potentially investing in pet insurance.
Travel Expenses Can Range From $50 – $500 Per Trip
Shiba Inu dogs are compact little companions who are perfect travel buddies. Unfortunately, traveling with your Shiba Inu isn’t cheap. If you plan on traveling often with your Shiba Inu, prepare to include this in your overall Shiba Inu price.
Air travel is generally the most expensive form of travel with a pet, with most owners paying between $50 to $250 per trip on an airplane.
Choosing to take a road trip with your dog may be cheaper, but there are still costs associated with driving. It’s best to invest in a dog car seat, canine seat belt, or car-safe crate to ensure your Shiba Inu is safe on the road.
You’ll also need to buy travel dog bowls and account for extra dog food, lodging, and other accessories associated with traveling with a dog.
Pet Rental Fees Are Usually Between $10 – $50 Per Pet Per Month
Do you live in a rental property? If so, you should prepare to pay pet rent unless your Shiba Inu is a registered service dog. Most renters charge between $10 and $50 per pet per month for pet rent, but some can charge up to $200 or more depending on your location.
Dog Trainers Can Cost On Average Between $30 – $120 Per Session
Shiba Inu dogs are highly intelligent and known to be somewhat stubborn. They can be hard headed at times, and this can cause some challenges for novice dog owners when it comes to training. Many owners who can afford to do so will hire a trainer and will include this in their Shiba Inu price.
There are plenty of affordable dog trainers throughout the United States, with many providing Zoom sessions or Facetime training sessions at an affordable rate.
However, some dog trainers can be quite costly, charging around $1,200 a week.
Dog Daycare Can Cost You Between $240 – $550 Per Month
Most Shiba Inu dogs are independent and do well on their own so long as their exercise needs and mental stimulation needs are met. However, if you are planning on going out of town and don’t have anyone to watch your dog for you, you might need to consider dog daycare or a dog hotel.
Dog daycare rates can cost over $500 a month, depending on where you live and how long your dog needs to be looked after.
Hiring A Dog Walker Ranges In Price Of $20 – $50 Per Walk
Shiba Inu dogs are very athletic. As bred hunting dogs, they require routine exercise each and every day and sometimes multiple times a day. If you don’t have time to keep up with your Shiba Inu’s exercise requirements, you might consider hiring a dog walker.
What You Should Know When It Comes To Unforeseen Pet Medical Expenses
Like all dogs, the Shiba Inu can be susceptible to genetic health issues. If you go through reputable sources to obtain your Shiba Inu dog, your chances of dealing with serious health issues are generally lower than if you go through backyard breeders or online sellers.
However, there is no guarantee to your Shiba Inu’s health, and unforeseen medical expenses should be taken into consideration when you look at the overall Shiba Inu price.
In order to better understand the potential cost of Shiba Inu medical expenses, it’s a good idea to understand what your Shiba Inu is susceptible to.
Common health issues for a Shiba Inu include but are not limited to:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Dental Disease
- Bacterial Infections
- Obesity
- Parasites
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Distichiasis
- Pyometra
- Patellar Luxation
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Von Willebrand’s DIsease
- Epilepsy
- Heart Disease
- Dental Abnormalities
- Thyroid Problems
- High Potassium
- Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
- And VKH Syndrome
While Shiba Inu dogs are relatively healthy, health issues can still crop up unexpectedly. For this reason, we suggest creating a pet emergency fund or investing in pet insurance.
The Average Cost of Pet Insurance For A Shiba Inu Is Going to Be Between $10 – $100 A Month, Which Comes Out to Cost Between $120 to $1,200 Each Year.
Can You Afford A Shiba Inu? Let’s Find Out.
Shiba Inu dogs are some of the less expensive dog breeds in the canine kingdom.
The average lifetime cost of owning a Shiba Inu dog, according to experts, is around $18,745.
With the average price of raising a dog costing most owners around $23,000, we’d say this is a deal!
Of course, the Shiba Inu price can vary depending on your location, the breeder or shelter you go through, the vet costs, and any medical expenses that may arise throughout your Shiba Inu’s lifetime.
Is the Shiba Inu dog worth it in the long run? We’d say so. These dogs make wonderful companions for the right owner. When properly trained and socialized they get along well with pets and children, and are intelligent and devoted dogs.
So, would you invest in a Shiba Inu now that you understand more about the Shiba Inu price?
Tell us what you think about the Shiba Inu dog in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading!
Jen Jones is a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist with more than 25 years of experience. As the founder of ‘Your Dog Advisor’ and the ‘Canine Connection’ rehabilitation center, she applies a holistic, empathetic approach, aiming to address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Well known for her intuitive and compassionate approach, Jen adopts scientifically-proven, reward-based methods, encouraging positive reinforcement over punishment. Jen specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy socialization. Her innovative methods, particularly in addressing anxiety and aggression issues, have been widely recognized. Jen has worked with many of the world’s leading dog behaviorists and in her free time volunteers with local animal shelters and rescue groups.