Are Shiba Inus Expensive? How Much Do They Cost & Why?

During my last year in college, I got a surprise gift from a friend that later became one of my most precious gifts and a changing point in my life. It was a Shiba Inu puppy.

To my surprise, the puppy cost him $1100, way more than I could expect. It made me think, are Shiba Inus Expensive?

Yes, Shiba Inus are expensive. A pet-quality puppy with good lineage and complete AKC registration costs you $1,000 to $2,000. However, you can adopt one at a lower price, usually $50 – $300. Not forgetting, Shiba care and maintenance, vet visits, and food are also expensive.

Below I have some information to share, especially about why Shiba Inus are costly, and show you how to budget for your Shiba appropriately.

Are Shiba Inus Expensive?

Yes, Shiba Inus are expensive. A Shiba puppy will cost you between $1,400 to $2,200. Besides, puppies with a champion bloodline and strong lineage cost $2,000 to $3,500.

Shiba Inus are more expensive than most common dogs you find in the hood. Also, you incur transportation costs to have the Shiba at your doorstep.

Although some breeders do it free of charge, lucky are you if you get one of those.

There are miscellaneous costs that come with getting a Shiba puppy. They are high in the first year because you have to purchase some basics accessories like toys. An approximate amount is $3,500 for a single Shiba puppy needs for the first year, excluding the purchase price.

After the first year is over, you can expect to spend around $1,000 in the coming years for your Shibas upkeep. That amount isn’t inclusive of vet visits or emergency services. So, expect to spend more or less than that.

How Much Does a Shiba Inus Cost from A Breeder?

Purchasing a Shiba Inu from a breeder costs you around $1,400 – $2,200 on the lower end. On the higher, Shibas with champion bloodline cost between $2,000 – $3,500.

The good thing is you get value for your money. Remember, a reputable breeder has to do several tests like the Shibas genetic and healthy status. Also, a high-quality breeder has to ensure your Shiba doesn’t come from a low-quality genetic.

The breeder also cooperates with a trusted vet where they can take their pets for a check-up. Breeders also keep a track record of all visits and treatment history.

Of course, Shiba puppies need vaccination during specific years, often once in the dog’s lifetime.

In addition to the vet costs, a quality breeder trains their Shiba Inus on the basic commands. Resulting in the high price of Shibas.

Thankfully, a puppy with training and social skills easily adapts to a new home. Besides, you’ll need to pay less for training and socialization in the future.

How Much Does Shiba Inus Adoption Cost?

Adopting a Shiba Inu costs you a dime, $50 – $300.

If you find the initial cost of a Shiba puppy beyond your budget, you can go for the cheap way, adoption. In fact, Shibas are commonly available for adoption because most people give up owning them after a short period.

However, hardly will you a get a puppy for adoption. People hardly turn over puppies to rescue centers. Almost all dogs available in rescues are adults.

If you find a Shiba puppy in a rescue center, it may be a result of an accidental litter. Most accidental litters aren’t pure breeds, though.

The price you pay in adoption centers isn’t a purchase; it goes to the vet costs from the rescue time. After a rescue, a Shiba has to go to a vet for a health check-up to identify any possible illness.

Since Shibas found in rescue centers have an unknown past, finding their health status is important.

But once the dog is in the rescue, it’s well taken care of. Also, appropriate measures are brought on board if the dog is ailing to ensure the dog gets prompt treatment.

You might want to read our post on, can you shave a Shiba Inu?

Why Are Shiba Inus Expensive?

Several factors make Shiba Inus price so expensive. Here, I intend to go through some of the major factors.

They include;

• Breeds Popularity
• AKC Registration
• Food Expenses
• Accessories Expenses
• Vet Expenses  

What’s more;

1.     Breeds Popularity

The Shiba Inu dog breed has become popular recently. Previously, you could easily get a Shiba pup for less than $1,000.

However, Shiba Inu became popular with the sharing of the Shiba Inu meme. These memes became popular with the image of a cute Shiba Inu.

As a result, more people got the interest and desire to have this cute dog from the memes.

The demand for Shiba Inu went high all of a sudden. Funnily, Shiba breeders were unable to satisfy the growing demand.

The inadequate supply led to a rise in the price.

2.     AKC Registration (American Kennel Club)

AKC stands for American Kennel Club. The club registers your Shiba or any other dog so that you’re approved as a reputable seller or breeder.

AKC registered dogs have a certificate given after application. Therefore, when buying a Shiba, you can ask whether it’s AKC registered. That way, you determine whether the pup comes from a pure breed.

The cost of registering your Shiba at AKC is high. If the person you’re buying from has registered his pup at AKC, the price must be high.

3.     Food Expenses 

The quality of a dog mostly depends on the food it feeds on. In addition, you should feed your Shiba Inu premium-quality dog food. High-quality dog food costs around $2 – $3 every pound.

Now, every three months, you’ll spend around $55. This caters to a 30-pound bag of quality dog food.

You can feed your Shiba Inu a single cup of quality food the whole day. Feeding your Shiba Inu enough food makes him grow properly. Therefore, strive to feed your Shiba enough food every day.

Food expenses contribute to the high price of Shiba Inus.

4.     Accessories Expenses  

A dog does not only need food for growth; there are other essentials. In the case of Shiba Inus, since they are known to be active dogs, you have to support this trait with toys to play with.

You have to purchase some toys and accessories that your Shiba Inu can play with to support his active nature.

You have to buy other accessories: a dog collar, bowls for water and food, a brush, and a leash. You also need a bed where your Shiba Inu can rest.

All these accessories cost you a good amount of money. As a consequence, the cost of a Shiba Inu goes up.

5.     Vet Expenses   

Not only Shibas, but all dogs also need a regular checkup. As you all know, vet professionals aren’t cheap, even for a normal checkup.

For that reason, breeders spend a lot on vet checkups. They transfer these costs when selling their dogs. Also, Shiba Inus needs a spray to keep away lice and keep the dog clean and healthy.

Vet expenses alone cost you between $250 and $500 annually. As such, the price of Shiba’s went up. Other expenses come from vet visits due to glaucoma and allergies in Shiba Inus.

How Much Does Shiba Inus Maintenance Cost Per Month?

You should expect to spend $67 – $603 on average in a month.

When it comes to monthly maintenance costs, Shiba Inus are right in the middle of the pack. Shibas are small in size and thus don’t need lots of food.

Besides, Shibas are relatively healthy, which prevents you from frequent and costly vet visits.

You need to have a shampoo and some toys that won’t cost you much. Having a Shiba is good, in my opinion, as you have control over what your dog’s maintenance cost amounts to.

Instead of looking for a dog walker, you can do it yourself and save the cost.

You also benefit from getting enough exercise while taking your Shiba out for a walk. Hiring a dog walker raises the maintenance cost of Shibas.

The only thing you can’t substitute is the vet visits.

However, keep your Shiba tidy by grooming him when necessary to keep him in good health. Feeding Shibas the right food also works wonders to keep the vet away and spend far less.

Are Shiba Inus Health Care Costs Expensive?

General Shiba Inu health care costs range from $50 – $200.

Although Shiba Inus are experts in keeping themselves clean and tidy, you need to do a couple of things to keep your Shiba in good health.

For example, you’ll need to pay for some practices like flea prevention.

Also, if your Shiba requires any form of medication, you’ll have to pay for it.

That said, ensure to get a Shiba Inu free from complications if you’re yet to get one and want to. Shibas with underlying conditions can be hectic to take care of.

Are Shiba Inus Food Costs Expensive?

Shiba Inus food costs are roughly $20 – $100 monthly.

Shiba Inus have a small body which means they hardly consume much food.

As a result, a Shiba won’t cost much to feed as you might imagine. High-quality food is available at a pocket-friendly cost.

If you have a puppy, the better it is for you regarding food costs. Puppies’ food costs way less since they don’t eat much food.

However, as Shiba grows, expect to spend more on food since growth parallels food requirements.

Are Shiba Inus Pet Insurance Costs Expensive?

Shiba Inu pet insurance costs averagely $15 – $60 per month.

You should consider getting pet insurance for your Shiba Inus.

While Shibas are tidy and stay clean, they’re prone to allergies that might cost you much to treat. However, pet insurance comes in handy.

Instead of incurring the treatment cost, insuring your pet with a reputable pet insurance company saves you the hurdle. For example, if your Shiba has no pet insurance, it costs you thousands of dollars to treat some complications like dysplasia.

There are numerous options for pet insurance to choose from.

Some pet insurance cover accidents only, while others cover both accidents and diseases. Here, make your decisions wisely depending on your region and other demographics.

Remember, your geographical area is a crucial factor to consider when choosing respective pet insurance for your Shiba.

Are Shiba Inus Pet Grooming Costs Expensive?

Shiba Inu grooming won’t cost you a lot per month, only $0 – $25.

Remember, Shibas don’t need the daily and professional kind of grooming. Shibas know how to keep their body tidy and clean. So, you’ll hardly have to groom him unless he’s taken a bath.

Also, Shiba Inus coat shouldn’t be cut at any time in their lifetime.

You might not need to visit a groomer. You can only cut short your Shibas fur when the vet asks for it for treatment reasons like surgery.

However, if you prefer taking your Shiba to a professional groomer, you’re up to the task. That can cost you between $35 and $50 per session.

If you want to do the grooming yourself, all you need is a grooming brush, and you’re good to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Shiba Inu Special Dogs?

What makes Shiba Inus special and unique is their small size with a bold personality, one-of-a-big personality.

Shiba Inus are not the most giant dogs you’ll come across, but they might be the most influential you might ever see. They are unique in different ways, such as being independent, high-energy, and loyal.

Shiba Inus make a good companion, given you know how to handle the breed.

Why Should You Get a Shiba Inu Despite Their Price?  

Shiba Inus are adorable with a beautiful plush coat that greets you every morning. Besides, they have a heart-warming smile that’s pretty irresistible.

With a cat-like personality, Shiba Inus are a worthwhile breed that every dog lover should give a try. They aren’t bothersome and can spend 8+ hours alone.

Are Shiba Inus Good for First-Time Dog Owners?

No. Shiba Inus aren’t the best dogs for first-time dog owners.

So, if you’re looking to get a Shiba as a first-time dog owner, reconsider your choice.

They have a complex personality, are difficult to train, and are a little stubborn hence they might disappoint you.

How Much Is a Shiba Inu in Japan?

A Shiba Inu in Japan costs between 350,000 – and 450,000 yen. The price differs depending on the color of the Shiba. White Shibas cost between 350,000 – 450,000 Japanese yen, while black Shiba Inus are more expensive and cost from 400,000 – 450,000 Japanese yen.

If you’re lucky to get a special one with a strong lineage, it might cost you 500,000+ yen. The price rises year by year, causing significant fluctuations between different breeders.

How Much Does a Shiba Inu Cost in Australia?

A Shiba Inu in Australia costs you AUD$4,000 – $6,000 for a puppy Shiba Inu.

Occasionally, breeders participate in dog shows where they present adult dogs in need of retirement homes. Those are less costly than when getting a puppy Shiba.

Conclusion, Are Shiba Inus Expensive?

With all the aforesaid, I know you can now confidently answer the question, “why are Shiba Inus expensive?” without hesitation!

In addition, even though Shiba Inus are pretty expensive due to the valid reasons covered above, it’s equally good to own one. Every previous owner of Shiba Inus finds it hard to shift to other dogs.

Shiba Inus dogs bring life to your home with their unique traits. Also, they’re loyal companions to their owners.

These traits make this cute and chubby dog with a foxlike face an interesting pet worth spending on.