How Much Do Akita Puppies Cost?
Originating from Japan, the Akita is known for its double coat that is similar to a Husky dog. Notable around the globe, this independent dog can be found in many households throughout the world. Found in dog competitions and shows, the Akita is very smart and is known to grow up to 28 inches tall and can weigh more than 125 pounds.
How much do Akita puppies cost?
The cost of an Akita will greatly depend upon the age, the breeder selling it, the quality of the dog, its bloodline and what’s going to be included with the adoption. On average, an Akita puppy can cost anywhere from $900 to as much as $1,700. The typical AKC-registered Akita pup, according to our research, will be in the $1,000 to $1,500 range, and with this price, you should, at a minimum, receive a one-year written health guarantee, AKC paperwork, a guarantee that no health defects will occur in the future and a spay/neuter contract if applicable. These AKC numbers can be backed up by the classified ads on the official AKC Marketplace.
On the other hand, a dog with no paperwork and no parent testing can often be a lot less, usually in the $500 to $1,000 range.
PuppyFind.com, a popular dog classified website, has close to 300 listings at the time of this writing. Most of the classified ads have prices ranging from as little as $750 to more than $1,900.
Members on Reddit.com discussed the price of an Akita and said it would depend on the testings, paperwork and who you adopt it from. Most agreed the price will be in the $1,000 range, but much more if you were to have it imported from Japan.
What is going to be included in the adoption fee?
A reputable breeder should include a health checkup by a licensed vet, a health guarantee, up-to-date vaccinations, spay/neutering and/or a microchip.
What are the extra costs?
If the dog has to be shipped overseas or to another state, shipping fees will apply. These shipping fees can start at $150 and can be as high as $400 if shipped via an airline.
Recurring costs, as with any pet, such as food, routine/surprise vet bills, and supplies. It’s best to budget at least $50 to $85 per month for a healthy dog and much more if your dog were to come down with a health problem.
Training is highly recommended for any puppy to teach it, at the minimum, the basics of sit, lay down and stay. Training classes, depending on where you go, can start at $75 and go up from there.
The Akita needs to be brushed weekly to remove any dead hair; if you don’t have any time, then it’s wise to schedule a professional grooming appointment at least once per month.
Tips to know:
If healthy, its lifespan can range anywhere from 9 to 11 years.
As for its temperament, Puppy Find says the dog is known to be brave, smart and requires a lot of human companionship. The dog doesn’t prefer other dogs around as it can be very territorial and have aggressive tendencies due to its natural instincts. Only consider other household pets if you’re able to raise the dog at an early age while introducing it to other household pets.
The Akita’s coat is a double coat: the outer coat will be straight and coarse, while the undercoat will be softer and denser. Popular colors include red, white and streaked. It will shed its coat twice per year.
The average Akita will measure 24 to 28 inches high and can weigh upwards of 75 to 120 pounds. Females will be 20 percent smaller than a male.
The Akita is known to have a lot of stamina, and because of this, it will require a lot of exercise throughout the day. Not meant for confined spaces such as an apartment or condo, an Akita will do well with daily walks and a fenced in yard.
This breed is prone to hip disorders, eye problems and knee issues.
Akitas are banned in some areas, and some homeowners’ insurance policies may revoke your policy if they were to find out you owned this breed. Due to the aggressive tendencies, some friends, neighbors and/or family members may be intimidated by the breed.
How can I save money?
Consider checking out your local shelter to see if any dogs are up for adopting that either resembles this breed or if you’re lucky, the breed itself. Rescue groups and the Humane Society often have adoption fees for less than $200.
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