How Much Do Akita Puppies Cost?

Last Updated on April 16, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Bringing home an Akita puppy can cost anywhere from $800 to $4,500 depending on factors like breeder reputation, lineage, pedigree documentation, health testing, and registration status. While the upfront cost may seem high, purchasing a purebred Akita from a quality breeder is a significant investment that pays dividends by setting you up with a happy, healthy companion for life.

This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know when budgeting for an Akita puppy. We’ll explore cost ranges, how pedigree and breeder choice affects price, what’s included in the initial purchase fee, lifetime ownership expenditures, and tips for selecting a reputable breeder. Let’s take a deep dive into the finances of finding your perfect Akita pup.

How Much Do Akita Puppies Cost?

Akita puppies cost anywhere between $800 and $4,500, depending on factors like breeder reputation and experience, pedigree of the dog, conformation to breed standards, and so on.

Euro Puppy, for example, offers Akita Inu puppies for sale with prices ranging from $3,609 to $4,801 for champion bloodline puppies. These puppies are described as big, stunningly built, loyal, outgoing, proud, and spirited, making them ideal for active families with a big yard for them to enjoy.

CBS News mentions that Akita puppies can cost between $1,800 to $3,500 for eight-week-old puppies. Akitas are described as large, powerful dogs with medium energy levels that require early socialization due to their guardian instincts. They are also at risk for health issues like hip dysplasia, skin conditions, ligament problems, and eye issues, emphasizing the importance of responsible breeding and care.

Keystone Puppies provides affordable Akita puppies for sale under $1,000, with prices ranging from $950 to $995. These puppies are described as happy, healthy, and cared for, ensuring that every puppy is raised with love and complies with laws and regulations.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Akita Dogs

Breeder Reputation and Experience

The most reputable breeders who have many years of experience in showing or working with Akitas, health testing extensively, and focusing on breed preservation will price their puppies in the $3,000 to $4,500 range. Less prominent breeders may charge $800 to $1,500 for companion quality puppies.

Pedigree and Lineage

Puppies descended from champion show lines or proven working Akitas with extensive pedigree documentation to verify ancestry will range from $2,500 to $4,500. Comparatively, companion puppies from less formal bloodlines with minimal lineage records may cost around $1,000 to $2,000.

Quality and Conformation to Breed Standards

Puppies purchased specifically as show, working, or breeding prospects that have superior conformation to the official Akita breed standard along with ideal structure, muscle tone, and temperament will cost $3,000+. Pet quality puppies primarily suited as companions can cost $1,000 to $2,500.

Health Testing and Genetic Screening

The most reputable Akita breeders will complete a wide array of health tests on the sire and dam, including:

• Hip evaluations, such as OFA hip certifications to check for potential dysplasia.
• Cardiac exams to screen for inherited heart conditions.
• Thyroid testing to check hormone levels and prevent disorders.
• Eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist to verify healthy vision.
• DNA tests for genetic conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Degenerative Myelopathy, and more.

Documented health testing meeting breed standards will raise the puppy’s price but vastly reduce risks of future issues.

Kennel Club Registration and Paperwork

Breeders who register their litters and provide formal pedigree documentation through kennel clubs like AKC will typically charge $2,500 to $4,500 for puppies of registration quality. Comparatively, non-registered puppies sold as pets only without breeding rights tend to cost $800 to $1,500.

Choosing the Best Akita Breeder

Selecting a quality, conscientious breeder is a top factor for getting a healthy, even-tempered Akita puppy. Here are the top things to look for in an Akita breeder’s practices:

Focus on Preserving the Breed

The breeder should aim to uphold rigorous breed standards in their program. They selectively breed top specimens and limit breeding frequency and litter size. Their goal should be enhancing the breed’s attributes, not simply producing puppies.

Experience and Mentorship

Many of the best breeders have been mentored by and assist more established kennel programs. They tap into generations of accumulated knowledge about bloodlines, birthing, socialization, etc. Less experienced breeders may lack this depth of expertise.

AKC Registration and Documentation

Reputable breeders will register all puppies and provide documentation of their ancestry and pedigree through a major kennel club like AKC. This paperwork is crucial for tracing lineage accurately.

Health Testing and Genetic Screening

As outlined above, the breeder should conduct and provide proof of all health tests recommended for Akitas to minimize the chances of inherited conditions. Complete testing protocols verifies their dedication.

Show and Working History in Pedigree

The lineage should include several generations of Akitas with show ring success and/or working titles, indicating conformance to the Akita standard in build, temperament, and ability.

Breeding Rights and Limits

Ethical breeders will have contracts requiring companion puppies be spayed or neutered at an appropriate age and not bred. They may retain breeding rights or co-own puppies sold for breeding purposes.

Support and Take Back Policies

Many great breeders will take back dogs they’ve produced at any point in life if an owner can no longer care for them. They also provide guidance on training, health, etc. for the dog’s lifetime.

While a higher initial price is often involved, purchasing an Akita from an ideal breeder is extremely worthwhile and economical over the puppy’s life due to good health, temperament, and support.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Siberian Husky, a Doberman, or a Norwegian Elkhound.

Initial Purchase Price and First-Year Expenditures

The initial purchase price for your Akita puppy is just one portion of the first-year costs. Be prepared to also budget for:

• Supplies – $500 to $1,500+ for crate, toys, bowls, collar/leash, bedding, grooming tools, etc. Higher quality gear costs more.
• Veterinary – $300 to $500 for the initial puppy exam, deworming, vaccinations, and establishing vet records.
• Spay/neuter surgery – Typically $100 to $500 depending on the clinic.
• High-quality puppy food and treats – About $500 to $1,000+ for the first year.
• Training classes – Group classes run $100 to $200 per course. Private sessions are more.
• Medical costs – Budget $500 to $2,000+ the first year between routine preventative care, emergencies, pet insurance premiums, etc.
• Grooming – $300 to $500+ for bathing supplies, brushes, nail clipping tools, and professional grooming fees.

First-year expenditures surpass $2,500 on the low end. Price increases with medical issues, higher-end supplies, advanced training, etc.

Lifetime Costs of Owning an Akita

In addition to the upfront purchase price and first-year costs, Akitas have considerable long-term care requirements to factor into your budget. Expect to invest around $1,500 to $5,000+ annually for:

• Quality food and treats – $500 to $1,000+ each year.
• Routine veterinary exams and vaccines – $200 to $500 annually.
• Emergency medical funds – $500 to $3,000 per year for emergencies or illnesses.
• Pet insurance premiums – $300 to $700+ per year for comprehensive accident and illness coverage.
• Grooming tools and professional grooming – $200 to $1,000+ depending on the dog’s coat.
• Training reinforcement – $100+ for periodic training classes or private sessions.
• Boarding fees – $30 to $50 daily for a kennel or pet sitter when traveling.
• Supplies/toys – $100 to $300+ for replenishing worn out items.

Ongoing ownership costs quickly exceed the original purchase price. But the rewards of a well-bred Akita’s companionship over their decade+ lifespan are priceless.

Final Words

While purchasing an Akita puppy entails a significant financial investment, starting in the $800 to $4,500 range, selecting the best quality breeder you can afford vastly improves the odds of getting a healthy, temperamentally sound companion.

Be sure to thoroughly research breeders, ask for documentation of lineage and health testing, and budget realistically for supplies, medical costs, training, and other ownership expenditures. While the costs of properly raising an Akita are high, it is money well spent for this loyal breed when acquired from a reputable source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Akita a good family dog?

With proper socialization and training from puppyhood, Akitas can adapt well to family living. However, supervision is always advised around small children due to their strong guarding instincts.

How long do Akita dogs live?

The average lifespan for Akitas is 10-12 years. Choosing healthy bloodlines and providing excellent veterinary care can help maximize longevity.

Is Akita a loyal dog breed?

Yes, the Akita is renowned as an extremely loyal and devoted breed. Their affectionate nature and propensity to bond very closely with their owners make them loyal companions. Proper training and socialization enhance this tendency toward loyalty.