Akita Characteristics
Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years
Adult weight: 70 – 130 lbs.
Adult height: 24 – 28 inches
Origin: Japan
The Akita is a powerful, majestic, and loyal Japanese dog breed known for its striking appearance. This robust breed has a broad head, erect triangular ears, and a thick double coat in various colors (white, brindle, black, red). Their tails curve gently over their back, adding to their regal dignity. Highly intelligent and protective, Akitas display unwavering devotion to their families but are also independent and can be stubborn. They require early socialization and consistent, positive training.
How Much is an Akita?
Buying an Akita: $1,000 - $4,000
The price of an Akita puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,0001. Several factors can influence the cost:
Lineage: Puppies from champion bloodlines or with strong pedigrees often come at a higher price due to their quality and show potential.
Breeder Reputation: Responsible breeders who focus on health, temperament, and ethical breeding practices tend to charge more for their puppies.
Location & Demand: Prices can vary depending on the region and popularity of the breed. Areas with higher demand for Akitas may see increased prices. Here’s a regional breakdown of average Akita puppy prices in the United States1:
Northeast (NY, MA, PA): $1,200–$4,000
South (TX, FL, GA): $1,000–$3,500
Midwest (OH, IL, MI): $1,000–$3,200
West (CA, WA, CO): $1,200–$3,800
Adopting an Akita: $200 - $500
Adoption offers a more affordable and compassionate way to bring an Akita home. Adoption fees usually include vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter services, making it a cost-effective option. Many rescues and shelters have Akitas or Akita mixes available, giving potential pet parents the chance to provide a loving home to a dog in need while saving money.
Monthly Costs of Owning an Akita
In addition to the initial purchase or adoption cost, it's important to consider the monthly expenses associated with owning an Akita. These costs include food, grooming, and routine veterinary care. Let's break down each aspect:
Diet: $70 - $150
Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your Akita. Akitas are large, active dogs with specific dietary requirements. On average, you can expect to spend around $70 to $150 per month on high-quality dog food. The cost may vary depending on the brand, size, and age of your Akita.
Grooming: $50 - $100
Akitas have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They shed heavily twice a year, during which more frequent brushing is necessary to manage the shedding. Professional grooming may be required every few months to maintain their coat's health and appearance. Grooming costs for an Akita can range from $50 to $100 per session.
Medical Costs: $300 - $500
Routine veterinary care is essential to ensure your Akita remains healthy and receives necessary vaccinations, parasite prevention, and regular check-ups. Annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and heartworm prevention can cost between $300 and $500 per year. It's important to set aside a budget for potential unforeseen medical expenses, such as illnesses or injuries, which can vary significantly depending on your location and the specific health needs of your dog.
One-Time Costs
In addition to the ongoing monthly expenses, there are several one-time costs to consider when bringing an Akita into your home. These costs include:
Initial Supplies: $200 - $500
When welcoming a new Akita puppy, you'll need to invest in essential supplies such as a crate, food and water bowls, bedding, leash and collar, toys, and grooming tools. The total cost of these initial supplies can range from $200 to $500, depending on the quality and quantity of items you choose.
Microchipping: $50 - $100
Microchipping your Akita is an important step in ensuring their safety and increasing the chances of a reunion if they ever become lost. The cost of microchipping typically ranges from $50 to $100, which includes the insertion of the microchip and registration.
Vaccines: $100 - $200
Vaccinations are crucial for protecting your Akita from various diseases. The cost of initial vaccinations can range from $100 to $200, depending on your location and the specific vaccines required. Additionally, investing in preventive medications such as flea and tick control, as well as heartworm prevention, is vital to your dog's health and can cost approximately $20 to $50 per month.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Other miscellaneous expenses may include training classes, pet insurance, dog license fees, and potential modifications to your home to ensure it is Akita-friendly. These costs can vary greatly depending on your individual circumstances and preferences.
Lifetime Costs of Owning an Akita: $20,000 - $40,000
When considering the lifetime costs of owning an Akita, it's important to account for their average lifespan, which is typically 10 to 15 years. Taking into consideration the recurring monthly expenses, one-time costs, and potential medical expenses, the lifetime cost of owning an Akita can range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more.
Read More: Akita Dog Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
How aggressive is an Akita? Akitas are naturally protective and can be territorial, but with proper training and socialization, they are typically calm and loyal rather than aggressive.
What are the negatives of Akita dogs? Akitas can be stubborn, require firm training, and may not get along with other pets due to their strong guarding instincts.
Are Akitas a good family dog? Akitas can be excellent family dogs for experienced pet parents—they’re loyal and affectionate but need consistent training and supervision around small children or other animals.
Is Akita stronger than Pitbull? Yes, Akitas are generally larger and stronger than Pitbulls, with powerful builds originally bred for hunting and guarding.
Why are Akitas a restricted breed? Akitas are restricted in some areas because of their size, strength, and guarding nature, which can lead to incidents if they aren’t properly trained or socialized.
How much do Akita dogs cost? Akita puppies usually cost between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location.
How Can Spot Pet Insurance Help?
Pet insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Helps Cover Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Key Takeaway
Owning an Akita comes with various costs that should be carefully considered before bringing one into your home. From the initial purchase or adoption cost to the ongoing monthly expenses and one-time costs, it's important to be financially prepared. By understanding and budgeting for the expenses associated with owning an Akita, you can provide them with a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Consider the monthly costs of food, grooming, and veterinary care, as well as the one-time costs of supplies, microchipping, and vaccinations. And remember, Spot Pet Insurance plans can offer added peace of mind by providing extensive coverage for your Akita's eligible healthcare needs.
Mostly a tech person, always a pet person. I am dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their humans with technology. Off-duty, I enjoy writing about the misbehaving of computer programs and my two Aussiedoodles, Calvin and Hobbes.
1. Divina, Arlene. “Cost of a Akita Puppy by US Region [2024].” IHeartDogs.com, 4 Jan. 2024, iheartdogs.com/cost-of-a-akita-puppy-by-us-region/.
