Shiba Inus originated in Japan and were bred to hunt. If you’re looking to give a Shiba Inu a forever home with you and your family, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,400 to $2,200 in the United States when buying a Shiba Inu from a reputable breeder. However, if you get one from Asia, you’ll pay a bit less.

It’s important to realize there’s more to owning a Shiba Inu than just paying the purchase price to a breeder and taking your puppy home. There are several other expenses you need to be ready for and some you’ll want to budget for. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about owning a Shiba Inu Dog in the guide below, so join us.

Bringing Home a New Shiba Inu: One-Time Costs

If you want to adopt your Shiba Inu from a breeder, you’ll pay $1,400 to $2,200. Sometimes, but very rarely, you can find these dogs for free. If you’re lucky enough to find one at a rescue center, you could pay between $50 and $300 depending on the dog’s age and how many vaccinations and veterinary treatments they’ve received. After the initial purchase price, you can expect to spend another $345 on supplies like dog crates, food bowls, and more.

Free

While finding a Shiba Inu for free is possible, it’s highly unlikely. You also have to be careful when getting a dog for free. Sometimes, an inexperienced breeder will try to give away their puppies because they have health issues or behavioral problems.

Sometimes owners will give away accidental puppies, but while you’re getting the dog for nothing, you’ll still pay more in vet fees than adopting one from the shelter.

Adoption

If you can find a Shiba Inu for adoption, it’ll probably be through a breed-specific organization. It’s doubtful that you’ll find one at your local rescue shelter unless they’re an adult. Shiba Inus are popular pets, and fewer owners give up their puppies. Rescue centers and shelters typically charge $50 to $300 for adoptions. The fee may include microchipping, vaccinations, and other veterinary treatments. If you’re lucky enough to adopt a Shiba Inu puppy, you’ll pay more than you would for an adult.

Breeder

When purchasing a Shiba Inu from a breeder, you’ll pay between $1,400 and $2,200 for a puppy. However, even though you’ll pay quite a bit for the dog, you get quite a bit in return. For example, if the breeder you use is reputable, they often screen the puppies for genetic defects and conditions that could be passed down from the parents.

The breeder will also ensure the puppy is vaccinated and up to date on checkups, which is better than you having to pay for the services separately. It’s also possible that you’ll spend less time training since some breeders potty-train their pups before allowing them to be adopted.

Initial Setup and Supplies

Regarding the initial setup and supplies for your little Shiba Inu, you’ll want to have everything ready before you bring your new friend home. This should cost you between $235 and $395.

A few of these items are supplies your puppy must have to start life in a new home. For example, your dog needs a bed, food and water bowls, shampoo, and toys before entering your home.

List of Shiba Inu Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Shiba Inu Cost Per Month?

You can expect to pay $67 to $607 monthly to keep your Shiba Inu happy, healthy, and fit. Although $607 seems high, you’re unlikely to pay that much unless your dog requires veterinary treatment and medication. You’ll also spend less every month if you trim your dog and don’t use a professional groomer. However, unless you’re experienced with grooming, it’s safer to hire a professional.

Health Care

As with any pet, some of your monthly budget for your Shiba Inu will go to health care. You’ll spend between $52 and $173 monthly on flea prevention and any other medications your Shiba Inu might need. Of course, if your dog has any underlying conditions, you can expect to be at the top of this price range.

Food

Since Shiba Inus are medium-sized pets, it’s not as expensive to feed them as a larger dog. You can expect to spend $12 to $18 monthly feeding your little friend. This, of course, will depend on the quality and brand of dog food you purchase. Feeding your puppy will cost you less, but the price will increase as your dog ages.

Grooming

If you have the time and know-how, grooming your Shiba Inu yourself should be easy. However, if you don’t, it’s best to make an appointment with a professional groomer to do the job for you. Some pet parents find it easier to do mild grooming at home and take their dogs to a professional once a month for further grooming. The choice is yours, but you can expect to spend from $0 to $25 a month on grooming for your Shiba Inu.

Medications and Vet Visits

You’ll spend more on medications and vet visits for your Shiba Inu Puppy than your adult Shiba Inu. However, you’ll spend less if the breeder pays for the first vaccinations and checkups. You should still expect to take your new puppy to the vet at least three times for checkups and vaccines. Once the dog is an adult, you only need a yearly visit unless underlying conditions need to be addressed. To be safe, budget between $25 and $70 a month for medications and vet visits for your furry friend.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is not required in any state, so you don’t have to purchase it for your Shiba Inu Puppy. However, if your dog is injured or becomes ill, you’ll pay a lot more for veterinary treatment than the cost of the monthly premium from an insurance provider.

Also, the Shiba Inu is prone to a few health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, which can cost thousands to treat. If you purchase pet insurance, your monthly premiums will be between $15 and $60. The cost depends on the pet insurance company you choose and the plan you choose, so research the different companies before deciding.

Environment Maintenance

The Shiba Inu only needs moderate exercise, so most pet owners take care of it themselves. However, if you don’t have time to walk your dog, it’s best to hire a professional dog walker to do the walking for you.

You can pay $15 to $25 a walk, so on average, it costs $400 a month for your dog to be walked. Ensure you provide the bags and leash needed for walking your dog and tip your dog groomer generously. Also, your Shiba may not get along well with strange dogs, so you may have to pay extra money for private walks for your furry friend.

Entertainment

You’ll have to replace the toys your furry friend plays with often. It’s expected that you’ll need to purchase one to two toys a month for your Shiba Inu if they are high-quality toys, which will cost $15 to $30 a month.

There are also subscription boxes you can subscribe to that will send you a box of toys and treats monthly for your furry pal, so that’s worth checking into. Either way, giving your Shiba Inu durable toys is important if you want them to last.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Shiba Inu

So, between the durable toys, pet insurance, and more, you can expect to shell out between $67 and $603 a month to keep your Shiba Inu Puppy healthy and happy. If your dog is healthy and active, you shouldn’t have to pay over $100 monthly.

However, if the dog has any health conditions or you need a dog walker, it could cost you, on average, $600 a month. Senior dogs and puppies cost more monthly than adult dogs.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Some of the additional costs to consider include health issues that suddenly crop up, especially if you don’t have pet insurance, having to get a pet sitter if you go on vacation, and damage that the dog does to furnishings and other things in your home. The Shiba Inu Dog breed is also prone to behavioral issues, so set aside the money for a trainer if needed.

Owning a Shiba Inu on a Budget

While it may seem that owning a Shiba Inu is well outside of your budget, it’s not really if you cut corners in the right places. For example, you can walk your dog instead of hiring a walker and get a friend to take care of your pup when you travel. You can also skip the professional groomer by grooming your furry friend yourself. The dog isn’t hard to groom, but you may have to work on obedience training before trimming your Shiba Inu. Sometimes, they have problems sitting still.

Saving Money on Shiba Inu Care

You can save money on dog food by buying your pup’s favorite brand in bulk, and you can hunt for coupons online and in newspapers. Some pet food manufacturers may provide discounts or coupons when you join their email contact lists.

However, the one thing you don’t want to skimp on is the dog’s health. Maintaining regular veterinary appointments is vital and can prevent minor issues from developing into severe conditions.

Conclusion

As you can see, it doesn’t cost as much as you would think to own a Shiba Inu Puppy. You’ll pay a high price if you adopt your pup from a breeder, but reputable breeders include the cost of vaccinations, veterinary treatments, and sometimes microchipping in the adoption fee. Compared to other medium size dogs, the Shiba Inu isn’t very expensive to care for, especially after the first year. They are remarkable dogs, and if you’re lucky enough to have one in your home, you’ll enjoy several years of their love and loyalty.

• See also: Mini (Mame) Shiba Inu: Pictures, Care, Info & More

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Featured Image Credit: Akbudak Rimma, Shutterstock