Shiba Inu Price – How Much Do They Cost & Why?

The Shiba Inu is a spirited, independent dog with a brilliant mind and an adorable appearance. If you want one of these pups, one of your first questions may be, “What is the Shiba Inu price?”

That’s an excellent question and something to explore before making any commitments. First, let’s look at the initial Shiba Inu price and then go through all the additional expenses, from food to vet bills and more.

You’ll walk away with a complete picture of how much it costs to own this adorable dog.

The Initial Shiba Inu Price

As with anything, the cost of the Shiba Inu varies. On average, however, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $2,500 for this breed.

The popularity of the Shiba Inu has risen dramatically over the past ten years. Before, puppies cost no more than $1,000. But, as the breed has caught on and more people are finding out about this strong, sweet-faced dog through Youtube videos, memes, and more, the price has increased with the demand.

Some breeders may charge even more if the pups are of exceptional lineage, causing the Shiba Inu price to rise to $3,000 or more.

Of course, you can always adopt a Shiba Inu for much less. Pet adoption usually ranges from $350-$550 and includes registrations and vaccinations. So it’s a win-win: You’re providing a home for a needy dog and saving money in the process.

The Cost of Feeding a Shiba Inu

Agile and active, an adult Shiba Inu weighing 20 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of 660 calories, according to the National Research Council of the National Academies. 

If your Shiba is exceptionally active, the caloric need rises to 775 calories daily.

The National Shiba Club of America says to feed puppies one cup of food daily, broken into three servings of 1/3 cup. That increases to 1 1/2 cups of food a day as an adult.

As with any dog, it is recommended that you serve them high-quality food packed with good-for-you nutrients.

Generally, quality dog food is about $2-$3 per pound. So say you get a 30-pound bag for $55. That’s approximately 120 cups of dog food. If an adult Shiba eats 1 1/2 cups per day, the 30-pound bag will provide 80 days of food. So that’s almost three months of food for only $55.

Of course, these numbers are a rough estimate, but as you can tell, food for your Shiba Inu certainly won’t break the bank.

Check out the best dog food for small dog breeds

How Much Are Vet Expenses?

Overall, the Shiba is a healthy breed. This is an important thing to consider if you’re taking into account the total Shiba Inu price. After all, vet bills aren’t cheap.

If your dog isn’t spayed or neutered, you should do that unless you have breeding plans. This costs anywhere from $250-$500.

Longterm, the most common health issues for the Shiba Inu are allergies, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion, and luxating patella.

As with any dog, regular exams are recommended. When your dog is young, ask your vet to check their joints (if they haven’t already done so) to ensure that your Shiba is developing correctly.

It is also a good idea that your dog gets yearly eye exams, given that glaucoma and cataracts are more common for this breed.

Of course, serious injuries or unusual health problems come with significant vet bills. But for the average, healthy Shiba in a typical year, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for regular check-ups.

Consider Other Costs as You Factor out the Shiba Inu Price

In addition to the initial fee plus food and vet expenses, there are many other costs to consider when looking at the Shiba Inu price.

For starters, a Shiba Inu needs more training than other breeds. It’s no secret that the breed is strong-willed and stubborn. A common phrase among Shiba parents is, “A Shiba will do what a Shiba wants.”

While a Shiba will never lose its rebellious spirit, intensive training started at an early age will make for a more harmonious home.

Then there’s the cost of supplies. To start, dogs need a collar, leash, toys, water and food bowls, a brush, and a bed. To help new dog owners, we’ve compiled a shopping list that notes everything you’ll need for your new bundle of fur.

See the new dog shopping list.

Your first temptation might be to run to the pet store and buy everything in sight for your new furbaby, but for the sake of your pocketbook, resist the temptation.

In reality, your dog doesn’t need a million new toys, collars for every day of the week, or the fanciest dog bed you can find. So buy the basics at first, and then you’ll slowly find out what your dog likes and needs.

In a survey, the American Pet Products Association found that it costs $1,641 per year to take care of a dog, between veterinary care, food, treats, boarding, grooming, vitamins, and toys. So if you can afford the initial Shiba Inu price plus the ongoing expenses, go for it!

Why Should You Get a Shiba Inu?

An ancient Japanese breed, the Shiba Inu was originally bred to hunt in the mountainous terrains, which explains their agility and independence.

This is definitely not the right pick if you’re looking for an obedient lapdog. Shibas have a mind of their own, and it is often said that they’re like a cat in a dog’s body.

For many people, however, that is the perfect choice for their lifestyle. And who could resist that adorable face and sweet smile?

If you need more convincing, watch the video below for a Shiba Inu 101.

Shiba Inu Names

If you decide that the Shiba Inu price is within your budget and this is the breed for you, you’ll need a name for your new pup. And we have plenty of ideas!

You can start with our guide to Shiba Inu names. The list was curated specifically for this attentive and active animal.

Use our online name generator and find some excellent name options. In addition, you can sort by your favorite styles and themes.

Easy Tips For Raising a Puppy

Is this your first dog? Or do you need a refresher on how to raise a puppy? Check out our free puppy guide!

You’ll learn all you need to know about getting a new puppy and feel confident about connecting with your new canine.

Jessi Larson

Jessi is a marketing strategist for Fortune 50 companies who loves to research and write about all things dog. She is the proud mom to Toby, a giant Labrador Retriever who thinks he’s a lapdog. He inspires her to be a better pet parent and to share advice with other dog owners.