How Much Does a Shiba Inu Puppy Cost Right Now? (2021)

Shiba Inu puppies have always been a popular breed. With their rounded cheeks, diminutive stature, and folded ears, how could they not be loved?

Their notoriety soared with the advent of the internet. Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms helped propel the Shiba Inu puppy from popular to canine celebrity.

Unfortunately, the increased demand for these dogs has since become reflected in their price. So, how much do Shiba Inu cost?

How Much Do Shiba Inu Puppies Cost?

Let’s be clear; a well-bred Shiba Inu puppy was never cheap. Previously, the price of a Shiba Inu puppy averaged $1000.

However, with the increased interest in these dogs, prices are higher. They now range between $1,400 and $3,500.

How much you spend on a Shiba Inu puppy also depends on several critical factors like the bloodline. The better the breeding standard and bloodline of your puppy, the more expensive it’s likely to be.

Other factors that affect the cost of a Shiba Inu puppy in America include:

• Socialization
• Show quality
• Health
• Age
• Color

Depending on what you’re looking for, your puppy will be a costly investment. So, let’s look into each of the factors that go into the price of your puppy.

Socialization

All healthy, well-developed puppies require socialization. An ethical breeder will do their best to familiarize their Shiba Inu puppies with other dogs, as well as other people and environments.

Socialization is vital for a healthy puppy because otherwise, you risk a dog that reacts anxiously in new and unfamiliar situations.

Show Quality

Even if you aren’t planning on showing your dog, many breeders breed Shiba Inus to show standards. This standard means registering the dogs with the American Kennel Club, and that costs money.

Health

A good breeder promotes the health of the mother and also the puppies. They will also have an awareness of potential breed health problems.

A good breeder varies the gene pool enough to mitigate these potential breed problems but preserves the lineage enough to give you a healthy puppy with the Shiba Inu appearance.

Additionally, a reputable breeder will keep in touch and be able to offer you advice on your Shiba Inu puppy and its health as it ages.

Age

One way to get a show-quality Shiba Inu at a more affordable cost is to consider an older dog.

Shiba Inus that recently retired from breeding are ideal because they’re young enough to enjoy life but old enough to be patient with children and strangers. You may even get to skip over the hassle of arduous training.

Color

Finally, the cost of a Shiba Inu in the United States changes based on its coat color.

Although white isn’t an approved Shiba Inu color, they look beautiful, and many people seek them out. Because of their unofficial status, white Shiba Inus aren’t deliberately bred, and their rarity means they’re more expensive than their more conventionally-colored relatives.

What to Look For in a Shiba Inu Breeder

The Shiba Inu price is an important consideration when looking for a puppy in the United States, but it’s not the only thing you need to consider.

One of the reasons Shiba Inu puppies cost so much in the United States is their breed standing. A lot of careful research and effort goes into breeding Shiba Inus that meet these high standards.

Certification

So, how can you tell a backyard breeder from an ethical breeder? A significant indicator is certification.
Ethical breeders receive licenses from the American Kennel Club that enable them to breed Shiba Inus. These licenses assure you that the puppy you’re getting not only warrants the expense but meets society’s exacting standards of care and quality.

You can also find a list of ethical Shiba Inu breeders through the National Shiba Inu Club of America.

Licensing

Finally, once you find a breeder you’re comfortable with, consider whether you want a dog with a full or limited license. This license won’t affect the quality of your Shiba Inu puppy, but it does determine whether you can breed them or not.

Full license Shiba Inus are dogs you can breed on maturity. However, full licenses are significantly more expensive than limited ones. Most owners find that a limited license suits their needs and costs less.

Rescuing vs. Breeding

Another way to reduce the cost of acquiring a Shiba Inu in the United States is by rescuing one rather than going to the breeder.

Typically, shelters charge rescuers a nominal fee covering the cost of feeding and sheltering their dogs. However, sometimes if the dog is a high-quality breed like a Shiba Inu, they may charge extra.

Typically rescue prices for adult Shiba Inu dogs range between $100-450. However, you’re less likely to get a puppy from a shelter. This arrangement may suit some owners, but others feel they miss out if they can’t bond with the dog during puppyhood.

There are many reasons dogs end up in shelters. Some are innocuous, like the death of an owner. However, it’s also possible the Shiba Inu you rescue will come from a complex background. That may make them naturally nervous and reluctant to bond with you.

In conclusion, you may initially find a rescued Shiba Inu more work than the one you pick up at the breeder. They may require extra training or have behavioral issues.

Other Costs When Buying a Shiba Inu in the United States

Finally, buying your puppy isn’t the only expense you undertake when purchasing a Shiba Inu in the United States.

You are also responsible for providing basic veterinary expenses like:

• Spaying/neutering
• Inoculations
• Microchipping your Shiba Inu
• Tick and flea prevention

Even if you don’t feel all of these are necessary, they can help improve the life and health of your Shiba Inu in the long term.

While these are one-off costs, you’ll also have to consider the possible health risks that come with owning a Shiba Inu.

A good breeder is honest about any health problems in their dogs’ lineage while trying to minimize those problems in the first place. For Shiba Inus, health problems include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Luxating patella
• Eye problems
• Allergies

Always ask your breeder about the health tests they perform.

Final Thoughts

Shiba Inus are sweet-looking, intelligent dogs with a natural hunting instinct. They’re also expensive. While you shouldn’t expect a Shiba Inu’s gender to affect the cost, keep in mind that both the age and where you source your Shiba Inu can affect how much you spend.

Owners prepared to take on an older dog may find Shiba Inus more affordable, as will those who rescue one from a shelter. However you source your dog, there are other costs associated with Shiba Inus. Like any dog, Shiba Inus have health expenses you need to consider.

So take your time making your choice. Your Shiba Inu will be with you for life, and you want that to be as long and happy as possible.