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In 2024, the American Kennel Club listed the Shiba Inu as the 42nd most popular dog breed in the United States. They remain in the 40s range for years, which seals their reputation as a favorite among dog lovers.
And with their popularity comes a price tag that may surprise you.
We have already talked about the basics and must-knows of the Shiba Inu in this breed profile.
In this article, we'll answer: What is the real Shiba Inu cost — not just buying one, but owning one for years?
We will cover their purchase price, vet care, food, grooming, training, hidden costs, and more.
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How Much Does It Cost to Own a Shiba Inu?
(Total Shiba Inu Cost Overview)
During the First-Year
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Purchase/Adoption | $450 – $3,500 |
| Initial Vet Care | $375 – $1,000 |
| Supplies | $200 – $1,200 |
| Training | $100 – $1,000 |
| Food | $300 – $700 |
| Grooming | $100 – $400 |
| Miscellaneous | $200 – $500 |
| Total First Year | $1,725 – $8,300+ |
Shiba Inu Cost After Year One
You'll expect your expenses to be slightly lower after the first year, but since Shiba Inu are considered fairly high-maintenance, you'll still expect a pretty hefty price tag to keep them happy and healthy.
The average amount you'll have to spend yearly will typically range from $1,400 to $2,500 for basic care, which ideally includes:
- Food
- Routine vet visits
- Ongoing training
- Preventatives (heartworm, flea/tick)
- Grooming
- Toys & replacements
However, it's best to plan for unexpected expenses, as Shiba Inus are prone to some genetic conditions.
We recommend considering getting pet insurance for your Shiba Inu, or at least including them in your family emergency funds.
We'll discuss more of these Shiba Inu costs in the sections below.
RELATED: Do You Need Pet Insurance? Your Guide to Insuring Your Pets
Buying vs. Adopting: What Affects Shiba Inu Cost?
Adopting a Shiba Inu from a rescue center will definitely be more affordable than purchasing from a respectable breeder.
Buying From a Breeder
A typical breeder price range is between $1,500 to $3,500+.
This depends on the location, the puppy's lineage, color, and appearance, and the breeder's reputation.
Some breeders conduct genetic and health testing from the outset to screen for potential health problems, and they include the costs in the overall purchase price of the puppy.
Marma Farms, for example, is among the most reputable Shiba Inu breeders in the United States, located in Alabama. They conduct health checks on both Shiba Inu parents before breeding to prevent any congenital or hereditary issues in the puppies.
As of 2021, their Shiba Inus are reportedly priced at $3,500, and they currently have a waitlist of more than a year.
Anderson's Shiba Inus, based in Oklahoma, offered their Shiba Inu puppies at slightly lower prices: $2,000 for Reds and Black & Tans and $2,200 for Cream-colored ones as of 2021.
They also have a waitlist and a system to reserve a Shiba Inu puppy, for which you'll have to pay a $250 deposit.
Also, Shiba Inus generally have a small litter, typically only 3 to 5 puppies per pregnancy. The small litter size and high demand, driven by their popularity, also contribute to the higher cost of owning this breed.
You can check out this directory of reputable Shiba Inu breeders from the National Shiba Club of America's website.
RELATED: How to Find and Identify A Reputable Dog Breeder
Adoption & Rescue
On the other hand, it's also possible to adopt a Shiba Inu at a lower price.
Sometimes you can get them for free, but this is rarer than purchasing a puppy immediately without having to waitlist.
Adopting a rescue Shiba Inu can cost you between $300 and $550, and this often includes health tests, spaying/neutering, vaccines, and a microchip.
Some rescue centers base the price on the Shiba Inu's age. Puppies are often priced higher than old dogs.
Among the most reputable Shiba Inu rescues in the U.S. is the Shiba Inu Rescue Association.
SIRA rescues Shiba Inu and Shiba mix dogs and places them in foster homes to prepare them for their forever homes. They also thoroughly screen adoption applicants to ensure the rescue dogs are well cared for.
Their adoption fees range from $200 for senior dogs aged 10+ to $550 for puppies under 1 year old.
You can learn more about their adoption process here.
You can also review other reputable Shiba Inu rescue organizations in this directory.
RELATED: How to Train a Rescue Dog: 7 Actionable Steps
Shiba Inu Cost for Care
Purchasing or adopting a Shiba Inu is just the beginning of it. There is more to budget for, including food, grooming, vet bills, and more!
Food Expenses
You can expect to set aside a budget of $35 to $200 a month for your Shiba Inu's food.
This, of course, depends on many factors, including your dog's age and any dietary restrictions.
Adult Shiba Inus typically consume 1 to 1.5 cups of food a day, while puppies need about 1/3 to 1/4 cup served 3 to 4 times daily.
You can also expect to pay more for premium kibble or specialized diets, such as homemade raw food or fresh food deliveries.
| Diet Type | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | $35–$50 | Most affordable |
| Premium Brand | $50–$80 | Higher-quality ingredients |
| Fresh/Raw | $80–$150 | Most expensive |
You'll also need to buy your dog's supplements and treats, which will add to your monthly food budget.
RELATED: Comparing Costs of Fresh Dog Food Delivery vs Store-bought Kibble
Grooming Costs
Shiba Inus are considered high-maintenance partly because of their grooming needs. They have a double coat that sheds heavily, known as the “blowing coat,” during spring and fall.
When grooming them at home, you'll need a slicker brush, undercoat rake, and nail clippers.
Occasionally, it's best to bring them to professional groomers, which can cost $50 to $100 per visit.
Annually, you may need to set aside $100 to $400 for your Shiba Inu's grooming needs.
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Training Costs and Behavioral Investment
Shiba Inus are known to be independent and strong-willed. And this is precisely why training them from puppyhood is very important.
Potty, crate, and leash training can be done at home; you'll only need the proper equipment, time, and effort for each.
For socialization, you'll only need to gradually expose them to strangers until you can bring them to a dog park.
Even simple commands like sit and stay can be taught at home.
RELATED: How to Train A Dog to Stay: A Quick Video Guide
However, if you don't have the time to do these yourself, or you feel lost and don't know where and how to begin, you'll need to seek help from professional trainers.
Typical group classes for obedience training, for example, can cost you $100 to $300 for a 4- to 8-week course.
If you prefer private training sessions, they can cost more, ranging from $70 to $180 per pet, depending on your location, the dog trainer's expertise, and the specific behavior target.
Yes, they are quite pricey. Luckily, if you have budget constraints, you can opt for online training alternatives.
Virtual dog training classes can cost you anywhere between $35 to $200 per session. Some even offer training course packages, which can be more cost-effective.
Supplies and Setup Costs
Your new Shiba Inu will also need their own things to be comfortable in your home. Some of the essential dog supplies are:
Crate- Leash and harness
- Food and water bowls
- Dog bed
- Toys
- ID tags & microchip
You can expect to spend between $200 and $1,200 in the first year, depending on the brand and quality. Higher-quality products with specialized features, like AI-assisted pet care gear, will definitely cost more.
Anything after that will be the replacements of chewed-up toys, bowls, and beds as your Shiba Inu grows and matures.
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Veterinary Care
Shiba Inus are prone to different health issues, some of which are hereditary.
If you got your puppy from a reputable breeder, they would have screened for these, but if not, you'll have to watch out for:
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye conditions (glaucoma, PRA)
To stay on top of your Shiba Inu's health, routine care is always recommended. This includes:
- Annual wellness exams ($50 to $150)
- Vaccinations ($75 to $150 for first-year core vaccines; $15 to $50 for booster shots)
- Parasite preventatives ($10 to $25 per month)
- Dental cleanings ($300 to $500)
You'll also need to set aside a budget for dog emergencies. Or you can consider getting pet insurance, which we'll discuss below
Pet Insurance
While pet insurance is not mandatory, it will be a valuable safeguard for both you and your dog in the event of unexpected emergencies.
The average monthly pet insurance premium is about $30–$70 for dogs and $20-$50 for cats.
The price depends on the plan you choose, with emergency-only plans slightly cheaper than more comprehensive ones.
You can learn more about pet insurance in our guides below:
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental Care?
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccines? Things You Need to Know
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Medication?
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery?
Other Costs to Consider
We have covered the basics, but based on your lifestyle, you'll also need to prepare for other costs to care for your Shiba Inu.
Do you travel for work? You'll probably need to hire a pet sitter or look for a boarding facility to look after your dog while you're away, which can cost you about $25 to $75 per night.
Do you travel for fun? You might want to bring along your Shiba Inu! This can be quite expensive, though, and it will depend on the airline you choose and your go-to destination.
Are you renting an apartment? Some require pet deposits of about $200 to $500. Talk to your landlord about this, because it will definitely be an added amount to your upfront payment.
Shiba Inus are also known as escape artists. They can also be power chewers, especially when anxious. Be ready to repair or replace any damaged or destroyed items.
FAQs About Shiba Inu Cost
Why is the cost of a Shiba Inu so high compared to other breeds?
Shiba Inus are relatively rare outside Japan, and reputable breeders invest heavily in health testing, pedigree lines, and proper socialization.
Their popularity has also increased demand, which raises prices.
Limited litters and responsible breeding practices contribute to the higher upfront cost.
Are Shiba Inus expensive to maintain?
They are moderately expensive to maintain.
While they’re generally healthy and don’t require frequent professional grooming, costs for quality food, routine vet care, training, and shedding management can add up.
Their independent personality may also require structured training.
What are the disadvantages of a Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inus are known for being independent and stubborn, which can make training challenging for first-time owners.
They have a strong prey drive and may not be reliable off-leash, and they’re famous for the loud “Shiba scream” when upset.
They also shed heavily twice a year and can be aloof or less affectionate compared to more people-oriented breeds.
Is the Shiba Inu Cost Worth It?
Everybody knows Shiba Inus are among the cutest dogs because of their fluffy appearance and adorable features. However, if you're an aspiring owner, you should plan your budget before bringing one home.
The Shiba Inu can be very expensive, so make sure to reevaluate your lifestyle and your new dog's needs to determine whether it's truly worth it.
Are you interested to learn the cost of owning other dog breeds? Check out our recommended articles below!
