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- The insurance advice, products, and links below are intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is licensed as an insurance producer.Insurance advice, products, and links contained in this article are currently intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is currently licensed as an insurance producer. As we expand our licensing to other states we will update our websites and links. If you are located in a state in which we are not currently licensed, but would like to learn more about pet insurance products available in your state, you may contact a licensed insurance agent or broker in your state. The information provided below is offered for educational and informational purposes only. If you have questions regarding particular plans, you should reach out to your insurance company for more information.
If you’re considering adding a Shiba Inu to your family, it’s important to understand the costs associated with this popular dog breed. The breed’s physical traits and independent temperament can influence everything from your initial purchases to ongoing care and potential medical expenses. Being aware of the financial aspects will help you make the best informed decision for your bush-tailed dog.
At a Glance: Shiba Inu Breed Traits and Temperament
Shiba Inus, originating from Japan about 60 years ago, are well-known for their spirited personality, intelligence, and bold appearance. They are a small to medium-sized breed with a fox-like face and curled tail. Despite their small and compact size, Shiba Inus are confident and often show off a charming independence. A healthy life expectancy for a Shiba ranges from 13 to 16 years.
Costs of Buying or Adopting a Shiba Inu
The initial cost of a Shiba Inu depends on a few factors, including whether you buy from a responsible breeder or adopt one from a rescue.
Waiting lists to buy a Shiba from a breeder are not uncommon. Pet parents can expect to pay between $1500 and $3500 from a breeder, depending on the kennel, breed pedigree, and breeder reputation.
Some price tags also include the cost of vaccines, spaying/neutering, and microchipping, but this isn’t always the case.
Adopting a Shiba Inu from a rescue organization is a much more cost-effective option than buying one from a breeder. Rescue and shelter fees for a Shiba typically fall around $300, often covering initial vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and sometimes even microchipping.
Shiba Inu Costs: First Year to Adolescents
Shiba Inus are considered puppies until about 8 months of age, typically reaching their full height between 9-12 months. Below are expenses that are typical of Shiba Inu puppies, though prices will fluctuate depending on your location and specific veterinary services.
Item | From | To |
Initial vaccinations and preventive care | $375 | $1085 |
Microchipping | $60 | $80 |
Spaying/neutering | $340 | $1500 |
Dog care basics | $120 | $1460 |
Food* | $270 | $720 |
Treats | $180 | $240 |
Grooming** | $70 | $200 |
Training | $125 | $300 |
Annual Exams*** | $280 | $440 |
Pet Insurance | $336 | $1080 |
Annual Cost | $2156 | $7105 |
*$45-$60 per bag, every month to 2 months at ½ cup to 1 cup of kibble per day
**$35-$50 per session, recommended 2-4 sessions per year
***$70-$110 per visit, at 4 visits
Ongoing Expenses for Adult Shiba Inus
A Shiba Inu becomes an adolescent around 9 months of age and typically reaches maturity between 12 to 15 months. Below are typical expenses pet parents can expect to spend for their adult Shiba Inu. Prices will vary based on your location and specific veterinary services.
Item | From | To |
Annual vaccinations and preventive care | $270 | $615 |
Annual exams | $70 | $110 |
Food* | $540 | $1560 |
Treats | $180 | $240 |
Grooming | $70 | $200 |
Other supplies | $125 | $410 |
Dental care | $300 | $2500 |
Pet Insurance | $336 | $1080 |
Annual Total | $1891591 | $67154215 |
*$45-$60 per bag, every 2 weeks to 1 month at 1 cup to 1 ½ cups of kibble per day
Possible Expenses for Senior Shiba Inus
A Shiba Inu is considered a senior dog once they reach the age of 10 years. While a lot of expenses may remain the same for older dogs as the adult stage, vet care for senior pets typically costs more because they develop more health conditions and problems as they age. Blood work, for example, is an ongoing expense in the later years, particularly if you have a dog taking regular medications. Blood work typically costs between $100 and $200 per visit.
Pet parents of senior Shiba Inu dogs can expect to spend a lot more in unexpected veterinary care than the early stages of their pup’s life, so it may be worth putting money aside for future medical care and surgeries.
Shiba Inu Costs: Common Health Conditions
Shiba Inus are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, allergies, and eye diseases, particularly as they grow older.
Below is an average range of costs that pet parents may expect for treating these conditions.
- Allergies: $150 for 4 months of treatment (for immunotherapy shots)
- Glaucoma: $100-$300 per month
- Hip dysplasia: Typically between $1700 and $4500 for surgery
- Patellar luxation: Between $1000-$5000 per knee
The cost of treating these afflictions depends on where you’re located—as vet costs vary depending on geographic location—and where your Shiba is treated (such as a lower cost veterinary clinic or a private practice).
Do Shiba Inus Cost More to Train?
Although dog training costs were previously touched on under costs associated with different life stages of the Shiba Inu, every dog will have different training needs. Some may require more training or may learn better in private sessions with a trainer instead of group classes. Others may be service dogs that require more expensive specialized training.
Shiba Inus are smart, adaptable, and typically take to training easily. While pet parents may be able to train their Shibas on their own, they may want professional help for more specific skills or for a pup who struggles to pick up commands.
Although training costs will vary depending on the location and service, here are some numbers that may be typical:
One-on-one training sessions: $90-$400 per session
Four-to-six week group classes: $125-$300
Online classes with a virtual trainer: $90-$350
Professional service dog training: $150-250 an hour, total cost dependent on sought-after services
Preparing for Unexpected Costs
Being a pet parent often means that unexpected or “optional” costs often come up—some that you can plan for, others that may creep up on you. This may include things like:
- Emergency vet bills due to an accident or illness
- Boarding fees, due to a planned trip or unexpected family emergency
- Dental care, including treatments and preventive care
How dog insurance can help
Unexpected accidents and illness can be very costly to pet parents, sometimes setting them back hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A pet insurance plan can help pet parents pursue necessary care for their pets without the added financial strain that sometimes comes with it.
As we already know, Shiba Inus are prone to developing costly conditions like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Signing up for a pet insurance policy when your Shiba is young may offer some coverage for these potential health issues later on.
Unsure if pet insurance is worth it? Check out our guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet.
Further Reading
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover, and How Does It Work? A Beginner’s Guide
- How Does a Pre-Existing Condition Affect Pet Insurance Coverage?
- The Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans: How Preventive Care Add-Ons Work
- How To Choose the Right Insurance for Your Pet
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
- What To Know About Waiting Periods and Pet Insurance
- What Are Pet Insurance Deductibles, and How Do You Pick One?
- When Should You Get Pet Insurance?
- Savings Account Versus Pet Insurance: Which Is Better?