How much? or...
What can you expect to pay for a well-bred, companion quality, Akita puppy from a reputable breeder?
Some are afraid to ask. Some think the cost is far lower than reality. Some have realistic expectations. The scenarios are wide-ranging but the dilemma is that few ask selling prices for companion puppies up front. Show-quality puppies are another subject -- the prices and terms vary greatly from breeder to breeder and depending on circumstance.
Asking the price seems like asking the price of an entree on a menu with no prices -- if you can't afford it, you are in the wrong restaurant! However, it is a fair question, so to help people right off, I offer this price range and a bit of guidance. Whether you purchase a puppy from us or another breeder, I believe this page is worth the time it took me to create it.
I stipulate well-bred, which means the breeder is committed to improving the Akita in his/her breeding program, does health clearances as advised by the parent breed club, The Akita Club of America, strives to attain championships and other titles which indicate the quality of breeding dogs both physically and mentally, and rear the puppies in an environment of enrichment to prepare them for the world ahead of them. Not well-bred is a disreputable breeder that mates two Akitas with the sole purpose of profiting from the puppies resulting from that mating. Also, please read my article titled "Advice" regarding health clearances.
At minimum expect to pay $1,000 for a companion puppy, and the prices will range up to around $2,000. Any less is suspect of quality, or the breeder is hasty to part with the puppy. Any more and one has to wonder why -- a fool and his money are soon parted. If the pricetag is really high it must be better, right? WRONG. I've seen puppy prices that make me laugh and pity those that didn't think the whole thing through. My first Akita in 1982, was $600.00, my third was $750.00 in 1994. Look at inflation, the cost of veterinary care, dog food, heartworm prevention, gasoline, etc. and it should put things into perspective. Puppy prices are driven by a variety of factors, good breeders don't even recover the cost of raising a litter when all is said and done, especially if there is a c-section involved!
There are many articles regarding the cost of a puppy through its lifetime -- the purchase price of the puppy is the least expense in the long-run. Good luck, take your time, and find a great puppy from a great breeder!
